Among other things, becoming culturally competent involves self-examination of one’s own values. From the topics listed below, select one that you would like to focus on for this assignment.
gender
minority race/ethnicity
poverty
minority sexual orientation
divorce
non-Christian religious group
In a 2-page paper, answer the each of following questions:
Briefly describe the messages you received from your family growing up about your selected topic/population. Were these messages explicitly stated (i.e., verbally), or were they subtler?
Describe where you think these values came from. What (e.g. historical events) may have influenced older generations of family members to adopt these values and choose to pass them on to their children? You may want to ask this question of elders in your family or conduct a brief internet search of historical attitudes about your topic/population.
Of each of the values or messages that you have identified, which will be the hardest for you to put aside when working with families representing this topic/population. Why?
Describe how you will work towards developing cultural competence and sensitivity, specifically for working with your topic/population?
