Cultural Background Paper Assignment

docx

School

Liberty University *

*We aren’t endorsed by this school

Course

504

Subject

Psychology

Date

Dec 6, 2023

Type

docx

Pages

6

Uploaded by AmbassadorCheetah3516

Report
CULTURAL BACKGROUND 1 Cultural Background Paper Assignment Rachel R. Hill School of Behavioral Science, Liberty University COUC 504 – Human Growth and Development Dr. Daphne Washington Author Note Rachel Raeshun Hill I have no known conflict of interest to disclose. Correspondence concerning this article should be addressed to Rachel Raeshun Hill. Email: rrobinson163@liberty.edu
CULTURAL BACKGROUND 2 Abstract The multifaceted tapestry of African American and Native American cultural backgrounds intertwines within my personal and professional journey as a counselor, profoundly shaping my perspectives and approaches. My mother always spoke of our heritage in such a disconnected way that my understanding of my heritage is quite limited. However, rooted in the historical legacies of resilience and perseverance, African American heritage instills a sense of communal strength and kinship within familial structures. My family's history reflects the resilience amidst adversity, fostering intricate family system patterns characterized by collective support and interconnectedness. The legacy of deceased my parents echoes the importance of honoring those that have cleared a path before me and cherishing their wisdom, shaping my reverence for intergenerational knowledge and the role of guidance in personal growth. Identity development within this rich cultural milieu navigates the intersections of race, heritage, and societal constructs. The tapestry of my heritage illuminates the intricate layers of identity, encompassing the complexities of navigating multiple cultural realms. It highlights the significance of acknowledging diverse facets of identity while fostering a sense of belonging and empowerment. Within the realm of counseling, this cultural backdrop significantly influences my theoretical perspective. Embracing cultural diversity and social justice, I draw from frameworks that honor cultural nuances and advocate for equity. Integrating aspects of Afrocentric and indigenous perspectives into counseling practices, I prioritize culturally responsive approaches that resonate with clients’ experiences, acknowledging the impact of systemic injustices on mental health. The convergence of African American and Native American heritages within my personal and professional landscape fuels a commitment to fostering inclusive spaces, advocating for social justice, and embracing the transformative power of cultural diversity within counseling realms.
CULTURAL BACKGROUND 3 Keywords : Culture, heritage, diversity, counseling
Your preview ends here
Eager to read complete document? Join bartleby learn and gain access to the full version
  • Access to all documents
  • Unlimited textbook solutions
  • 24/7 expert homework help
CULTURAL BACKGROUND 4 Cultural Background Paper Assignment Understanding the background of African American and Native American parents is integral in comprehending the intricate tapestry of family culture. For me, this comprehension is both a personal and professional journey, significantly shaping my approach as a counselor. The African American culture, rooted in resilience and strength amid adversity, shapes familial patterns in profound ways. My mother and father came from very different backgrounds. My mother was raised in a rural small neighborhood by abusive relatives that were not her biological parents. She spoke of a Native American descent throughout our bloodline, however that has yet to be confirmed. As I reflected on my family history to write this paper, I realized that my history is broken. And unfortunately, I don’t have too many living relatives to put the pieces back together. Nevertheless, although my mother had a tumultuous childhood, she spoke highly of the heritage and culture that was shared among the family members. The culture was one of hard work, shared love for the arts, music, and literature. Historical experiences of oppression, segregation, and systemic racism have sculpted my family dynamics and resilience strategies within the African American community. These experiences typically would foster tight-knit familial bonds and a collective approach to problem-solving and support. However, the stories of my linage don’t bring happy thoughts to mind. In my family, stories of overcoming hardship and reliance living in survival mode echo the historical narratives of perseverance in the face of adversity. With roots in the founding fathers' failure to include African Americans and Native Americans as full people in the U.S. Constitution, segregation became enshrined in society and law very early in the history of the United States. Free blacks still lived as second-class citizens,
CULTURAL BACKGROUND 5 with their movements restricted in public accommodations, education, and voting. The enslaved, of course, felt the brunt of society's segregation in all aspects of their lives. Even after the end of slavery, the fate of African Americans was gradually turned over to individual states, many of which adopted restrictive laws that enforced segregation based on race and imposed measures aimed at keeping African Americans from being equal citizens in society. My father was a man of determination and entrepreneurial endeavors from what I understand about him. I met him when I was at the tender age of 21. He had been living with the aftermath of a stroke since the year that I was born (1986) and was not able to share much about his life with me. After his passing in 2017, I began to heal from the abandonment issues I had because of his absence in my childhood. It’s through healing that I became more curious about his life and how my identity is shaped around him being my father. Honestly, when I think about heritage and culture, my background is anything but normal. I was born and raised in Birmingham, AL and still currently reside here. I was raised with my older sister by my mother, however, I later learned that I have several brothers and sisters on my father’s side, those of whom are much older than I am. At my father's funeral I found out that I was the youngest of 10.
CULTURAL BACKGROUND 6 References McGoldrick, M., Giordano, J., & Garcia-Preto, N. (Eds.). (2005). Ethnicity and family therapy. Guilford Press.
Your preview ends here
Eager to read complete document? Join bartleby learn and gain access to the full version
  • Access to all documents
  • Unlimited textbook solutions
  • 24/7 expert homework help