Final answer:
Studying about economically and politically struggling countries has significantly impacted my perspective, revealing unconscious biases, cultural richness, and the importance of evaluating aid effectiveness. Acknowledging and addressing ethnocentric views became a part of the learning experience.
Step-by-step explanation:
Learning about struggling countries has provided a profound impact on my perspective. Understanding economic challenges and cultural differences has heightened my awareness of my own biases and encouraged a deeper introspection. Realizing that countries such as Vietnam faced division and turmoil during the civil war, or that Laos is combating economic issues due to its rural and landlocked position, helps me appreciate the complexities of socio-economic development. Countries like Thailand have leveraged their physical geography to advance economically, whereas places like Burma (Myanmar) face continuous governmental opposition from its people.
Such learning experiences have pushed me to question my unconscious biases, making me reconsider previously held stereotypes and the way I view progress within different societies. This educational journey has been transformative, aiding in my personal growth and ability to appreciate the richness of diverse cultures. It also highlights the important role foreign aid plays in supporting low-income countries, and how the success and application of such aid must be evaluated critically. Throughout this process, reflecting on my literacies and how they contribute to my cultural identity has been essential for developing a decolonized self that is anti-racist and inclusive.