"Cultural Competence" CT8

Overview:  In considering the terms Sensitivity and Diversity, there is for some a certain imposition involved.  It is not as though one has a choice in the matter of relationships with the members and adherents of other cultures, sub-cultures, religions, and ethnicities.    However, it must be remembered that this is not a matter of relationship between by group and another's group.  It is a matter of relationship!

The relationships in between and within certain groups are complex and one will not easily exhaust all the is necessary for there to be some modicum of reasonable relationship across the varieties of people with which one contacts.  To say that this is impossible is an understatement.

Add to the mix the unspoken pressure to accept and even celebrate the culture of racial minorities the problem of how to function becomes more complex.  In my world alone there are Blacks, Koreans, Mexicans and other Hispanics, Romanians, and others.

In order to function in these various cultures one must develop, not Sensitivity and Diversity but Cultural Competence.    Cultural Competence is based upon four core competencies and yes, cultural, sub-cultural, and ethnic understanding is important.

In fact these four competencies are so essential that one does not even have to like or agree with another's culture etc. for them to work.  For example one can show respect to another, no matter the personal feelings involved.  The same goes for the other elements involved.

The Cultural Competence competencies are,

• Respect--certainly some understanding of the other's culture helps here.
• Honesty--one must not deny one's ethics, what they are and what they believe
• Honor--give honor to the other person
• Permission--seek permission before speaking or acting

The mode necessary to make these work is questioning.  In other words, if one is going to learn to function in the Western brand of a particular culture, a few well placed questions will yield the information necessary for one to do so.  

Therefore the following is offered.

THE SCALE OF CULTURAL COMPETENCE

Overview:  There those who are so opposed to other cultures.  Such people are termed Culturally Destructive.  Then there are those who are incapable of grasping cultural issues and are thus viewed as Culturally Incapable.  The third group contains those who though capable choose to not recognize cultural differences and this group is named the Cultural Blind.  Beyond these three groups are those who in some degree or another do or do not possess the cross cultural skills and are not opposed to gaining same.

It is not in the purview of this study to discuss the first three categories nor to provide any antithetical argument in hopes of changing such a person or group.  The remaining categories are where the focus is going to be.

Assumptions and Presuppositions


It is out of the purview of this section to discuss the nuances of difference in these words.  That will be reserved for another time.

As in many other areas of life, one's capacity to function is strongly influenced by presuppositions and assumptions.  Of course basic to one's words and actions are things one supposes or takes for grant to be true and thus those things serve as the foundation.  It can often involve conjecture, deduction, and speculation.

Thus the importance of questioning!

THE ROAD TO RELATIONSHIP

Let us be clear!  The discussion is safe when it is kept on the level of relationships of the individual with another's culture or culture to culture.  What is a great deal more challenging and threatening is the relationship between people.

It is possible for a vibrant, affirming, and healthy relationship to exist between people who are polar opposites from one another.  What is necessary is that there be understanding and acceptance which in an age that suffers from a lack of clearly defined boundaries and a fair amount of enabling behavior can be quite difficult.  A common task, a common challenge, or a common foe also helps the process


Cultural Pre-competence:  The beginning of right relationships.

This is the point at which a person who perceives that there are cultural differences seeks understanding of the other person to include the influence and practice of that person's culture.  Though this generally focuses upon one side of the relationship, it may be that both need to understand something of the other's culture.

Included would be some foundational understandings of the other's race, gender, religious belief, ethnicity, referent group, sub-culture, and sensitivities.  This does not mean that one has to agree with,  embrace, or celebrate those things.  It simply means to come to some understanding of what those things mean to the other and thus their effect upon the relationship involved.

Cultural Competence:  Continuing right relationships.


As understanding and skills increase there continues to be greater perception of and understanding of cultural differences.  This persona has developed a greater degree of understanding and with that understanding a greater understanding of how to effectively relate.

With increased understanding there is a danger and that danger is the stereotyping of the other according some knowledge of the culture.  Take for example the case where an Asian child is adopted at birth by a Western family.  The appearance of the child, now adult is Asian but the ethnicity is Western.  To stereotype in this case can be the basis of great difficulty.

Cultural Proficiency:  Maximizing right relationships.

The understanding and skills to operate within the framework they provide are continually being tuned.  This is the point at which one can be both honest about himself and as the same time treat the other with honor and respect.  Knowledge of the other is key and essential.

UPGRADING CULTURAL COMPETENCY SKILLS

Just as culture is ever dynamic (see previous blog) so too is the necessity for a continue honing of skills.  What follows are some of the guides necessary to function with some competency in relationships.  Because they are interrelated, they are presented in no particular order of importance.

Since the following is a continuing process, there is a strategy if employed, which can be of great benefit.  The OODA Loop is the process of Observing, Orienting, Deciding, and Acting.  One might have several OODA Loops in process at the same time as one deals with others.  For example one might be reading body language, then verbiage, and then emotions, etc., all the while reorienting his half of the interactions, deciding what is appropriate, and then taking action.

