ethno (Greek): race or culture
centric(Grek): centered on 
ethnocentric: attitudes about race or culture that are centered on (the superiority of) one's own culture or race.
(Pronounced: eth-noh-sen-tric)

In a recent Facebook post, someone complained that a foreign-born merchant put their change (money) on the counter instead of in their hand. I commented that, in some cultures, it is seen as impolite (rude) to touch the hand of a stranger. Their reply was, "They just need to learn how we do things!" I found her response to be unreasonable and very ethnocentric. It wasn't the first time that I've had to come to the defense of the behavior of foreign-born citizens.

One of the biggest complaints that I hear is that foreign-born merchants should speak only English in their American establishments (businesses). While I can agree that there is some merit (value) with this particular issues because I also want to feel welcomed and be able to communicate with those whom I've chosen to patronize (buy from), I disagree that it is necessary for a merchant to refrain from (stop) speaking his or her native tongue (language) with their employees when in my presence. I try not practice ethnocentrism.

I appreciate and respect when people migrate (move) to America, share in some of our cultures, but maintain and protect their own -- it is totally possible to do. My guess is that ethnocentric attitudes can be found in every country on every continent.

Have you noticed any ethnocentric attitudes in people in your country towards others?
Do you feel that learning new languages and communicating with different people groups online helps with the problem of ethnocentrism?
Have you identified and changed any ethnocentric attitudes within yourself in recent years?