Cultural Baggage

The primary goal of this 5-page essay is to bring two sources into conversation with one another: Barbara Ehrenreich’s “Cultural Baggae” and Elyas Mulu Kiros’s “Why Should One Be Proud of One’s Identity or Country?”    – I have just really over extended myself and I’m really desperate and usually im not the type of person to do this. Between work and my other classes I have just run out of time could someone please help me! – –      (I have written this little piece if it helps at all)When it comes to having pride in one’s country or ethnic heritage, Kiro argues not only how important it is but also how challenging it can be. According to kiro, “wherever there is pride, there is prejudice.” Pride can boost confidence and bring people together. However, excessive pride in one’s self can result in ethnocentrism. Ethnocentrism is when someone’s ethnic background and beliefs cause judgement or slandering toward someone else’s. Ethnic pride requires a neutral standpoint and a willingness to respect other people’s beliefs, however, it cannot be avoided, it is simply part of who we are. Barbra Ehrenrich, who discusses this topic thoroughly throughout her essay, argues that ethnicity has eluded her all of her life and feels ethnic traditions and pride are nothing more than cultural baggage. She uses examples from her life of how to show that none of those things have helped her throughout her life. Her philosophy is,“ think for yourself,” her most important value is having your own identity.