1. Boundaries:  Relationships are best when the boundaries of those relationships are mutually understood.
2. Values:  Some understanding of the basis of values is necessary and as well the degree of importance placed upon those values.  In particular are the values ethics based or mores based?  If they are mores based then what are those mores and how important are they? However, it is important to keep in mind that to discard one's own values does not allow for the aforementioned honesty.  That leads to the next point.
3. Self Awareness:  Careful examination of one's own cultural values and beliefs is key to how one responds to another's values.  Keep in mind that honor and respect are not necessarily based upon what one values and believes but on how one treats another.  However, such treatment must never violate one's personal values.
4. Cross-cultural knowledge:  Understanding the culture of another may be the basis of understanding the individual member of that culture.  This again is a dynamic activity which requires a certain vigilance.  However, here as already noted is a danger and that danger is assumption.  It is in assuming too much that one can stereotype another.  
5. Cross-cultural skills:  Simply converting one's knowledge to action is a continuing action.   

As previously noted the OODA Loop figures prominently in these processes.  

Most important in all of this is to remember that one's relationship with another is a dynamic entity that must be kept within certain boundaries in order that it not assume a life of its own.  Key is that such boundaries be based upon one's convictions and values.  Even so, there is nothing to suggest that one cannot do his part to establish and maintain a healthy and beneficial relationship even with those who are diametrically different.  Such is only possible when one lives out respect, honor, honesty, and seeks the permission of the other.

"Dynamic Diversity" CT6

Overview:  Since western culture is changing, some would call it progressing, at breakneck speed, the various elements that make up that culture are also changing with that same rapidity.  Therefore, if one has much exposure to the culture, say in a visible position, in order for one to keep abreast of such change and how one fits into that change is very time intensive activity.  There must be an answer and it is not so much in the diverse culture, not in a focus upon the rapid rate of change, but it is in how one relates to the people of that diverse culture.

"At one time we were free to accept differences as difference but now the acceptance of and celebration of Cultural Diversity is being imposed on all"

Keep in mind that to force one to "celebrate" another's culture is to begin the process of imposition.  Such is not the model nor the intent of the following but what follows in this and other submissions is a suitable alternative.

In order to understand the application of the practices which will be later explained, consider the following material as to the background and culture.  Yes, these are broad brush treatments and it must be understood that there are subsets of the culture in which the mores allow for relationships on a different level than in the broader culture or other subsets of that broader culture!!!

RAPIDLY CHANGING CULTURE

Technological innovation is not the only thing that is under rapid change.  However, for the present it seems to occupy center stage as we see the changes in medical science, communications, understanding of the creation, etc.  It seems that almost daily some new discovery or innovative application is made available.

There are other changes taking place that in some form and on some level seek to influence the individual's views, practices, and relationships. Indeed we live in a Diverse and Dynamic Culture.

Personal Differences:  Each person is unique.  In other words, when a person's DNA is knit together by the Divine, it is done in such a way that each is uniquely his own person.  Most of those myriad differences are subject to growth and developments or failure and decline.  Thus each and every person changes and though imperceptible change moment by moment.

Those changes may be in disposition, mental state, morality, opinion, aging, or some other issue.  Such state of change has impact upon the social relationships in which such an one is involved.  Family Systems Therapy suggests that to change one member of the family will result in change in other members of the family.  Such is the case with other relationships.

Cultural Differences:  When an individual changes his social groups, sub-culture, and thus, even if microcosmically, culture changes.  With the inclusion of social media into the discussion, it is no longer just a cultural or national issue but in some sense this applies to the world stage as well.  This effect can be both in the positive and constructive ways but also in negative and destructive ways.  For example no country is immune from revolution as evidenced by events in the Middle East. 

Language Differences:  There is much more in language than words.  Language contains power.  Within the current idioms of English language there is a certain dynamic present.  That dynamic because it is not guided by a tone of ethics has allowed for language drift.  For example, years ago, if one confused the use of "I" and "me" correction by parents or teachers was soon to follow.  Now one does not listen long, even to those who business is communication before they hear the confusion.

Another change is in the amount of techno-speak in the language.  For example "Google it" or "spell check" or "bit rate" or "hot spot" and "email" to name a few, are all quite common in today's vernacular.   Also think of the words associated with cellular phones.  That leads quite naturally to the next area of change.

Technological Differences:  Technology has not only become an important and some might say essential element of one's life, there is now a dependency upon it.  Yes, it provides a certain efficiency in information retrieval, communication, entertainment availability, etc.  Indeed the internet is an information super highway.

The question one must as is at what cost?  The social media has won a place in the lives of many, me included, however, has it not been at the cost of a face to face visit?  Does it not in some sense take away individuality from a person?  It is one thing to read one's words and it is quite another to sit with, see, and sense a persons non-verbals.

