Culture provides a larger sense of who we are, where we come from and where we belong. Culture can provide us with a lens through which we frame, relate to or understand events. A culture doesn’t have to be defined by racial or ethnic background. It can be identified by where the person’s heart sits, or where they feel the most understood or the greatest sense of belonging. We can participate in and belong to many cultures, though we usually identify mainly with one. When we look at culture this way, it becomes a very fluid entity, applicable to all people.
In my work as a counselor and advocate, I’ve seen the impact of traumatic events on many people. These events have been associated with war; political, sexual, gender, religious and racial oppression; stigma and prejudice of mental health and addictions; physical ability; and socio-economic status. Experiencing trauma often results in mental health concerns such as isolation, loss of self-esteem, substance abuse or dependence, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety and depression.
In trauma situations, we often see a glaring power differential. The person may have been forced by the person or group that perpetrated the trauma to participate in, or witness, acts against their will. Examples include discrimination, mental/physical/spiritual abuses, political oppression and children witnessing violence. A “for the people by the people” perspective decreases the effect of power inequities.
The feeling of belonging and being understood helps heal the impacts of trauma, oftentimes reinforcing resilience.
For this discussion, pick a culture that you are unfamiliar with and share some research on their cultural practices that might be necessary for you to be aware of so that you, as the social worker, can help them on their journey to healing from trauma. (e.g. – In Japanese culture, people are taught not to maintain eye contact with others because too much eye contact is often considered disrespectful. For example, Japanese children are taught to look at others’ necks because this way, the others’ eyes still fall into their peripheral vision)