ethnocentric

Submitted by jim (United States), Apr 17, 2008 at 13:18

Most cultures are ethnocentric to a certain degree (meaning most individuals feel their own cultural background is normal and preferred over all others). Any movement toward a society that places more importance on democratic ideals and human rights must be championed from within muslim society.

The old adage that "the enemy of my enemy is my friend" is too often true. Any sense that another culture's values are being forced on them will be a catalyst for them to unite and resist. THis will take years as you allude. Unfortunately, this means that western societies will have to spend the next several decades (if not a century) maintaining armed forces capable of appropriately responding when called upon during the occasional periods of unrest that will inevitably spill over into our countries.

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