TUGAS 1

Nama : Desy Ristrasari

NIM : 044555857

Mata Kuliah : Cross Cultural Understanding/PBIS4102

Question :

You have to find examples (1 example each) of misinterpretation, ethnocentrism, stereotypes,

and prejudices from your surroundings; from your daily life, or from TV shows, newspapers, or
other sources and upload them with a brief explanation for each example.

The assignment should be in the form of essay, 250-350 words, Times New Roman 12 pts.
Pictures can be added for additional points. The assignment is to be uploaded together with the
analysis of the case study above. Remember, this is an individual assignment, and your score
depends on the quality of the assignment that you upload.

Answer :

1. Misinterpretation

One time in this country, Indonesia, there was a big misunderstanding. Some people from other
places didn't really understand how the local folks, especially those from indigenous groups,
had their own customs and ways of doing things, especially when it came to nature.

The local folks, who have lived there for a long time, had special ways of taking care of the
environment. They knew how to use the land and forests in a smart way without hurting them.
They had these practices like swidden farming, where they'd burn a small part of the forest to
make room for their crops. It might sound bad, but it wasn't because they did it carefully and
kept the forests healthy.

But some outsiders, who wanted to help the environment, didn't quite get it. They thought the
locals were doing something bad. So, they made rules and told them to stop doing it. This
caused trouble because those rules hurt the local folks and their environment.
The real problem was that the outsiders didn't take the time to talk and understand the locals.
They didn't listen to why the locals did things the way they did. If they had, they might have
seen that the locals were actually protecting nature.

This story teaches us that when we don't understand someone's way of life, we can make
things worse by making rules without asking and talking to them. It's important to listen and
learn before making big decisions, especially when it comes to different cultures and the
environment. That way, we can avoid misunderstandings and problems.

2. Ethnocentrism

In Indonesia, like in many other places, discrimination can take various forms and have
significant consequences. Discrimination occurs when people are treated unfairly or unequally
because of their cultural background or ethnicity.

One example of discrimination here can be seen in the treatment of minority groups, such as
the Papuans in West Papua and the Dayaks in Kalimantan. These communities often face
prejudice and unequal opportunities in areas like education, employment, and access to public
services. They may experience limited access to quality education and healthcare compared to
the majority population. This is a form of discrimination because they are not receiving the
same rights and opportunities as others simply because of their cultural background.

Another example is religious discrimination. Although Indonesia is known for its religious
diversity, some religious minorities can face challenges. For instance, members of the
Ahmadiyya Islamic community often face discrimination, including violence, because their
interpretation of Islam is different from the mainstream. This is discrimination based on
religious beliefs.

Discrimination can also occur in daily interactions. People from certain cultures or ethnicities
might face verbal and physical abuse based on their backgrounds. These actions can create a
hostile and unfair environment for individuals who are just trying to live their lives peacefully.

Addressing discrimination is essential for building a fair and harmonious society. Laws that
promote equal rights and opportunities, as well as educational programs and awareness
campaigns, can help combat discrimination. Promoting tolerance, understanding, and empathy
among the people of Indonesia is crucial in ensuring that all individuals, regardless of their
cultural background, enjoy the same rights and opportunities.
3. Stereotypes

In a recent newspaper article, there was a report on a study that revealed the persistence of
gender stereotypes in leadership roles. The study highlighted that despite significant progress in
gender equality, many people still hold stereotypical views about the leadership abilities of men
and women.

The study found that when participants were asked to describe a leader, many associated
qualities like assertiveness, decisiveness, and strength with men. On the other hand,
characteristics such as nurturing, empathy, and cooperation were linked to women. These
gender stereotypes in leadership affect how people perceive and evaluate individuals in
positions of authority.

The consequences of these stereotypes are significant. For example, when women exhibit
assertiveness and decisiveness in leadership roles, they are sometimes seen as "bossy" or
"unlikeable," whereas men displaying these same traits are often viewed as strong and capable.
These biases can affect women's career advancement, as they may face resistance when trying
to break into leadership positions.

Furthermore, the article discussed how these stereotypes can also influence self-perception.
Women who internalize these stereotypes may be less likely to pursue leadership roles,
thinking they don't possess the "required" qualities. On the other hand, men might feel undue
pressure to conform to traditional, assertive leadership styles even if it doesn't align with their
personal attributes.

The newspaper article emphasized the importance of recognizing and challenging these
stereotypes to promote fair and equitable opportunities in leadership. Efforts to break down
these biases include diversity training, mentorship programs, and highlighting successful
leaders who challenge traditional gender norms. The goal is to ensure that individuals are
judged for their skills and qualities rather than being limited by preconceived notions based on
their gender.

In summary, this newspaper article illustrates how stereotypes can persist in society,
influencing how people perceive leadership qualities based on gender, and how these
stereotypes can have real-world consequences in terms of career opportunities and self-
perception. Challenging and breaking down these stereotypes is essential for achieving true
gender equality in leadership positions.

4. Prejudices
Prejudices often creep into everyday situations, and one common scenario is during job
interviews. Imagine a qualified candidate, Sarah, who is applying for a job. She has all the
necessary qualifications and experience for the position, but she faces prejudice based on her
appearance.

Sarah arrives at the interview dressed in a way that expresses her individuality, with colorful
hair and visible tattoos. The interviewer, however, holds a prejudice that professional
appearance should adhere to traditional norms – conservative attire, no visible body art, and
natural hair colors.

During the interview, Sarah notices subtle signs of prejudice. The interviewer's body language
suggests discomfort, and they ask probing questions about her appearance rather than her
qualifications. Sarah may sense a lack of enthusiasm from the interviewer due to this bias,
which unfairly influences her chances of getting the job.

Prejudices in job interviews can stem from stereotypes and preconceived notions about what is
considered "professional." In this case, the prejudice against Sarah's appearance might cause
her to miss out on a job she's well-qualified for. These biases can prevent individuals from
showcasing their skills and hinder their career progress.

This example highlights how prejudices can be found in everyday life, affecting people's
opportunities and experiences. In this situation, challenging such biases is crucial for ensuring
fair treatment in job interviews and beyond. It underscores the importance of evaluating
candidates based on their qualifications and skills, rather than making assumptions or
judgments based on appearance. By addressing and eliminating prejudices like this, we can
create a more inclusive and equitable society where people are judged on their merit and
abilities, rather than on superficial factors.