Building Cultural Competence
Learning Objectives
By the end of this self-study course, you will be
able to:
− Use and apply common definitions related to
cultural competence.
− Describe Michigan’s five cultural ethnic groups,
including demographics, cultural protocols, religious
affiliations and communications styles.
− Describe the behaviors of cultural competence.
The Diversity Quiz
 Don’t worry – this is really not a quiz! You will not be
graded. We just thought you might enjoy answering a
few questions as a way of learning the information.
The “Quiz” is divided into 4 sections: Definitions,
Demographics, Cultural Protocols and Religion.
 Click once to read the question and see if you can
figure out the answer. Don’t worry if you can’t, click
again and we’ll provide the answer along with some
interesting information. HAVE FUN!
3
Definitions - Question #1
What is the term that describes social groups with a
shared history, sense of identity, geography and cultural
roots which may occur despite racial difference, and is
most often based on language and/or religious affiliation?
ETHNICITY
Definitions - Question #2
What is the term that describes a human population
considered to be distinct based on physical
characteristics, most often skin color (it is also a social
construct created to categorize people)?
RACE
Definitions - Question #3
What is the term that identifies the country in which a
person was born, or from which the person’s ancestors
came?
NATIONAL ORIGIN
Definitions - Question #4
What is the term used to describe all people who are not
white?
PEOPLE OF COLOR
(This term is meant to be inclusive, emphasizing common
experiences of racism)
Definitions - Question #5
•What does the acronym GLBTQ stand for?
GAY, LESBIAN, BI-ATTRACTIONAL,
TRANSGENDER & QUESTIONING
(You may also see this referenced as LGBT)
Definitions - Question #6
What is the term that describes a set of beliefs and
practices, often centered upon specific supernatural and
moral claims about reality, the cosmos and human nature?
RELIGION
(This is often codified as prayer, ritual and religious law)
Definitions - Question #7
What is the term that describes unconditional positive
regard without the dictates of an organized religious
institution or practice?
SPIRITUALITY
Definitions - Question #8
What is the term that describes a person’s sense of
maleness or femaleness based on behavior, identity
and/or how he or she expresses “male” or “female”
traits?
GENDER
(Gender is a social construct that is largely artificial)
Gender Identity is a person’s deepest, most innate sense
of maleness (masculinity) or femaleness (femininity)
Definitions - Question #9
What is the term that describes the pattern of a person’s
physical, sexual and psychological attraction to someone
of a particular sex?
SEXUAL ORIENTATION
(This is the proper scientific, social and legal term)
Definitions - Question #10
What is the term that describes assignment at birth,
usually by a doctor, as male or female based on biological
appearance?
•SEX or BIOLOGICAL SEX
Definitions - Question #11
What is the term that describes a determinable physical
or mental characteristic for an individual which may
result from disease, injury, congenital condition of birth
or functional disorder, if the characteristic substantially
limits one or more major life activities?
DISABILITY
Definitions - Question #12
What term describes the totality of socially transmitted
behavior patterns, arts, beliefs, institutions and all other
products of human work and thought characteristic of a
community or population?
CULTURE
Definitions - Question #13
What is the term used to describe the ability of one
culture to understand and feel comfortable with the
cultures of other people?
CULTURAL COMPETENCY
Definitions - Question #14
What is the term used to describe a situation where
others and their differences are valued, and diversity is
recognized and accepted?
CULTURAL COMPETENCE
Definitions - Question #15
What is the term (considered destructive) used to
describe American cultural norms wherein diverse
populations must abandon their race, color, national
origin/ethnicity, sexual identity and religious identity to
conform to the predominant (White) culture?
MELTING POT
Key Points Thus Far
 Everyone is temporarily able-bodied. There are two
types of disability: Mental and Physical
 Everyone has a sex, gender, gender identity and
sexual orientation.
 Everyone has a race, national origin, ethnicity, color
and religious identity (even if agnostic or atheist).
 How we choose to define, embrace or hide these
attributes is often dictated by how society perceives
us as belonging to or not belonging to these particular
groups, and the stereotypes associated with these
groups.
Demographics - Question #1
What group makes up the single largest racial minority in
the United States?
AFRICAN AMERICANS
Hispanics make up the largest ethnic minority. Also, people in this
racial group are almost evenly split between how they want to be
considered: African American 44%, Black 42%, No Preference 11%.
Demographics - Question #2
Where in the U.S. do the majority of African Americans
live?
