building cultural competence

Building Cultural Competence

Learning ObjectivesBy the end of this self-study course, you will be able to:− Use and apply common definitions related

to cultural competence.− Describe Michigan’s five cultural ethnic

groups, including demographics, cultural protocols, religious affiliations and communications styles.

− Describe the behaviors of cultural competence.

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The Diversity Quiz Don’t worry – this is really not a quiz! You will

not be graded. We just thought you might enjoy answering a few questions as a way of learning the information. The “Quiz” is divided into 4 sections: Definitions, Demographics, Cultural Protocols and Religion.

Click once to read the question and see if you can figure out the answer. Don’t worry if you can’t, click again and we’ll provide the answer along with some interesting information. HAVE FUN!

Definitions - Question #1What is the term that describes social groups with a shared history, sense of identity, geography and cultural roots which may occur despite racial difference, and is most often based on language and/or religious affiliation?

ETHNICITY

Definitions - Question #2What is the term that describes a human population considered to be distinct based on physical characteristics, most often skin color (it is also a social construct created to categorize people)?

RACE

Definitions - Question #3What is the term that identifies the country in which a person was born, or from which the person’s ancestors came?

NATIONAL ORIGIN

Definitions - Question #4What is the term used to describe all people who are not white?

PEOPLE OF COLOR(This term is meant to be inclusive, emphasizing

common experiences of racism)

Definitions - Question #5•What does the acronym GLBTQ stand for?

GAY, LESBIAN, BI-ATTRACTIONAL, TRANSGENDER & QUESTIONING(You may also see this referenced as LGBT)

Definitions - Question #6What is the term that describes a set of beliefs and practices, often centered upon specific supernatural and moral claims about reality, the cosmos and human nature?

RELIGION(This is often codified as prayer, ritual and religious

law)

Definitions - Question #7What is the term that describes unconditional positive regard without the dictates of an organized religious institution or practice?

SPIRITUALITY

Definitions - Question #8What is the term that describes a person’s sense of maleness or femaleness based on behavior, identity and/or how he or she expresses “male” or “female” traits?

GENDER(Gender is a social construct that is largely artificial)Gender Identity is a person’s deepest, most innate

sense of maleness (masculinity) or femaleness (femininity)

Definitions - Question #9What is the term that describes the pattern of a person’s physical, sexual and psychological attraction to someone of a particular sex?

SEXUAL ORIENTATION(This is the proper scientific, social and legal term)

Definitions - Question #10What is the term that describes assignment at birth, usually by a doctor, as male or female based on biological appearance?

•SEX or BIOLOGICAL SEX

Definitions - Question #11What is the term that describes a determinable physical or mental characteristic for an individual which may result from disease, injury, congenital condition of birth or functional disorder, if the characteristic substantially limits one or more major life activities?

DISABILITY

Definitions - Question #12What term describes the totality of socially transmitted behavior patterns, arts, beliefs, institutions and all other products of human work and thought characteristic of a community or population?

CULTURE

Definitions - Question #13What is the term used to describe the ability of one culture to understand and feel comfortable with the cultures of other people?

CULTURAL COMPETENCY

Definitions - Question #14What is the term used to describe a situation where others and their differences are valued, and diversity is recognized and accepted?

CULTURAL COMPETENCE

Definitions - Question #15What is the term (considered destructive) used to describe American cultural norms wherein diverse populations must abandon their race, color, national origin/ethnicity, sexual identity and religious identity to conform to the predominant (White) culture?

MELTING POT

Key Points Thus Far Everyone is temporarily able-bodied. There are

two types of disability: Mental and Physical Everyone has a sex, gender, gender identity

and sexual orientation. Everyone has a race, national origin, ethnicity,

color and religious identity (even if agnostic or atheist).

How we choose to define, embrace or hide these attributes is often dictated by how society perceives us as belonging to or not belonging to these particular groups, and the stereotypes associated with these groups.

Demographics - Question #1

What group makes up the single largest racial minority in the United States?

