----- Original Message ----- From: Michael Smith To: Teaching in the Psychological Sciences (TIPS) Sent: Monday, August 03, 2009 11:32 PM Subject: Re: [tips] Psychology irrelevant to African-Americans
Well, what do you want? Psychology was invented by Europeans. --Mike And it is for this reason I use the term Eurocentric cognitive imperialism,Psychology is the study of behavior of the universal and the diversity of all human behavior,but the so called "scientific" approach was the work of some Europeans who were the quintessential domesticated cultures.So being removed from the constant struggle of human survival there were a number of factors that contributed to the the current psychological paradigm-domestication led to a pre-occupation with intellectual pursuits and obviously it was thought that human behavior can be described and understood within a physical science model.Actually most of modern day U.S psychology takes it roots in the functionalist tradition of William James,Dewey,Angell,Carr and a philosopher named William Pierce. But what should be noted is that psychology with its current models would probably not exist if it was not for the creation of the United States of America.Functionalism was a kind of a movement that validated the Americanization process and hence its strong environmental emphasis.Behaviorism launch the final blow by its emphasis and ignoring the context and import of the stimulus complex. Psychology as developped in the U.S is confined to its geographic boundaries.The Americanization process does not necessary imply adherence to a specific Eurocentric knowledge base.It is interesting to note that the conquest of the Amricas only led to the imposition of Catholicism,whereas other cultural aspects remained intact in some parts of the Americas.There was not a Latin Americanization process,One can think of classical music as a good model for the prevalence of the current Eurocentric and U.S centric models-boredom and exemption from survuval pressures can lead to wonderful creations reinforcing itself. Michael Sylvester,PhD Daytona Beach,Florida --- To make changes to your subscription contact: Bill Southerly ([email protected])
