African American Culture
Cultural competence is captured in
many terms such as cultural knowledge, cultural awareness, and cultural
sensitivity.Ê All of these terms convey
the idea of improving cross-cultural capacity by becoming familiar with
selected cultural characteristics, developing sensitivity, and learning that
cultural differences does exist. (National Maternal and Child Health Center on
Cultural Competency, 1997).
Cultural
competence, defined, is a set of congruent behaviors, attitudes, and policies
that come together in a system and enables that system to work effectively in
cross-cultural situations (Cross, Bazron, Dennis, & IsAfrican Americancs,
1989).
DON'TS:
Ê Do
not address African Americanâs informally.
This is seen as very disrespectful to African Americans. One should
formally address African Americans first, then form aÊ relationship, and ask if it is all right to call them by their
first name or nickname.Ê
Ê Do
not assume.Ê
Do
not assume that just because an African American client has the same ethnicity
as you or another co-worker, no assumption should be made about the similarity
or difference in background between caregiver and patient. ÊOne should conversate with the client and
draw from the conversation any similarities one may have with the client.Ê It can be very offensive to incorrectly
assume anything.
Ê Carefully
listen without Judgment.
It
is very imperative during all stages of a consultation that the caregiver
listens carefully and sympathetically. Refrain fromÊÊÊÊÊÊ expressing anything that might be interpreted as judgmental,
patronizing, or ridiculing to the patient.
Ê Do
not mimic pronunciation.
While
listening to the client it is very important to listen carefully.Ê If the caregiver does not quite understand
the client, oneÊÊÊ should ask for
clarification.Ê Mimicking should not be
done; this can offend the client and make them feel disrespected or
embarrassed.
Ê Do
not use slang or categorize.
The
caregiver should maintain a formal conversation with the client, avoiding slang
or vernacular.Ê One should also avoid
categorizing.Ê Using phrases like ãYou
people,ä or ãyallä is very stereotypical and is sure to offend even the nicest
client.
Ê Do
not give preferential treatment.
Every
client regardless of race, sex, or religion should be treated exactly the
same.Ê Treating someone differently just
because of their race is just as prejudice as mistreating someone because of their
race.
Ê Avoid
color blindness.
This
approach ignores the fact that cultural differences may exist and imposes
another cultureâs beliefs or customs above that of the client.
Do not be
color blind or blinded by color.
ÊÊÊÊ It is the job of the caregiver to attempt to form a
relationship and make the client aware that they are available if they are
needed.Ê Sometimes it is impossible,
regardless of the attempt and the measures one take in establishing a relationship.Ê In these cases the caregiver should remain
sincere in the care of the client and avoid trying too hard.Ê While some African Americans are suspicious
and docile others may be hostile.Ê Some
African Americans view the caregiver as an oppressor, especially being placed
in a position that they feel helpless and out of control.Ê It may help in these situations to encourage
the client to express their feelings and tell you how they feel so that you can
try to help.Ê Many African Americans
have had bad experiences in which they have been belittled or discriminated
against. The act of simply initiating a conversation or encouraging them to
express themselves can allow them to let down their guard.
ÊÊÊÊ Many types of healers are found in African American
communities.Ê Ministers, grannies, and
other self-elected healers are of great importance in African American
communities.Ê It is very important not
to ignore or disregard their importance.Ê
It is also important not to be judgmental or patronizing the client
about their beliefs, this may result in the client losing trust in you as the
caregiver.Ê Furthermore this kind of
behavior can make the client retain pertinent information from you to avoid
further ridicule.
ÊÊÊÊ Many African Americans are very religious minded and faithful
to their beliefs of reward and punishment by the God of their religion.Ê Because of these beliefs
disorders-especially in children-may be attributed to the transgressions of the
parents.Ê It is very important when
dealing with sick African American children that the caregiver assesses the
emotional well being of the parents and family as well.Ê Many African Americans feel that any illness
can be healed through prayer; so one idea would be to encourage the family to
pray with their minister or pastor of their church.Ê It is also necessary to attempt to educate the family on the
illness and itâs prevalence to reduce some of the stress and blame they may be
feeling.Ê For more information read
below about study called Spirituality in
African American mothers coping with a seriously ill infant, by C.
Dupree.ÊÊ
*References from website
address http://cecp.air.org/cultural/Q_howdifferent.htm
1. Cross T., Bazron, B., Dennis, K., & IsAfrican
Americancs, M. (1989). Towards a Culturally Competent System of Care, Volume I.
Washington, D.C.: Georgetown University Child Development Center, CASSP
Technical Assistance Center.
2. Texas Department of Health, National Maternal and
Child Health Resource Center on Cultural Competency. (1997). Journey
towards cultural competency: Lessons learned. Vienna, VA: Maternal and
Children's Health Bureau Clearinghouse.