Cultural Competence Bridging the Gap

Cultural Knowledge Being familiar with selected cultural characteristics, history, values, belief systems and behaviors of members of another ethnic group

Cultural Awareness Developing sensitivity and understanding of another ethnic group. Making INTERNAL changes in terms of attitude and values. Requires an attitude of openness and flexibility that people develop in relation to others.

Cultural Sensitivity Knowing that cultural differences and similarities exist without assigning values, i.e., better or worse, right or wrong, good or bad to those cultural differences.

Stereotypes Stereotypes are: Gross generalizations regarding groups of people Categorizing people attributing inflexible characteristics Are almost always damaging

When We Believe Stereotypes We see what we expect We expect the person to disprove the stereotype Find ways to create the expected characteristic See those who do not conform as the exception

We All Have Biases

Yes, Even You!