17.86%
THE SOUTH
•56.53% live in the South,
•17.86% live in the Midwest
•16.83% live in the Northeast and
•8.79% live in the West
•Note: Refers to individuals who have origins in any of the black
racial groups of Africa. Most African Americans are the descendants
56.53%
of captive Africans who survived U.S. slavery.
Demographics - Question #3
What percentage of Michigan’s population consists of
African Americans?
14.2% or 1,400,362 people
Michigan has the 12th largest African American population behind New
York, Florida, Texas, Georgia, California, North Carolina, Illinois,
Maryland, Virginia, Louisiana, and Ohio. This is down from our
ranking 9th in 2000. Michigan ranks third in the Midwest behind
Illinois and Ohio.
Demographics - Question #4
Which cultural group consists of the indigenous people
from the regions of North America now encompassed by
the United States, including parts of Alaska?
AMERICAN INDIANS/NATIVE AMERICANS
They comprise a large number of distinct tribes, states and ethnic
groups, many of which survive as intact political communities. Tribal
communities are considered separate, sovereign nations. Only the
Federal government can “recognize” a tribe, based on historical
records and cultural identity, into legal existence.
Demographics - Question #5
How many federally recognized tribes are there in
Michigan?
TWELVE
Bay Mills Indian Community, Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and
Chippewa Indians, Gun Lake Tribe, Hannahville Potawatomi Indian
Community, Huron Potawatomi, Keweenaw Bay Indian Community
Tribe, Lac Vieux Desert Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians,
Little River Band of Ottawa Indians, Little Traverse Bay of Odawa
Indians, Pokagon Band of Potawatomi, Saginaw Chippewa Indian
Tribe, and Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians
Demographics - Question #6
What part of the country has the highest Native American
population?
15.64%
THE WEST
•45.6% live in the West
•31.5% live in the South
•15.64% live in the Midwest and
•7.62% live in the Northeast.
•58,500 Native Americans live in Michigan (0.6% of Michigan’s population).
31.5%
There are 2,900,000 Native Americans nationwide (1.2% of the national
population).
Demographics - Question #7
Name the “Three Nations” which comprise the 12
Federally recognized tribes in Michigan.
CHIPPEWA or OJIBWAY,
OTTAWA or ODAWA and POTAWATOMIS
Demographics - Question #8
What percentage of Michigan’s population consists of
Asian Americans?
11.78%
2.2% or 238,600 people
Most Asian Americans have settled in Southeastern
Michigan; primarily in Oakland County, followed by
Washtenaw, Ingham, Wayne and Genesee counties. There
are 14,674,252 Asian Americans in the
U.S., which
21.90%
represents 4.8% of the national population.
Demographics - Question #9
What is the largest Asian American group in Michigan?
ASIAN INDIAN
Followed by Chinese, Filipinos, Bangladeshis, Hmong, Koreans,
Japanese and other Southeast Asians.
Overall, countries of origin for Asian Americans include Afghanistan,
Bangladesh, Cambodia, China, East Timor, India, Indonesia, Japan,
Kazakhstan, Korea, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Malaysia, Mongolia, Myanmar (Burma),
Nepal, Pakistan, Philippines, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Tajikistan,
Thailand, Tibet, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, and Vietnam.
Demographics - Question #10
What percentage of Michigan’s population consists of Latino
Americans/Hispanics?
4.4% or 436,358 people
The major population centers for Latinos in Michigan include Metro
Detroit (174,000) followed by Grand Rapids, Flint, Saginaw and Lansing.
Nationally, Latinos number over 54 million or 16.3% of the total U.S.
population making this the country’s largest ethnic minority
Note – Hispanic is an ethnic category, not a race or racial category; it
may include persons who consider themselves, or who are perceived to
be, White, Black or Asian.
Demographics - Question #11
How many countries of origin are there for Hispanics?
20
Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba,
Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala,
Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru,
Puerto Rico, Spain, Uruguay and Venezuela.
Demographics - Question #12
What are the 2 dominant features of the Arab world?
ARABIC LANGUAGE and the RELIGION OF
ISLAM
However, not all Arabs are Muslim and not all Muslims
are Arabs. In fact, the question of who is an Arab is in
itself a highly contested issue.
Demographics - Question #13
How many countries comprise the Arab world?
