Personal Exploration Worksheet

Part 1: Select 4 groups that you are the least familiar with from the following list:

• African Americans • Native Americans • Latino(a) • Asian Americans • Jewish Americans • Arab/Muslim Americans • Single mothers • Displaced homemakers • People over 60 • Unemployed people over 50 • Immigrants

Part 2: Write a 50- to 100-word response to each question:

Group 1: people over 60

1) Describe your assumptions, beliefs, and perceptions about members of this group. People over 60 are most likely already retired and don’t work. They reach level of maturation and wisdom. They are people in their retirement year when they feel they need to travel and relax they go without worries. They reach mental decline don’t like everyday life changes, reach a level independency. At this age generative stage and feel like they lost their sense of dependency. Doctors’ visits are more frequent because of decline. They are set in old ways from their past and don’t like to experience new ideas or change. In many instances they could be racist because of their upbringing. Not wanting to change the way they think regarding diversity. Also they start to think about deaf more and afraid of how that day will come. Another things poor physical health body aches, hearing, vision problem. One main issue. I believe feeling empty and Loneliness without their companion. Depression the feeling of not having appetite for sex drive and losing their memory loss of creativeness. The regrets of not making better decision when in a better stage of mind.

• When you think about working professionally with members of this group, are there traits, characteristics, or other issues about the group that you would be curious about, concerned about, or intimidated by? Why would understanding diversity issues be important to you as a human services worker? Some of the concerns would be can they contribute the organization like a younger person can also stability, reliability and dependability. I say this because at this age they have so, many medical issues that it would be a concern. Not being as sharp with memory. Any other diseases that occur due to age such as hip, arthritis Alzheimer’s and back and knee problems. I am aware that at this age they may only have Medicare AB to care for medical expenses. Having an understanding of diversity will help with making sure we are sensitive to diversity with this age group but also respect everyone as a whole is important because there are different cultures in the older generation and they may have different expectations, views, and ideas about human service workers. Caring for them individually as a person is important.

2) How could advanced knowledge of the group address concerns and assumptions? Advanced knowledge of medical history and the medical field could help with this group. Also understanding different diseases and conditions that affect this group will help when treating the clients and helping them. It will take less stress of off the client if you understand their situation their going through.

3) What kind of information, learning experiences, contact, and so forth would you need to increase your knowledge about this group? I would need research about the elderly programs that organizations have to offer. Also medical information that could be a great attribute to the elderly. The different medical conditions that elderly can attract because of their age. The knowledge to be able to interact with the elderly visit nursing home interact with them listen to them talk about their different experience of life. This will allow me to be in touch with their daily activity but I will be learning a great deal.

Group 2: Jewish Americans

1) Describe your assumptions, beliefs, and perceptions about members of this group. The most I know about this group is from the Holocaust. Most Jews are very religious and often can only marry another Jewish member. It is said that Jews are very smart and often greedy with money. Jewish families are also very close.

2) When you think about working professionally with members of this group, are there traits, characteristics, or other issues about the group that you would be curious about, concerned about, or intimidated by? Why would understanding diversity issues be important to you as a human services worker? I don’t see the Jewish population as being much different then the rest of the population. They may be more religious in their beliefs, but I personally have no concerns about this group. It’s important to understand this group just as it is every other group. To get to know their differences and culture.

3) How could advanced knowledge of the group address concerns and assumptions? Advanced knowledge of this group can help people see Jewish as being more than just part of history and the Holocaust.

4) What kind of information, learning experiences, contact, and so forth would you need to increase your knowledge about this group? Visit religious place that the Jewish group takes part it and learn about their practices. Understanding their cultural background and religious believes. Jewish believe in one God and also go a text called Torah also they believe humans kids was created in a divine image. Jewish organizations can be contact for more information and also by visiting the museum will also help with becoming familiar with culture.

Group 3: Native Americans

1) Describe your assumptions, beliefs, and perceptions about members of this group. My assumptions and beliefs about this group is that they are very wise and live off of the land. They have learned a lot from their ancestors and use it in daily living. I would still assume that they live off of the land and use no technology and electricity. Of course some may have adapted to live now and live in homes. They believe in the afterlife, and worship the sun, rain, and nature. They have many gods.

2) When you think about working professionally with members of this group, are there traits, characteristics, or other issues about the group that you would be curious about, concerned about, or intimidated by? Why would understanding diversity issues be important to you as a human services worker? I would think that Native Americans would be harder to work with because they may not agree with everything the worker is trying to do. They may feel weak to ask for help. They have many beliefs that may come in the way of receiving help, such as using certain medicines or getting government help. It would be important to understand this group so that the service worker does not offend the client and can help them using their knowledge of their culture.

3) How could advanced knowledge of the group address concerns and assumptions? Advanced knowledge of Native Americans can address concerns and assumptions because you will learn the true beliefs of Native Americans and how they evolved into today’s society. You will learn how to handle situations without offending them. They will respect you for the knowledge you have gained in their account.

4) What kind of information, learning experiences, contact, and so forth would you need to increase your knowledge about this group? Going to an Indian burial ground or a museum about Native Americans can expand your knowledge about this group. There are also places were Indian tribes still exists and live off of the land. Spending time there would gain personal experience. You can even get in contact with families who have had ancestors that were Native Americans and learn about this group.

Group 4: Arab Muslim Americans

1) Describe your assumptions, beliefs, and perceptions about members of this group. Females are valued less than males. Females also cover themselves from head to toe in clothing. , They do not speak unless spoken to first. I believe that most Americans are afraid of this group because of September 11th, and that this group is not very fond of Americans. Muslims speak another language and may not understand American ways of equality between men and women,

2) When you think about working professionally with members of this group, are there traits, characteristics, or other issues about the group that you would be curious about, concerned about, or intimidated by? Why would understanding diversity issues be important to you as a human services worker? I would be curious to see if a female came to get help with her partner if she would of speak or let the male do all of the talking. I would be curious to see how my client is adapting to life in America and if people treat them differently and how.

3) How could advanced knowledge of the group address concerns and assumptions? Advanced knowledge of this group can put away fear that many Americans may still have because of the September 11th attack. Human service providers would learn how to talk to their clients and help them without offending their culture. Understanding and making sure them no one’s feelings are hurt during this process.

4) What kind of information, learning experiences, contact, and so forth would you need to increase your knowledge about this group? I would need to do my research to make sure that I get correct facts about the culture because just knowing about the people is about knowing the culture. Talking to member and allowing them to express their feeling to have a better understanding about the September 11th and how people perceive the Muslim community after this sad event that took place in America. Muslim synagogue could be contact to get more information.