Option A: Understanding “Ethnocentrism” and “Cultural Relativism” “Ethnocentrism” and “cultural relativism” are two important concepts that are foundational to the discipline of anthropology. This first option for the Final Essay Assignment gives you the opportunity to unpack these concepts through the analysis of a controversial case in Canada that caught international media attention. Please read the article, “Animal rights activists and Inuit clash over Canada’s Indigenous food traditions”, by Selena Randhawa (2017). The article can be found on Blackboard, in a dedicated file folder under the ”Assignments” tab on the side menu. Please answer the questions below in essay format using the readings from the assignment folder. You should also use our readings and the from our unit on Anthropology , as well as any other course materials that you think are relevant to analyzing the case study. Questions: (1) What are the perspectives on seal hunting that are being taken by animal rights activists on the one hand, and Inuit hunters on the other hand?
(2) How are ideas of ethnocentrism and cultural relativism playing out in this case?
(3) Why is knowledge of these concepts from the study of anthropology important in allowing us to better understand and evaluate this case study? How would an understanding of anthropology help us react to this case in a carefully-thought out way and in a way that might promote better intercultural understanding? Ensure that this assignment meets the following criteria: – Essay format (introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion) – No external research is allowed – please use only the sources from our course and for the assignment that I have specific in the instructions above. – APA or MLA citation format – include a title page as well as a reference list for every source that you use to write the essay. – Required Length: 700-750 words, double-spaced – 12-point font, Times New Roman – Microsoft Word submissions only – To submit: – Go to Blackboard – Click on the “Assignments” tab on the side menu – Click on the appropriate assignment and attach your submission – Due Friday, April 7th at 11:59 PM via Blackboard submission.