22
Algeria, Bahrain, Comoros Islands, Djibouti, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan,
Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, Mauritania, Oman, Palestine,
Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, The United Arab Emirates,
Tunisia, and Yemen
•72% of these countries are in North Africa and 28% are in Asia
•It is also important to note that the Arab world is also the home to
non-Arab-ethnic groups such as Assyrians, Kurds, Armenians and
Chaldeans
Demographics - Question #14
What percentage of Michigan’s population is Arab
American?
5% or 490,00 people
The U.S. Census Bureau does not gather direct data on
the Arab American population however it is estimated
that about 5,000,000 Arab Americans live in the U.S.
Michigan Quick Facts
•6% is “foreign born.”
•22% identify as non-White.
•50.8% are Women.
•17% reported having a disability.
•9% or 130,000 people 5+ years and older do not
speak English “well” or “very well” and are
classified LEP
Change is a fact
•9,883,640 People
•Losses Since 2000
− 2% White
− 0.9% Black/African
American
− 3.3% Hawaiian-Pacific
Islanders
Change
0.00%
-0.50%
White
-1.00%
Black
HPI
Black, 0.90%
-1.50%
-2.00%
White, -2%
-2.50%
-3.00%
-3.50%
HPI, -3.30%
Change is a fact
•9,883,640 People
•Gains Since 2000
− 6% American
Indian/Alaskan Native
− 34.9% Asian
− 34.7% Hispanic/Latino
− 19.7% Two or More
Races
Change
40%
Asian,
34.90%
Hispanic/
Latino,
34.70%
30%
Two/More,
19.70%
20%
10%
AIAN, 6.00%
0%
AIAN
Asian
Hispanic/Latino
Two/More
Cultural Protocols
Many of us do not even think about the way we
communicate, whether it is eye contact,
personal space or body language.
•
Communication is verbal and non-verbal, conscious and
unconscious and occurs at all times.
•
Culture influences every individual and individuals from the
same cultures may react or conduct themselves differently
than the “cultural norm”.
•
Communication is culture-bound (attitudes, beliefs, and
ultimately behaviors).
Cultural Protocols
 People assume members of racial, linguistic, and
religious groups share a common culture.
 However, individuals may share nothing beyond similar
physical appearance, language, or spiritual beliefs.
 There are numerous communications styles WITHIN
racial, gender, and ethnic groups.
 Some cultural groups have a unique greeting or body
language while some things we all have in common.
Cultural Protocols
 Assimilation and acculturation can create
kaleidoscopes of subcultures within racial and ethnic
groups.
 Other factors such as gender, geographic locality, and
socioeconomic status can be more powerful than racial
factors.
What does this mean?
 It is difficult, if not impossible, to provide any uniform
or universal rules regarding a cultural group’s norms.
 The protocols and norms that follow are only
guidelines!!!
 Everyone deserves respect regardless of their
particular race, color, national origin/ethnicity,
socioeconomic status, sexual orientation or disability
status.
Cultural Protocols - Question #1
For what cultural group are gender roles often different
for men and women, and boys and girls?
ARAB AMERICANS
For some Arab Americans, this may mean dressing
modestly, little socializing with the opposite sex and not
dating as young people. Families tend to have very close
relationships and extended families usually live near one
another and are intimately involved in each other’s lives.
Elders are shown considerable respect in family and
community groups.
Arab American Culture
 Among many Arab Americans, use of the left hand to
touch another person, to reach for something, or to
take or pass food is inappropriate, because the left
hand is associated with personal, bodily functions.
 Shoes and the soles of one’s feet are also thought of
as being unclean. So, stretching out or crossing your
legs and causing the feet to point at or to touch
someone is considered inappropriate.
Cultural Protocols - Question #2
For which cultural group is gesturing at someone or even a
specific object potentially considered disrespectful,
particularly if that gesture is the pointing of a finger?
NATIVE AMERICANS
Most Native American Indians consider gestureless speech as "lifeless"
speech, unspirited and indicating non-involvement, shows reluctance
and can be perceived of as insulting. A true traditionalist draws the
observer’s attention to the point of concern or interest through facial
gestures, cutting the eyes in the precise direction or with a slight nod
of the head toward the intended point of focus or interest.
Native American Culture
 Native Americans do not favor direct eye contact and
may look down or away from another party while
speaking.
 Although many Native Americans are accustomed to
firm, long handshakes, some may opt for making a fist
and placing it in the center of their chest, as personal
touching between individuals is not a common
practice.