AFRICAN AMERICANS Hispanics make up the largest ethnic minority. Also, people in

this racial group are almost evenly split between how they want to be considered: African American 44%, Black 42%, No

Preference 11%.


Where in the U.S. do the majority of African Americans live?

THE SOUTH•56.53% live in the South, •17.86% live in the Midwest•16.83% live in the Northeast and •8.79% live in the West •Note: Refers to individuals who have origins in any of the black racial groups of Africa. Most African Americans are the descendants of captive Africans who survived U.S. slavery.

17.86% 16.83%8.79%

56.53%


What percentage of Michigan’s population consists of African Americans?

14.2% or 1,400,362 peopleMichigan has the 12th largest African American population behind New York, Florida, Texas, Georgia, California, North

Carolina, Illinois, Maryland, Virginia, Louisiana, and Ohio. This is down from our ranking 9th in 2000. Michigan ranks third in

the Midwest behind Illinois and Ohio.


Which cultural group consists of the indigenous people from the regions of North America now encompassed by the United States, including parts of Alaska?

AMERICAN INDIANS/NATIVE AMERICANS

They comprise a large number of distinct tribes, states and ethnic groups, many of which survive as intact political

communities. Tribal communities are considered separate, sovereign nations. Only the Federal government can

“recognize” a tribe, based on historical records and cultural identity, into legal existence.


How many federally recognized tribes are there in Michigan?

TWELVEBay Mills Indian Community, Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa

and Chippewa Indians, Gun Lake Tribe, Hannahville Potawatomi Indian Community, Huron Potawatomi, Keweenaw Bay Indian Community Tribe, Lac Vieux Desert Band of Lake

Superior Chippewa Indians, Little River Band of Ottawa Indians, Little Traverse Bay of Odawa Indians, Pokagon Band of

Potawatomi, Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe, and Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians


What part of the country has the highest Native American population?

THE WEST•45.6% live in the West•31.5% live in the South•15.64% live in the Midwest and •7.62% live in the Northeast. •58,500 Native Americans live in Michigan (0.6% of Michigan’s population). There are 2,900,000 Native Americans nationwide (1.2% of the national population).

15.64% 7.62%45.6%

31.5%


Name the “Three Nations” which comprise the 12 Federally recognized tribes in Michigan.

CHIPPEWA or OJIBWAY,OTTAWA or ODAWA and POTAWATOMIS


What percentage of Michigan’s population consists of Asian Americans?

2.2% or 238,600 peopleMost Asian Americans have settled in Southeastern Michigan; primarily in Oakland County, followed by Washtenaw, Ingham, Wayne and Genesee counties. There are 14,674,252 Asian Americans in the U.S., which represents 4.8% of the national population.

11.78% 20.86%45.46%

21.90%


What is the largest Asian American group in Michigan?

ASIAN INDIANFollowed by Chinese, Filipinos, Bangladeshis, Hmong, Koreans,

Japanese and other Southeast Asians. Overall, countries of origin for Asian Americans include Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Cambodia, China, East Timor, India, Indonesia, Japan, Kazakhstan, Korea, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Malaysia, Mongolia, Myanmar (Burma), Nepal, Pakistan, Philippines, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Tajikistan, Thailand, Tibet, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, and Vietnam.


What percentage of Michigan’s population consists of Latino Americans/Hispanics?

4.4% or 436,358 peopleThe major population centers for Latinos in Michigan include

Metro Detroit (174,000) followed by Grand Rapids, Flint, Saginaw and Lansing.

Nationally, Latinos number over 54 million or 16.3% of the total U.S. population making this the country’s largest ethnic minority

Note – Hispanic is an ethnic category, not a race or racial category; it may include persons who consider themselves, or

who are perceived to be, White, Black or Asian.


How many countries of origin are there for Hispanics?

20Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Puerto Rico, Spain, Uruguay and Venezuela.


What are the 2 dominant features of the Arab world?

ARABIC LANGUAGE and the RELIGION OF ISLAM

However, not all Arabs are Muslim and not all Muslims are Arabs. In fact, the question of who is

an Arab is in itself a highly contested issue.


How many countries comprise the Arab world?