Ethical-Moral Differences:  In other blogs this has been discussed at length along with the implications of this cultural shift.

Religious-Secular Differences:  Increasingly there has been a shift away from the religious elements of culture.  Such a shift is so gradual as to be imperceptible.  Yet, the effects are most drastic.  It is the singular most important reason that there is the aforementioned ethical-moral shift.  The problem with this shift is that it is a move to impose secularism upon culture and the constituents thereof.

Other Differences:  Most certainly there are many other differences that might be cited.  It is not that there is differences in the culture.  Such has been so from the early days of colonization and even before as one sees the differences in the Indian tribes that populated what would become the United States of America.  Difference is not the issue!  It is the current trend by many to impose the notion that all must embrace and celebrate those differences.  That my friends is imposition.

ELEMENTS COMMONLY FOUND IN DIVERSITY LANGUAGE

Within commonly accepted definitions of diversity there are words and elements which are common to almost all definitions in some form or another.  

There is some statement about,

• Difference and uniqueness, requiring one to acknowledge the same.
• Recognition of difference, tolerance for, acceptance of, and respect for differences.
• Some kind of a listing of differences.
• A statement of one's responsibility for understanding and embracing those differences.
• The responsibility for the proactive acceptance, celebration, and even participation in those differences.

Again, what began as a good idea, being aware and sensitive to the beliefs and values of another so as not to purposefully offend, has now in some social situations, grown to be a responsibility to accept and even participate in differences.  Again, what was a good idea is now an imposed idea.

However, as with any imposed idea there are two elements that come to the fore.  First, there are "unintended consequences."  Second, there is "push-back."

The Irony of Diversity:  The major disconnect is that if one is willing to embrace, participate, and celebrate in these activities and events, such in no way means nor does it imply that such a person is culturally competent.  In other words, for one to be culturally competent requires a great deal more than participation.  In fact, with the exception of recognizing that there is difference and listing those differences, one can be opposed to all of the remaining elements of the definition as just provided and yet be skilled in cultural competence.

DIVERSITY CHALLENGED

Of recent date, there have been challenges to diversity primarily from two directions.  From within there are those who question the veracity of the notion based upon the imposition factor as just discussed.  From without there are those in the business community that are finding that unless diversity supports the strategic business plan of the company, such does not work.

There is another voice which should be speaking out and that is those who are disadvantaged because of how they are viewed as a result of the imposition factor.

DIVERSITY OBSERVED

Nearing the end of this particular discussion there remains one more consideration.  

She appeared normal, attractive, seemed to engage with people, from a distance appeared articulate, laughed easily.  To the casual observer just another family member or friend at the wedding over which I was officiating.  The ceremony was over, pictures taken, and soon paperwork would be signed.  

I sat when she approached and I engaged her in conversation.  My earlier observations were quite accurate except when she talked.  Her inflections were somewhat off and it was then I knew that she was stone deaf and had been so from birth.  The only difference between talking with her and any of the other guests was that if she was looking away I needed to touch her arm to get her attention.

Observable and Unobserved:  Without a doubt there are some differences that are generally observable.  Differences such as skin color, gender, some physical characteristics, and generally speaking age.  However, in the case of the woman at the wedding, I was reminded that some difference is observable and some is not.

Discernable:  Then there is the difference that one might discern.  That is to say that if one has any insight at all and is willing to observe and listen, such a person can discern differences which are worthy of sensitivity.

Discoverable:  A few well placed questions allow one to discover much about another.  More than one story is told of someone asking just a few questions with an outcome that the other opens up and shares much of what otherwise would be unknown.    

Undiscoverable:  This is the category which contains those things that are deeply hidden and held below what might be observed, discerned, or discovered by another.  The reality is that some of these things are still matters of great sensitivity and though never discussed are still possessed of great emotional content and are the stuff or great sensitivity.

FINAL THOUGHTS

The one who makes no assumption about those he knows briefly, casually, or intimately is the one who may well escape the mine field of dynamic diversity.  Bear in mind that it is not just culture that is in a state of flux but those who populate culture are so as well.  

Therefore, the prudent must BE AWARE as what one observes, discerns, and discovers today may not be the same tomorrow.  People change in all but the unchangeable features of their personhood.  Therefore, the person one meets one day may well be a different person the next day.

Dynamic Offense Levels:   Each of us is ever changing and therefore our offense and tolerance levels change from time to time.  Such change may be small and unobserved and other times may be magnanimous and life changing.

Dynamic Culture: Since culture is dynamic what is not viewed as morally offensive today may not be so viewed tomorrow.

Certainty of Offense:  Out of genuine offense or because of the one who is seeking to be offended, there comes a time when all are accosted for offending another.  The solution to this and other problems is to be found in the matter of living based upon and out of an ethical lifestyle.