 Native Americans generally prefer distance between
individuals while standing.
Cultural Protocols - Question #3
Which cultural group is accustomed to giving firm, long
handshakes, interpersonal touching and are generally
neutral about standing close when standing?
AFRICAN AMERICANS
It is important to remember that a person’s skin color (black) may not
create a cultural identity or affinity to the African American/Black
culture here in the United States.
For some African Americans, eye contact may be perceived as
disrespectful when involving someone in authority, may show respect
and integrity, or may be perceived as challenging.
African American/Black Culture
 79% agree that it is important to preserve traditions
such as music, cultural traditions, and food.
 71% think its important “to stick together to achieve
gains for the community”.
Cultural Protocols - Question #4
Which cultural group generally accepts physical closeness
of individuals when standing or conversing (i.e., relatively
small personal space)?
LATINO AMERICANS/HISPANICS
Generally, Latinos give firm, long handshakes, but may
embrace or kiss one another in greetings, particularly
friends or close acquaintances.
Latinos prefer limited directness of eye contact, and may
bow or nod and look away when speaking with someone.
Latino American/Hispanic Culture
 Contrary to popular belief, only 40% of Latino
Americans and Hispanics are foreign-born immigrants,
regardless of their U.S. citizenship status.
 Many of the 60% of Latino Americans/Hispanics who
are U.S.–born, are children or grandchildren of
immigrants.
 In all, a full 90% of all Latino Americans/Hispanics
speak English. At least 78% of all Latino
Americans/Hispanics speak Spanish.
 Because Puerto Rico is a self-governing,
unincorporated territory of the United States, Puerto
Rican citizens are statutorily U.S. Citizens.
Cultural Protocols - Question #5
For which cultural group is academic achievement
considered the greatest tribute that one can bestow upon
one’s parents and family?
ASIAN AMERICANS
In many Asian cultures, the family is the basic unit of society and the
central focus of the individual’s life.
Virtues such as patience, perseverance, self-sacrifice, maintenance of
inner strength, self-restraint, modesty, and humility are each
considered necessary expressions of dignity that promote the group
welfare.
Asian American Culture
 It is not unusual for someone of an Asian cultural
background to smile or laugh softly when describing
something that is confusing, embarrassing, or even sad.
 Among many Asian sub-groups, hugging, back-patting, and
handshaking are not typical as respecting personal space
and lack of personal contact are generally considered more
polite.
 Nodding the head up and down is taken as a sign of
understanding and agreement in “American” culture. This
same gesture may mean, “I hear you speaking” to some
Asians, American Indian, Middle Eastern and Pacific Island
groups. It does not signal that the listener necessarily
understands or agrees with what is being said.
Religion - Question #1
How many major religious affiliations are there in
Michigan?
SEVEN
51
Religion - Question #2
Name the 7 major religious affiliations in Michigan.
AMERICAN INDIAN SPIRITUAL
BUDDHISM
CHRISTIANITY
HINDUISM
ISLAM
JUDAISM
SIKHISM
Many of these have multiple, diverse, and varying
denominations, tenants, beliefs, and practices
American Indian Spirituality
Founder:
No identified individual
Symbol:
Medicine Wheel
Scriptures:
Oral Stories
Place of worship:
None
Major holy day:
Ghost suppers
Spiritual leader:
Spiritual leader
Buddhism
Founder:
Symbol:
Scriptures:
Place of worship:
Major holy day:
Spiritual leader:
Gautama Buddha
Buddha sitting in a lotus
posture
Tripitaka/three baskets
Monastery
Visakha Puja Day
Monk
Christianity
Founder:
Symbol:
Scriptures:
Place of worship:
Major holy day:
Spiritual leader:
Jesus Christ
Cross
Bible
Church
Easter
Reverend
Judaism
Founder:
Symbol:
Scriptures:
Place of worship:
Major holy day:
Spiritual leader:
Abraham
Star of David
Torah
Synagogue
Yom Kippur/Rosh Hashanah
Rabbi
Islam
Founder:
Prophet Muhammad
Symbol:
Crescent moon with a star
Scriptures:
Qur’an
Place of worship:
Mosque
Major holy day:
Eid-al Fitr
Spiritual leader:
Imam
Hinduism
Founder:
Symbol:
Scriptures:
Place of worship:
Major holy day:
Spiritual leader:
No identified individual
Om
Vedas
Mandir/Temple
Diwali
Pundit
Sikhism
Founder:
Guru Nanak
Symbol:
Two swords with a chakra
Scriptures:
Granth Sahib
Place of worship:
Gurudwara
Major holy day:
Baisakhi
Spiritual leader:
Guru
Religion - Question #3
True or False
Most Arab Americans are Muslim?
