IMPLICATIONS OF MULTICULTURAL AWARENESS
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Multicultural awareness is a way we perceive greater understanding and appreciation of values experience, history and lifestyle of groups in respect to race, ethnicity, religious affiliation, social economic status and mental or physical abilities. Multi-cultural awareness emphasizes on the understanding of migration as a key influence on a person’s life. Post migration stressors might include racial discrimination, culture shock, language barriers and separation from home (Pedersen, 2000).
A good example why multicultural awareness should be applied is the case where a teenager of Pakistani- America origin attempted to commit suicide. The school officials had to communicate to her mother who did not understand or speak English. This is the reason why culture awareness should be mandatory in crisis intervention. The officials should have the understanding that not all people identify with their cultural background or language. The need for competent advisors who are prompt would have made the decisive move and helped the mother through a translator.
Culture is a behavioral pattern that is social through characteristics of a community. Culture influences the perception of threat, stress, reactions or healing (Pedersen, 2000). In most schools it is essential for school officials to have the basic or general knowledge on cultural diversity. This is important for crisis intervention because trust between people of different culture is essential. The quick development of rapport restores a client’s coping mechanism to precise level through communication both verbally and non-verbally.
Culture plays a role on how crisis is interpreted to both parties, intervener and victim. Victims tend to withdraw, retreat or be silent when people surrounding them will not accept them. Some physiologist believe that each crisis is different but culture plays a major role especially in provoking events. Implication of cultural awareness helps people gain greater awareness of others as well as develop new friendships.
In crisis intervention it is important to approach a conversation with culturally correct assumptions. This will help an educator give good advice and at the same time accurate assumptions of the situation. Multicultural awareness is a helping skill that is essential and without it conflict can be generated, or a hindrance in development of productive relationship (Klein, 2012). Educators have been advised to be cultural competent as this will assist them to genuinely connect with others.
In the case where a student is subjected to racial or religious slurs it should be noted that quick response is mandatory. This will prevent conflict but can only be attained when a psychologists keeps in mind; victims react within the context of their individual background. To be culturally competent educators or counsellors must be aware of cultural complexity of student’s cultural identities. Multicultural awareness helps comfort the victim while aiding them to a quick recovery. Acknowledging cultural differences helps resolve problems easier, faster and in an effective manner.
Reference
Pedersen, P. (2000). A Handbook for Developing Multicultural Awareness (3rd ed.). Michigan: American Counseling Association P- 18-120
Klein, A. M. (2012). Raising Multicultural Awareness in Higher Education (2nd ed.). University Press of America. P-66-69
