Introduction
In his text Introduction to Point/Counterpoint, the author talks about multicultural counseling. He is convinced that the problem of communication between different cultures appeared primarily due to the demographic growth in the United States (Brown, 1990). He notes that this issue is the most relevant for American society today, followed by two counseling researchers’ narration. In the article A Not So Provincial View of Multicultural Counseling, Locke discusses why diversity is necessary for the culture and how it is applied in practice. Considering the issue in the context of counseling as an interaction between a client and a consultant, the author establishes that people face cultural and racial barriers (Locke, 1990). However, the misconception is that these obstacles hinder communication or hurt society. Rather, on the contrary, multiculturalism forces individuals to see the uniqueness and influence of culture in living examples, which leads to the development of intelligence and worldview.
Discussion
The article Tacking a Universal Approach to Multicultural Counseling discusses the importance of intercultural dialogue in the development and formation of society. Fukuyama emphasizes that intercultural counseling is a recent phenomenon but occurs simultaneously with political and social movements. In addition, the author separately analyzes ethics and its norms, which should oblige citizens to follow the humane principles of equality even in specific areas of life (Fukuyama, 1990). It is important to note that the author’s approach is more progressive than the previous, conservative one.
In the article Has the Color of the Rat Rally Changed? the author reviews the emergence of blacks in science and psychology. Kirk criticizes the fact that in the past, white people tested black people to prove and reinforce the prejudice against racial differences. In other words, the science of eugenics and psychology tried to prove the adequacy and validity of the slave position of blacks (Kirk, 1978). Gradually, the author comes to see how effectively African Americans proved the opposite through the appearance of black scientists, as well as awards for their achievements in psychology.
Conclusion
In their article, The American Psychological Association’s Response to Brown v. Board of Education: The Case of Kenneth B. Clark, a group of researchers turns to history to determine what set a precedent for the fight against segregation in the court. They analyze the case that underpinned school segregation in 17 states (Benjamin et al., 2002). The authors note that the case is fundamental because it was the first in American history. Moreover, it has special significance for psychology as it marked the first time that psychological research was mentioned in a Supreme Court decision.
References
Benjamin, L. T., Crouse, E. M., Texas A&M, Dept of Psychology. (2002). The American Psychological Association’s response to Brown v. Board of Education: The case of Kenneth B. Clark. American Psychologist, 57(1), 38 –50.
Brown, D. (Ed.). (1990). Introduction to point/counterpoint. Counselor Education and Supervision, 30(1), 5.
Fukuyama, M. A. (1990). Taking a universal approach to multicultural counseling. Counselor Education and Supervision, 30(1), 6 –17.
Kirk, A. R. (1978). Has the color of the rat really changed? Contemporary Psychology, 23(7), 500 –501.
Locke, D. C. (1990). A not so provincial view of multicultural counseling. Counselor Education and Supervision, 30(1), 18 –25.