FALSE
According to the Arab-American Institute, 70% of Arab
Americans are Christian, 20% are Muslim and 10% identify
as other religion or no religious affiliation
Religion - Question #4
What Federal law stipulates that only individuals of
certifiable Native American ancestry enrolled in a
federally recognized tribe are legally authorized to obtain
eagle feathers for religious or spiritual use?
THE EAGLE FEATHER LAW
−
−
−
Native Americans and non-Native Americans frequently contest the value and
validity of this law, charging that it is discriminatory and infringes on tribal
sovereignty.
Many Native Americans claim adherence to some form of Christianity, some of
these being cultural and religious combinations unique to the particular tribe.
Traditional Native American culture embraces the ideals and practices of Native
American Spirituality. These spiritualities may accompany adherence to another
faith, or can represent a person's primary religious identity.
Religion - Question #5
What percentage of African Americans/Blacks
describe themselves as Christian?
81%
− 41% attend church at least once a week
− 10% do not profess a religion or categorize
themselves as atheists or agnostic
− A growing percentage of African Americans/Blacks
are practicing Muslims
Religion - Question #6
What is the predominant religious affiliation
among Latino Americans/Hispanics?
ROMAN CATHOLIC
A small but growing number of Hispanics belong to a
Protestant denomination
Religion - Question #7
Which cultural group has the most diverse
religious practices?
ASIAN AMERICANS
− Buddhism, Hinduism, Sikhism, Islam, Judaism and Christianity (as
well as yoga and related spiritual practices) all have long and well
established roots in Asian culture, both overseas and here in the
United States.
− Since the 1950s, many non-Asians in the United States have
adopted the religious practices of Buddhists, Hindus and Sikhs.
What does it mean to be
Culturally Competent?






Cultural Destructiveness - the conscious denial of another
person’s culture, and/or the belief that one's own belief system is
superior to all others.
Cultural Incapacity - despite understanding there are differences
among cultures, refusing or not doing anything to change.
Cultural Blindness - overlooking differences as though they do
not exist.
Cultural Pre-competence - begins to realize that there is a world
outside of oneself.
Cultural Competence - values others and their differences;
diversity is recognized and accepted.
Cultural Proficiency - occurs when diversity works together.
You will be culturally competent if:
•
•
•
Regarding Michigan’s cultural groups, people and
demographics: I am able to identify ethnic groups by
characteristics, dress, language and demographics.
Regarding cultural stereotypes, positive and negative
labels, and cultural barriers: I am able to identify
cultural labels and stereotypes of ethnic groups.
Regarding cultural events: I am able to identify and
discuss current cultural and civil rights issues
affecting ethnic groups.
You will be culturally competent if:
•
•
•
Regarding your own cultural identity: I am able to
recount my ancestral history and genealogy, and know
how my culture played a critical role in America’s
history.
Regarding basic foreign language phrases used by my
customers: I use and am learning key words in a
language other than English to better communicate
with ethnic groups.
Regarding cultural communication styles and
protocols: I am able to communicate while being
sensitive to cultural communication styles, etiquette
and appropriate behavior.
You will be culturally competent if:
•
•
•
Regarding cultural religious practices, traditions,
values and dress:
I am respectful of different cultural religions and
religious practices.
Regarding cultural resource and referral information:
I am able to assist customers by providing appropriate
cultural resource or referral information.
Regarding cultural organizations and their leadership:
I am able to identify national and local ethnic
organizations and their leadership.
You will be culturally competent if:
•
•
•
Regarding cultural differences and their impact: I am
able to assess cultural differences and adapt my
interactions and response.
Regarding major civil rights movements, landmark
cases, events and leaders: I strive to be well versed
in civil rights history and events.
Regarding cultural conflict resolution techniques: I am
able to apply the principles of interpersonal conflict
resolution, when interacting with colleagues and
customers.
69
Additional Information
Is available by calling 1-800-432-3604 to
reach the nearest MDCR Service Center.
Or on line at:
− www.mi.gov/mdcr
− www.mi.gov/mdch
− www.miaahc.com