Final answer:
Individuals who apply their own cultural rules in different cultural contexts are displaying ethnocentrism, which is the practice of judging other cultures by the standards of one's own culture. This can cause misunderstandings and challenge social norms, highlighting the importance of cultural awareness and sensitivity.
Step-by-step explanation:
Those who brought their own rules to another table are exemplifying behaviors or attitudes known as ethnocentrism. This concept refers to the tendency to judge other cultures by the standards of one's own culture, often with the assumption that one's own culture is superior. Ethnocentrism can lead to misunderstandings and conflicts when individuals interact with those from different cultural backgrounds, as each may perceive their own social norms and values as the 'correct' ones.
Society is comprised of various cultures, all of which have their own unique sets of rules and expectations - these are called social norms. Understanding and navigating these norms are essential for harmonious interactions. When someone, for instance, brings their cultural perspective to a situation unfamiliar to others, such as playing tic-tac-toe by different rules or giving unsolicited opinions on what others should eat, they can disrupt the established cultural expectations and cause discomfort or conflict.
It is through such actions that the often-unseen boundaries of cultural norms are tested and noticed. Whether it's an American in Italy longing for a 'real' pizza or a sociologist who finds it difficult to reintegrate into their own culture after extensive time abroad, ethnocentrism plays a significant role in how we perceive and interact with cultures other than our own. Education and exposure to diverse perspectives are important in addressing and overcoming ethnocentric biases.