SOW 303-801 Human Diversity

Reflection Paper #1

Chaney Stokes

January 31, 2017

 1) What is your definition of culture and how do you identify your own culture and its

framework?

Culture is identified as ones beliefs and values based on what a person has learned through

experience, and what has been passed down through generations. I define my culture as complex

and always evolving. I believe my culture is based on what I learned through my ancestors and

my faith. I also believe that as our society change, my ideas and thoughts about life change as

well.

2) What did you learn about your culture in your upbringing?

My upbringing consisted of respect for my elders, love for my siblings and, to do what

youre told, not what you see. Growing up, my parents insisted that eye contact meant you were

listening and understanding to what is said. When there was no eye contact, you were being

disrespectful. As children, we were taught that the information between man and woman should

be different. Those of an opposite sex should interact differently and more conservatively than

that of the same sex.

Discipline was of the hands of the more dominant parent in my household. Because of the

situations in my household, discipline was given by someone who could be considered

emotionally unable and irrational. There were times when discipline was imposed without a

logical cause. This goes back to respecting your elders, which means parents are typically always

right- not matter what.

3) What beliefs do you hold or have held regarding those who are diverse from you?

It has become so important for me to understand the beliefs and culture of those who are

different from me. It is easy for me to understand the importance of accepting and

acknowledging the difference of others because I have always been different even in my own

culture. I know how it feels to communicate with people who dont fully understand where I

come from, and what has shaped my thinking. Our society has now developed a means of

allowing people to be who they are, and embrace their own thought process. It some situations it

may be difficult for me not to pose my own bias upon, specifically with those who intentionally

cause harm to others, but I would work extremely hard to bypass my biased open in order to

serve those in need.

4) How did you come to develop and hold these beliefs?

Its easier for me to accept others and their culture because I want people to accept me and

my way of life. I also have a relationship with God which allows me to not think so much of

myself, but focus on others and ways to empower him or her to be a better person. With that

perspective, its much easier for me to acknowledge the difference in each of us.
 I have also worked in child welfare/mental health as a family partner for many years. In that

environment, I have typically experienced a different way of living than those around me.

Because of this, I have come to appreciate those who are different. I also am fully aware of my

own biases towards those who dont always have the best interest of others over their own.

Knowing my biases, I still try my hardest to combat my natural thought with a more positive and

culturally sensitive thought.

5) Discuss if your beliefs uphold the core/ethical values of social work.

Based on the ethical standards for social workers, I believe my beliefs are consistent with

the values of social work. I believe the two values, which stand out the most, are social justice,

dignity, and worth of a person. These social work values help guide my thought process in terms

of advocating for the rights of everyone and to treat people fairly regardless of my own thoughts

and beliefs.