What’s all this culture stuff? What culture? The needs—except for the growing numbers—are the same as before. But the people, the language are changed—as in South Florida where I live.
“Those people” we say. They. At any point in time anyone can be one of those people. “The families from Hell.” We all encounter them, but consider the varying cultures they bring. That further complicates matters. We hear a lot today about respecting cultural differences, but keep this thought in mind: “There’s no such thing as ‘cultural competence.’ It’s a process! It goes on and on.” Whenever you meet someone new and different, you’ve had a cultural experience. People are different. Not wrong, just different.
Cultural Sensitivity. “Moving mountains on both sides” is required when dealing with cultural diversity. That was demonstrated for me when I was asked to intervene with a Haitian woman and her Voodoo witch doctor. The woman had “neglected” providing her children medical care ordered by the social services department. But according to her culture she was providing them the very best of care. We worked it out so that both traditions were respected. Now the Voodoo Lady has a booming “practice” in conjunction with a medical clinic which serves the Haitian community.
How many “service” agencies share “mindset failings” like the literacy program I encountered whose brochure said something like “If you can’t read this, call....” After a circuitous process and much effort I finally located their remote, posh offices. Their director told me the organization was disbanding because of a lack of response. Wonder why? She said: Those people don’t want to learn to read. They won’t respond. We can’t serve them if they won’t cooperate. And on and on.
What do you do about those who don’t embrace your standards?
The issue is not so much about differences in physical characteristics, but culture. Not appearances, but internal competence. By the year 2000, twenty-one percent (21%) of the U. S. population will be people of color. Due to immigration and intermarriage, we’re seeing “the browning of America.” From that fact, you may run—but you cannot hide. Open your eyes and look around. Think about your children. They won’t have a choice. “And you can’t hide in the suburbs, ‘cause we plan to send them your way!”
We don’t have to change the family to save the culture. We just have to give them the skills they need. There are various kinds of culture: poverty, drugs, regional, neighborhood, and so forth. Culture is all that makes someone who they are and defines how they process information.
And believe me, assuming one’s appearance gives one license—for example, me in any number of black communities just because I have dark skin—is erroneous!
Cultural Responsibility. You can’t eliminate cultural diversity and be effective. You must honor diversity—or stay bland, stagnant. We’re all here to grow! Build on family strength—which includes culture. Don’t focus on flaws, but on the good. We need many provider systems all working together, helping the family holistically. You can’t do it alone.
Look at the (October 25th) riots in Lexington. What’s Lexington experiencing? There's fear, anger, frustration. You must stay calm when families take you to the limit. Ask yourself, What banners” do they see you presenting?
It is the “If you can’t read this, call ....” pamphlet? Get serious about cultural competence. Maybe then we'll have no more of this.
Shirley Pinder-Cook
Ms. Pinder-Cook keynoted the Southeast Regional Intensive Family Preservation Services Institute October 26-28 in Owensboro. She is the assistant director of the Institute on Families at Risk at Florida International University. She also coordinates the implementation of several grants in South Florida. Her work includes cross cultural counseling, community empowerment, and culturally responsive educational strategies.
