I am in the midst of completing an assignment based on multiculturalism which is what human services is pretty much all about, along with ethics, values, and competency. But, focusing on exposure with many cultures, adjusting to different traditions, and being sensitive to other's views are important to being a good human services professional. I have learned so much in this assignment so far.
America is a melting pot of different colors. Racism, discrimination, and oppression is still alive and well in the country, although, we have came a long way. I have been extremely blessed to have been exposed to so many types of people and keep many as friends. Taken back to how I was raised which was primarily in an African American environment, very limited exposure to other cultures. When I ventured off to UT in Knoxville at 18 years old, I was in culture shock. I remember my mouth flying open when I saw interracial couples walking in the malls. I couldn't believe it! But that was the world I lived in as I was younger. After coming back to my original birthplace to live as an adult, it disappoints me that the city I live in is still perceived as segregated.
I love interacting with other people, to see how they live, how they think, and how their cultural attitudes line up with mine and my former views. So this assignment was great, I studied the Caucasian-American culture. Now my interviewee's view did not speak for the entire race, but it was interesting to see how different cultures grow and interact with each other, if their minds are open. Me? I'm glad I'm open to new things, although I stay with a firm foundation to what I believe, but I accept new ideas and people.
I continue to grow everyday and learn as well. In school and in life.
Happy Learning,
JaynaB