22Algeria, Bahrain, Comoros Islands, Djibouti, Egypt, Iraq,

Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, Mauritania, Oman, Palestine, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, The

United Arab Emirates, Tunisia, and Yemen

•72% of these countries are in North Africa and 28% are in Asia• It is also important to note that the Arab world is also the home to non-Arab-ethnic groups such as Assyrians, Kurds, Armenians and Chaldeans


What percentage of Michigan’s population is Arab American?

5% or 490,00 peopleThe U.S. Census Bureau does not gather direct data on the Arab American population however it is estimated that about 5,000,000 Arab Americans live in the U.S.

Michigan Quick Facts•6% is “foreign born.”•22% identify as non-White. •50.8% are Women.•17% reported having a disability.•9% or 130,000 people 5+ years and older do not speak English “well” or “very well” and are classified LEP

Change is a fact•9,883,640 People•Losses Since 2000

−2% White−0.9% Black/African

American−3.3% Hawaiian-

Pacific Islanders

Change

White, -2%

Black, -0.90%

HPI, -3.30%-3.50%

-3.00%

-2.50%

-2.00%

-1.50%

-1.00%

-0.50%

0.00%White Black HPI

Change is a fact•9,883,640 People•Gains Since 2000

−6% American Indian/Alaskan Native

−34.9% Asian−34.7%

Hispanic/Latino−19.7% Two or More

Races

Change

Hispanic/Latino, 34.70%

AIAN, 6.00%

Asian, 34.90%

Two/More, 19.70%

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

AIAN Asian Hispanic/Latino Two/More

Cultural ProtocolsMany of us do not even think about the way we communicate, whether it is eye contact, personal space or body language.• Communication is verbal and non-verbal, conscious and

unconscious and occurs at all times.• Culture influences every individual and individuals from

the same cultures may react or conduct themselves differently than the “cultural norm”.

• Communication is culture-bound (attitudes, beliefs, and ultimately behaviors).

Cultural Protocols People assume members of racial, linguistic, and

religious groups share a common culture. However, individuals may share nothing beyond

similar physical appearance, language, or spiritual beliefs.

There are numerous communications styles WITHIN racial, gender, and ethnic groups.

Some cultural groups have a unique greeting or body language while some things we all have in common.

Cultural Protocols Assimilation and acculturation can create

kaleidoscopes of subcultures within racial and ethnic groups.

Other factors such as gender, geographic locality, and socioeconomic status can be more powerful than racial factors.

What does this mean? It is difficult, if not impossible, to provide any

uniform or universal rules regarding a cultural group’s norms.

The protocols and norms that follow are only guidelines!!!

Everyone deserves respect regardless of their particular race, color, national origin/ethnicity, socioeconomic status, sexual orientation or disability status.

Cultural Protocols - Question #1

For what cultural group are gender roles often different for men and women, and boys and girls?

ARAB AMERICANSFor some Arab Americans, this may mean dressing modestly, little socializing with the opposite sex and not dating as young people. Families tend to have very close relationships and extended families usually live near one another and are intimately involved in each other’s lives. Elders are shown considerable respect in family and community groups.

Arab American Culture Among many Arab Americans, use of the left

hand to touch another person, to reach for something, or to take or pass food is inappropriate, because the left hand is associated with personal, bodily functions.

Shoes and the soles of one’s feet are also thought of as being unclean. So, stretching out or crossing your legs and causing the feet to point at or to touch someone is considered inappropriate.


For which cultural group is gesturing at someone or even a specific object potentially considered disrespectful, particularly if that gesture is the pointing of a finger?

NATIVE AMERICANSMost Native American Indians consider gestureless speech as "lifeless" speech, unspirited and indicating non-involvement, shows reluctance and can be perceived of as insulting. A true traditionalist draws the observer’s attention to the point of concern or interest through facial gestures, cutting the eyes in the precise direction or with a slight nod of the head toward the intended point of focus or interest.

Native American Culture Native Americans do not favor direct eye contact

and may look down or away from another party while speaking.

Although many Native Americans are accustomed to firm, long handshakes, some may opt for making a fist and placing it in the center of their chest, as personal touching between individuals is not a common practice.

