AFRICAN AMERICAN
Values, Beliefs and Life Ways:
•
Strong kinship bonds•
Strong work orientation•
Strong religious orientation•
Adaptable family roles•
Use informal support network – church or community•
us”
Distrust of government & social services – feel “big brother doesn’t care about•
Most are assimilated to the Anglo-American culture•
Take care of their own•
Don’t like to admit they need help – strong sense of pride•
Lack of knowledge about available services and how the system works•
Natural remedies used frequently – laying on of hands and prayer are used to heal•
lifespan
Poverty impacts education, self-esteem, quality of life and lifestyle across the•
Seniors are highly respected – aging represents respect, authority and wisdom•
family being disgraced
Tend to keep things hidden within the family system – fear being disgraced orCommunication Tips:
•
Familiar with Anglo-American communication patterns•
interactions
Show respect at all times – history of racism and sense of powerlessness impacts•
confrontational/aggressive
Prolonged eye contact may be perceived as staring – interpreted as•
Use community and/or religious leaders if assistance is needed•
level of understanding
May have limited education – written and spoken words should be adapted to•
Don’t use “street slang” – this may be interpreted as ridicule•
lack of respect
Do not address by first name unless they request that you do so – interpreted as a•
Decision-maker is usually the eldest adult child•
married or not
Do not like to be asked questions about finances and past relationships, whetherLATINO
Values, Beliefs and Life Ways:
•
Group has more importance than self•
Strong family ties•
Strong church and community orientation/interdependence•
Distrust/fear of “government” – immigration status may impact interactions•
remain under authority/control of men
Male (machismo) dominant – father/husband is head of household – women•
Age dominant – respect for hierarchy•
Live for the present/today – fatalistic – feel powerless to control the future•
Take care of their own•
Negative view on asking for help – can take time before an agency is trusted•
Modesty is important•
information
Majority are Roman Catholic – church is seen as main source for services and•
Very proud of heritage – never forget where they came fromCommunication Tips:
•
Respect is basic for all communication•
Like to be approached first – do not easily initiate conversation•
respect
Eye contact is perceived as a more confrontational body language than a sign of•
Being ignored is a sign of disrespect and can be perceived as offensive•
Being personal, warm, trustworthy, and respectful is valued•
Avoid too much gesturing•
Encourage the individual to ask questions•
Make sure your questions have been understood•
Maintain an accepting attitude•
Let them know their ideas/thoughts/etc. are valued•
Personal space viewed as being closer than Anglo-Americans view it•
Very expressive in their communication•
Determine level of fluency in English – use interpreter if necessary•
Do not like to be asked about immigration status, religion and financial sourcesARAB/MUSLIM
Values, Beliefs and Life Ways:
•
Male dominant – always the head of the family•
Modesty important, especially females•
Shame to be avoided at all times•
Don’t like to admit they don’t know something•
all costs
Honor and respect for families and friends needs to be protected and defended at•
Believe in predestination/fate•
Men stand when a female enters the room•
Men protect women•
Women usually do not eat or socialize in the same room as men•
Patriarchal/hierarchical society – age and wisdom honored•
Family is the key social unit – have large families•
Religion is central to all things•
Time is less rigid – slower and more relaxed than Anglo-American•
questions
Woman does all caretaking and defers to father/husband before answering•
Avoid touching females if of the opposite sex – use same sex mediator•
Do not discuss sexual matters with someone of the opposite sexCommunication Tips:
•
Ask many questions to clarify that they understand•
Right hand is always used for clean activities•
finger together
A lot of hand gestures are perceived as obscene – ex: putting thumb & pointing•
Observe distance between genders when there is no previous relationship•
Expect less eye contact from females if you are a male•
Avoid touching females if you are a male•
Always introduce yourself – do not talk to a woman until you’ve been introduced•
woman yourself
Do not shake a woman’s hand unless she offers her hand first or if you’re a•
Do not ask an Arab about his wife or other female relatives•
Do not show soles of feet while sitting – this is considered rude•
Expect tardiness•
Greet in order of seniority•
Do not stare or maintain eye contact with a woman• It is considered offensive to step or lean away
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