Extreme Ethnocentrism in Nigeria. A result of Politicization or Inability to manage a peaceful co-existence among its various ethnic groups?

[Abiodun Gbada]

Ethnicity refers to cultural heritage, and 'centrism' refers to the central starting point, 'ethnocentrism' basically refers to judging other groups from our own cultural point of view. Ethnocentric people tend to look down on those people who are of a different ethnic group. They make premature judgments and wrong assumptions because they believe other cultures are inferior to theirs. It is difficult for ethnocentric people to assimilate the beliefs, practices, traditions and customs of other cultures.Ethnicity has always been one of the major causes of political instability, and social crises in Nigeria, it has always acted as a stumbling block to the continuous growth of Nigeria's political and economic system. Ethnocentrism fosters conflict, distorts communication, and creates suspicion and antagonism between people. It also prevents people of a particular culture from appreciating and understanding other people’s cultures. Naturally unequal treatment of citizens on the basis of ethnicity is a common characteristic of the political leadership in Nigeria.

How can we overcome this prejudice in our society?