Native Americans generally prefer distance between individuals while standing.


Which cultural group is accustomed to giving firm, long handshakes, interpersonal touching and are generally neutral about standing close when standing?

AFRICAN AMERICANSIt is important to remember that a person’s skin color (black) may not create a cultural identity or affinity to the African American/Black culture here in the United States.For some African Americans, eye contact may be perceived as disrespectful when involving someone in authority, may show respect and integrity, or may be perceived as challenging.

African American/Black Culture

79% agree that it is important to preserve traditions such as music, cultural traditions, and food.

71% think its important “to stick together to achieve gains for the community”.


Which cultural group generally accepts physical closeness of individuals when standing or conversing (i.e., relatively small personal space)?

LATINO AMERICANS/HISPANICSGenerally, Latinos give firm, long handshakes, but may embrace or kiss one another in greetings, particularly friends or close acquaintances.Latinos prefer limited directness of eye contact, and may bow or nod and look away when speaking with someone.

Latino American/Hispanic Culture

Contrary to popular belief, only 40% of Latino Americans and Hispanics are foreign-born immigrants, regardless of their U.S. citizenship status.

Many of the 60% of Latino Americans/Hispanics who are U.S.–born, are children or grandchildren of immigrants.

In all, a full 90% of all Latino Americans/Hispanics speak English. At least 78% of all Latino Americans/Hispanics speak Spanish.

Because Puerto Rico is a self-governing, unincorporated territory of the United States, Puerto Rican citizens are statutorily U.S. Citizens.


For which cultural group is academic achievement considered the greatest tribute that one can bestow upon one’s parents and family?

ASIAN AMERICANSIn many Asian cultures, the family is the basic unit of society and the central focus of the individual’s life.Virtues such as patience, perseverance, self-sacrifice, maintenance of inner strength, self-restraint, modesty, and humility are each considered necessary expressions of dignity that promote the group welfare.

Asian American Culture It is not unusual for someone of an Asian cultural

background to smile or laugh softly when describing something that is confusing, embarrassing, or even sad.

Among many Asian sub-groups, hugging, back-patting, and handshaking are not typical as respecting personal space and lack of personal contact are generally considered more polite.

Nodding the head up and down is taken as a sign of understanding and agreement in “American” culture. This same gesture may mean, “I hear you speaking” to some Asians, American Indian, Middle Eastern and Pacific Island groups. It does not signal that the listener necessarily understands or agrees with what is being said.

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Religion - Question #1How many major religious affiliations are there in Michigan?

SEVEN

Religion - Question #2Name the 7 major religious affiliations in Michigan.

AMERICAN INDIAN SPIRITUAL BUDDHISM

CHRISTIANITYHINDUISM

ISLAMJUDAISMSIKHISM

Many of these have multiple, diverse, and varying denominations, tenants, beliefs, and practices

American Indian SpiritualityFounder: No identified individualSymbol: Medicine WheelScriptures: Oral StoriesPlace of worship: NoneMajor holy day: Ghost suppersSpiritual leader: Spiritual leader

BuddhismFounder: Gautama BuddhaSymbol: Buddha sitting in a

lotus postureScriptures: Tripitaka/three basketsPlace of worship: MonasteryMajor holy day: Visakha Puja Day Spiritual leader: Monk

ChristianityFounder: Jesus ChristSymbol: CrossScriptures: BiblePlace of worship: ChurchMajor holy day: EasterSpiritual leader: Reverend

JudaismFounder: AbrahamSymbol: Star of DavidScriptures: TorahPlace of worship: SynagogueMajor holy day: Yom Kippur/Rosh

HashanahSpiritual leader: Rabbi

IslamFounder: Prophet MuhammadSymbol: Crescent moon with a

starScriptures: Qur’anPlace of worship: MosqueMajor holy day: Eid-al FitrSpiritual leader: Imam

HinduismFounder: No identified

individualSymbol: OmScriptures: VedasPlace of worship: Mandir/TempleMajor holy day: DiwaliSpiritual leader: Pundit

SikhismFounder: Guru NanakSymbol: Two swords with a

chakraScriptures: Granth SahibPlace of worship: GurudwaraMajor holy day: BaisakhiSpiritual leader: Guru

Religion - Question #3True or False

Most Arab Americans are Muslim?

