The concept of social work and culture in the context of the US is an extremely complex and multi-layered issue due to the growing diversity within the state. Indeed, the lack of cultural awareness is an unacceptable manifestation of ignorance in a country driven by diversity, inclusion, and variety. When speaking of the phenomenon of the American culture, many people share a belief that the American culture does not exist per se, as it is rather comprised of thousands of layers of ethnicity, religion, and values (ePluribusAmerica, 2017). For this reason, one of the central ideas in the NASW (2021) Code of Ethics is the standard of cultural sensitivity, which claims that every social worker should be aware of the fact that only an individual can be an expert in their culture and system of values and beliefs.
Personally, I subconsciously represent the combination of diverse ethnic backgrounds, including Russian, Greek, German, and American cultures. However, my appearance as a white person is associated with standard Caucasian looks, so people tend to perceive me as a white American rather than an individual with a diverse and rich history. Although raised Jewish, I do not consider myself a religious person, so my beliefs and values are focused on personal attitudes and perceptions rather than religious dogmas. As a person willing to work closely with others, I put respect and compassion as central ideas of my value system. When treating people with the respect they deserve, one is more likely to encourage them to shed light on their beliefs and concerns. Indeed, not only does respect benefit human services in terms of creating a strong communication bond, but it also creates a foundation for a unique yet united American culture.
References
ePluribusAmerica. (2017). Defining American culture [Video]. YouTube.
NASW. (2021). Code of ethics of NASW.