Intersectionality-Cultural

Cross-Cultural Interview 

1. Summarize your interview in writing (15%). You do not need to transcribe your interview, just summarize and reflect on the content. 

Your paper should include the below sections: 

a. Introduction (1/2 page): In this section discuss how you selected your interview participant, where the interview was conducted, and your personal reactions as you scheduled and then met for the interview. 

b. Interviewee’s Worldview and Life Experiences (2 pages): This section should include three subsections which address the following: a. primary cultural values (age, generation, family, social structure, values, beliefs, language, etc.) b. bicultural experiences (acculturation, conflict, identity, social relationships, etc.) c. consequences of oppression (personal experiences, reactions, worldview, coping style, etc.) *Based on your readings, personal explorations, and class discussions, you will develop a list of ten questions you will use to address these issues in the interview. 

c. Similarities and Differences (1 page): Compare and contrast your cultural history and experiences with the life experiences of your interviewee. 

d. Reactions and Personal Insights (1 page):

This section should include two subsections:

· Personal insights (Reflect on your level of cultural awareness at the start of the semester, how have you grown, what have you learned about yourself and those around you, etc.)

· Future personal development (What you need and intend to do to continue your process for cultural awareness and development, fears you will need to confront in the future, supports you will seek out, and so forth). 

e. Conclusions (1/2 page): Describe your internal reactions to, and observations of, the interviewee’s communication style, and the interaction between you and the interviewee. Consider issues of trust level, immediacy, tone, attitudes of both parties, and unique qualities of the interviewee. Finally, comment on the possible counseling issues for this individual and the appropriate counseling strategies as well as any other dynamics a counselor would need to be effective with him or her.

The paper should be in

· APA format, 5 pages (not including interview questions),

· Double-spaced, Times New Roman, 12 font.

· You will include the list of questions in the appendix of your paper.

Interview:

Cross-Cultural Interview Questions

1. Where were you born? What languages did you grow up speaking? 

I was born in the Dominican Republic and I grew up speaking Spanish. I learned English while being in the U.S. for over 20 years. Currently speaking English, I still believe I have a thick accent and I sometimes code-switch to Spanish when I do not know the word in English.

2. When did you come to the United States and why? 

I came to the U.S. for the popular American dream. When you are born in a third-world country, thoughts of coming to the U.S. is everything. My intention was to come to the U.S. and make my life here so I can provide for myself, and my family and become someone in the “land of opportunities” as it is often referred to. Making it in the U.S. is a major accomplishment as my struggles in my country of origin were a lot different.

3. Did at any point you feel that access to information in your native language was denied? 

At all points, I feel that access to information in my native language was denied. I needed to sit in college classes with English instruction, spent hours reviewing textbooks, and go to tutoring because I simply did not understand the language. It took me time to understand thoroughly and also communicate confidently as often I would be bullied due to my thick accent.

4. Do you think that maintaining your culture and linguistic diversity it’s a problem to strive for in a career achievement or economic success? 

I do not think that maintaining my culture and linguistic diversity is a problem to strive for in career achievement or economic success. The fact that I am linguistically diverse has been an advantage and has made me want to assist my population as I’m able to effectively communicate and show empathy at a different capacity than others also in the field. My culture has gotten me to the position I am in today and all the obstacles I had to overcome to be in my current position are something to be so prideful about.

 

5. Have you been discriminated against based on your English fluency or your cultural background?

Give me an example I have been discriminated against based on my English fluency. For example, my husband is of Puerto Rican descent; however, born and raised in Brooklyn. My husband is fluent in English and Spanish; however, prefers to speak English. When I attempt to speak in English, he often notes that he cannot understand what I’m saying due to not hearing the correct pronunciation. This makes me feel frustrated because he is also aided with visual cues on my expression and still makes it seem as if he does not know what I’m referring to due to the lack of correct pronunciation.

 

6. What language do you identify with the most? 

Which do you consider dominant? Has this changed over time? During elementary school, I was placed in an ESL class due to speaking Spanish at home. I used to often code-switch between Spanish and English and vice-versa. All throughout my elementary school, middle school, and high school, I was in a class called SETS/Resource where students are grouped for more support by ability in a specific subject. Due to being enrolled in this class, I was given extended time to complete state exams and other tests. As I had English instruction throughout the elementary, middle, high school, and college, I became more dominant in the English language and now speak Spanish while interacting with family members.

 

7. What benefits come from being bilingual or multilingual? What challenges come with being bilingual in this society? 

Speaking two languages is a privilege. I’m able to effectively communicate with my older family members that never learned English and being able to do so is part of my identity. As a first-generation college graduate, I’m able to express myself in Spanish and English and I’m also able to aid other populations. In the Social Work field, it is very difficult to find Licensed Spanish providers and it is so unfair as often populations who are not English dominant/English speaking are in need of social services the most. Additionally, the Social Work profession also lacks training in the Spanish language and therefore does not know how to effectively translate or treat. There are not enough resources for populations that do not speak English. With this bilingual extension, I’m also providing hope for future generations to overcome barriers in a society that solely depends on the assimilation of one culture.

8. Can you tell me about your religious background? 

My religious background was Jehovah's Witness. I grew up in a very conservative household and when I came to the U.S., I faced discrimination due to my conservative views. Being a Jehovah's Witness and the Dominican Republic and in New York are completely different. In the Dominican Republic, I had a sense of community; however here in the U.S., I was ostracized by the religious community because my husband was not part of my same religion.

9. How is mental illness viewed in your cultural group? 

Within the Hispanic culture, mental illness is portrayed very negatively. Whether it be fear of seeking medical attention due to intergenerational trauma, lack of affordable healthcare, and male machismo, it is a disservice to the Hispanic population. The few people who do have access to help are often marginalized as “crazy people” or “addicts”. This narrative needs to change.

10. What is considered the most respectful/disrespectful in your culture? 

I believe what is considered the most respectful in my culture is speaking to elders. The most disrespectful in my culture is being disrespectful to my elders. In my culture, elders have a different stature that is often admired, and being disrespectful to them is significant.

11. Have you ever experienced racism? 

I am White passing meaning my skin is white. Because of this physical attribute, people often ask what my ethical background is and are surprised when I tell them my ethnicity. Within the Hispanic culture, there is a lot of racism. I remember my grandmother always thanking my father because I inherited his “good hair” as opposed to my mother’s coarse hair.  African physical attributes are common in our people; however, intergenerational trauma has associated African physical attributes with animalistic features. Hispanic hair and Hispanic features are so beautiful and the fact that family and society tell us otherwise is a way I encounter racism.