FALSEAccording to the Arab-American Institute, 70% of Arab Americans are Christian, 20% are Muslim and 10% identify as other religion or no religious affiliation

Religion - Question #4What Federal law stipulates that only individuals of certifiable Native American ancestry enrolled in a federally recognized tribe are legally authorized to obtain eagle feathers for religious or spiritual use?

THE EAGLE FEATHER LAW− Native Americans and non-Native Americans frequently contest the value

and validity of this law, charging that it is discriminatory and infringes on tribal sovereignty.

− Many Native Americans claim adherence to some form of Christianity, some of these being cultural and religious combinations unique to the particular tribe.

− Traditional Native American culture embraces the ideals and practices of Native American Spirituality. These spiritualities may accompany adherence to another faith, or can represent a person's primary religious identity.

Religion - Question #5What percentage of African Americans/Blacks describe themselves as Christian?

81%

− 41% attend church at least once a week− 10% do not profess a religion or categorize

themselves as atheists or agnostic− A growing percentage of African

Americans/Blacks are practicing Muslims

Religion - Question #6What is the predominant religious affiliation among Latino Americans/Hispanics?

ROMAN CATHOLIC

A small but growing number of Hispanics belong to a Protestant denomination

Religion - Question #7Which cultural group has the most diverse religious practices?

ASIAN AMERICANS− Buddhism, Hinduism, Sikhism, Islam, Judaism and

Christianity (as well as yoga and related spiritual practices) all have long and well established roots in Asian culture, both overseas and here in the United States.

− Since the 1950s, many non-Asians in the United States have adopted the religious practices of Buddhists, Hindus and Sikhs.

What does it mean to beCulturally Competent?

Cultural Destructiveness - the conscious denial of another person’s culture, and/or the belief that one's own belief system is superior to all others.

Cultural Incapacity - despite understanding there are differences among cultures, refusing or not doing anything to change.

Cultural Blindness - overlooking differences as though they do not exist.

Cultural Pre-competence - begins to realize that there is a world outside of oneself.

Cultural Competence - values others and their differences; diversity is recognized and accepted.

Cultural Proficiency - occurs when diversity works together.

You will be culturally competent if:

• Regarding Michigan’s cultural groups, people and demographics: I am able to identify ethnic groups by characteristics, dress, language and demographics.

• Regarding cultural stereotypes, positive and negative labels, and cultural barriers: I am able to identify cultural labels and stereotypes of ethnic groups.

• Regarding cultural events: I am able to identify and discuss current cultural and civil rights issues affecting ethnic groups.


• Regarding your own cultural identity: I am able to recount my ancestral history and genealogy, and know how my culture played a critical role in America’s history.

• Regarding basic foreign language phrases used by my customers: I use and am learning key words in a language other than English to better communicate with ethnic groups.

• Regarding cultural communication styles and protocols: I am able to communicate while being sensitive to cultural communication styles, etiquette and appropriate behavior.


• Regarding cultural religious practices, traditions, values and dress: I am respectful of different cultural religions and religious practices.

• Regarding cultural resource and referral information: I am able to assist customers by providing appropriate cultural resource or referral information.

• Regarding cultural organizations and their leadership: I am able to identify national and local ethnic organizations and their leadership.

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• Regarding cultural differences and their impact: I am able to assess cultural differences and adapt my interactions and response.

• Regarding major civil rights movements, landmark cases, events and leaders: I strive to be well versed in civil rights history and events.

• Regarding cultural conflict resolution techniques: I am able to apply the principles of interpersonal conflict resolution, when interacting with colleagues and customers.

Additional InformationIs available by calling 1-800-432-3604 to reach the nearest MDCR Service Center.

Or on line at:−www.mi.gov/mdcr−www.mi.gov/mdch−www.miaahc.com

building cultural competence

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