There is an important distinction between “centricity” and “centrism,” and that distinction hinges on the difference between the suffixes “-ity” and “-ism.” The former simply denotes the quality or state of being of something; the latter has a very specific connotation: It points to a very specific ideology or doctrine, often in a negative way. It follows that Eurocentricity and Eurocentrism, which are often used interchangeably, are, in fact, quite different. The former simply tells us that the center of Europe is in Europe, which goes without saying; the latter suggests an ideology according to which Europe is at the center of the world, and therefore superior to all other regions of the world.
Eurocentrism turned into West-centrism when the world was divided into West and non-West. For our purposes, we can use the terms Eurocentrism and West-centrism interchangeably.
In your paper, explain in your own words how you understand the difference between Eurocentricity and Eurocentrism, and, more generally, between “-ity” and “-ism.” Think, for example, of “nationality” versus “nationalism,” or any other such pair, and reflect on the difference between them as well as on what each of those two terms entails. Then explain why a world centered around Europe or the West (or any other region, for that matter) is problematic, to say the least, and how that makes it impossible for a true and sustainable form of globalization (which you may want to define) to arise. Use examples from our readings (especially from the Chomsky & Vltchek book and/or from The Amartya Sen book) to illustrate the damage that has been done through 500 hundred years of colonization. Use examples of specific countries to show how they were robbed of their ‘center’ and therefore of their identity.
Requirements:
–You have to use at least two course readings and, optionally, one independently researched source.
–Do not use Wikipedia as one of your sources. You should feel free to read Wikipedia for information and ideas, but if you want to quote and/or paraphrase, you should go to the original source(s).
–The essay must be typed and double-spaced in 12-point font.
–Use MLA style. See .
