Eurocentrism – A Hidden, but Hot Topic

Abstract

The notion of Eurocentrism emerged in the times of European imperialism in the 16th, 17th and 18th century and is defined as a conscious as well as unconscious emphasis on Western or European culture, values and concerns standing above others. In other words, it is the mental attitude to perceive non-Europeans or today non-Westerners as less modern, less civilized, less relevant and just less than equal. This historic notion is very much connected to Edward Said, who marked the concept of Orientalism and its connection to a Eurocentric worldview.