Cultural Professionalism , Inclusion & Competency

U.S. Department of JusticeCommunity Relations Service

Our interpersonal skills greatly impact our ability to gain people’s respect and trust.

- Anonymous

None of us alone can save the nation or world. But each of us can make a positive difference if we commit ourselves to do so.

- Cornel West

Introduction

Who are we? CRS 101 Outline of what our time together

will look like

Objective of the Training

Not to teach you tolerance Not to make you love others

Instead:Raise level of awarenessFocus on issues of communicationUnderstandingRespect

Ice Breaker Exercise

Find someone you do not know that well that interview him/her and vice versa

• Name• Something about him/her that people do not know• How he/she identifies him/herself ethnically or

racially• Whether that self-identification has caused any

problems in the past or present professionally, personally or socially

• Introduce your partner to the group and vice versa• Why did we take the time to do this exercise?

Break

10 minutes

Culture: What is it to you?

What are your expectations of our time together today?

Cultural Iceberg

U.S. Department of Veteran’s Affairs

Primary Dimensions of Diversity

Primary & Secondary Dimensions of Diversity

U.S. Department of Veteran’s Affairs

Prejudice and Bias

How many of you think you are prejudice?

How many of you think you are bias?

Prejudice

a. an adverse judgment or opinion formed beforehand or without knowledge or examination of the facts

b. a preconceived preference or idea

Bias

A prejudice in a general or specific sense, usually in the sense of having a preference to one particular point of view or ideological perspective

However, one is generally only said to be biased if one’s powers of judgment are influenced by the biases one holds, to the extent that one’s views could not be taken as being neutral or objective, but instead as subjective

Bias

In practice, accusations of bias often result from a perception of unacknowledged favoritism on the part of any person in a position requiring the careful and disinterested exercise of arbitration or assessment

Any tendency to favor a certain set of values naturally leads to an uneven dispensing of judgment

-Prejudice to Microaggressions

Today, explicit prejudice is uncommon; rather, prejudice is expressed as a microaggression.

Microaggression - brief, common, and usually subtle insult based on race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, religion, or ability. Can be verbal or non-verbal, and is usually unintentional

Experienced as disrespecting, demeaning, or insulting.

Microassaults - racial slursMicroinsults - making a comment that reflects subtle biasMicroinvalidations - being dismissive of someone because of their cultural background

Examples of Microaggressions A White woman clutches her purse

as a Black or Latino man approaches or passes them. 

An Asian American, born and raised in the United States, is complimented for speaking "good English.”

Stereotypes

Generalizations based on minimal or limited knowledge about a group to which the person doing the stereotyping does not belong

Stereotypes many be positive or negative in tone

Exercise on Conditioning

Influenced by culture Religion Education Parents

Experiences Media Perceptions Assumptions Fear/anxiety

Exercise on conditioning

Our perceptions of the world are directly related to our senses, i.e., what we see, what we hear and what we feel

How to control or minimize issues?

Become a “high self-monitor” What does that mean? Know your personal “triggers” or

“hot buttons”- statements that get you angry- actions that get you angry- actions that frighten you- statements that hurt you most

How to control or minimize issues?

Be aware of self-sabotage: - words you speak- tone of voice- body language- not practicing basic good manners- not smiling

How to control or minimize issues?

Build genuine goodwill by being kind to everyone

Understand that people are naturally “wired” to respond most strongly for survival

Learn the equation: E+R = O; to state it differently, the “Event” + “Response” = “Outcome”

It is not the event itself which causes stress, it is the way we respond to the events that cause stress. The event is what is it.

How to control or minimize issues

Some suggested techniques on dealing with your “triggers” or “hot buttons”

1. Think about comments, issues and behaviors which may trigger you

2. Do a mental practice with your “triggers” or “hot buttons”e.g. If_______ happens, I will do/say______.

3. Be conscious of your normal response to hot buttons and make a conscious effort to break the pattern and respond differently

4. Acknowledge the person’s comment, e.g. I hear what you are saying; let me share my thoughts/experience

5. Use “I” statements instead of “You” statements

Teaching point

Learn de-escalation techniques Recognize triggers “baggage” – we all have some

Teaching point

When someone is angry and complaining, let him/her vent. Do not interrupt or argue with him/her.

*Pre-Vent

Teaching point

Listen actively to the person. It shows the person

Respect That he/she is important That you are interested in what is

being said Provides insight to a perspective on

the conflict Provides date to assist in resolving

issues Helps build relationships

Teaching point

In appropriate situations, ask:

“Is there anything else you would like to add?”

Say: “What would make this situation better?”

Teaching point

Seek clarification of issues (what, how, when, where, and who) avoid asking “why.”

Why questions seek mental processes of others and could lead to speculation.

Miscellaneous

Health and Related Issues

Stress Not enough sleep Improper diet Personal issues (learn how to

compartmentalize)

Closing thoughts

We all live on a small piece of real estate called earth. We must either learn to live and respect each other to survive or we will all perish together.

Anonymous

What we do today will mark what our children will look back at as our history.

Aroostook Band of Micmac

You were created as different nations and tribes, not that you should despise one another but that you should know one another.

Holy Quran, Sura 49

What is the Ultimate Goal?

Show & Expect Respect

Treat everyone fairly

Treat everyone with dignity