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Cultural Immersion Paper

Cultural Immersion Paper Caucasian White Male Youth Population Sheronda King Wilmington University

Cultural Immersion Paper Caucasian White Male Youth Cultural Immersion Introduction Our society has changed dramatically over the years. More families are living in poverty as resources become limited. Todays youth population is being raised in a chaotic world filled with violence, drugs, and sex. With more than 47 million people living in poverty, protective factors are beginning to fade away. The youth population will suffer if we do not help them overcome the disparities of the world. At risk is the incapability to learn or careless of anything. The word At Risk is typically associated amongst our youth population. The kids are living in poverty neighborhood can be considered at-risk. In the 20th century, the at-risk label or classification has changed. At

risk factors can hinder any youth of any age and color. The most overrepresented ethnicity youth is African Americans. Most African American are frequently associated with at risk behaviors because of the history of slavery and current poverty census. But who said Caucasians could not live in poverty or be at risk for failure? In many cities, Caucasian at risk population is underrepresented. History and Milestones The word Caucasians refer to the term Caucasus. In 1975, a man named Johann Fredruc Blumenbach divided the human species into five races (Thompson, 2008). Between 1675 and 1725, thousands of Irish, English and German Quakers, led by William Penn, settled the Delaware Valley (Euroamerican, 2014). These people made up the first General American population. The word Caucasians means White People of European descents. Caucasian Americans are the common culture among the Americans. Racism lies at the heart of that

Cultural Immersion Paper Culture (Abagond, 2008). For many year in American, racism has been the dominant trait in most Caucasians Americans. The history of Caucasians is similar to the Europeans.

According to Euroamerican (2014), the first to establish a presence in America were Europeans. A man named Martin de Argelles was the first European descent in United States (Euroamerican, 2014). The migration of the White Americans aka European descent surfaced the United States in between 1820 and 1890. According to Painter (2010), Naturalization Act passed in 1970 enlisted North America as the natural home for white people. In the past, Caucasian has maintained the lowest number of people in poverty. The education levels were high during the years of racism and inequality for the Caucasian population. Once equality develop and time progress the number of whites in poverty, at risk, low educational background has changed. When people think about the youths risk behaviors such as gun violence, high school dropout, illiteracy, drug use and incarceration, we often associate it with African American males. The Caucasians youth males population can appear to be overlooked. My primary focus is to bring your attention to the same factors affecting the Caucasian males in the United States Population. The most popular risk factors are violent behaviors, drug use, texting while driving, and suicide attempts amongst White males. White male youth are more likely to die by suicide than any other race (Fingerhut, 2002). The white male youth population takes the lead while texting while driving. (According to CDC, 2012), approximately 36.9% of white male youth text and drive. 27% of white male youth carry a weapon onto the school premises (CDC, 2012). Suicide attempts rates for white males reports 12.8%. These risk factors were significantly higher in the White/Caucasian population than in African Americans.

Cultural Immersion Paper Movie Reviewed: KIDS Kids was published in 1995. The movie is about a group of teenage both males and females living in the inner city of Manhattan. The movie focuses on skater Caucasian male group predominantly throughout the movie. The main theme shows these at-risk youth using drugs, having sex with virgins, skipping schools, and going to parties. Telly the main character, talks amongst his boys about his deflowering hunt for the focused girls in the film. Telly is a Caucasian teenager around the age 15- 16 years old. He and his friends start off their day by

skipping school and skateboarding throughout the city of Manhattan. Most of these kids parents appear to be involved in their lives, but too busy with work and other activities. Throughout the movie, you will see a younger siblings engaging in the same activities as the older sibling. These teenager white males are having drug parties with their siblings and friends. The language used throughout the movie is very degrading. The skater group of teens are shown having intercourse with younger females throughout the movie. The portrait of white male teens shows that they are also at the same risk as African American males. Telly has the least interest in life. Clips have been shown of the young men robbing a Korean male for liquor Personal Interview I was able to interview a 17 year old youth named JB. JB is a Caucasian male living in the northern part of Wilmington, Delaware. He lives in a stable neighborhood. He lives in a household of 6 other siblings. He does not associate with Vision Quest services. JB hopes to become a rapper by the time he is 24 years old. JB explained his childhood as not a normal childhood. JB is the youngest of his siblings. His father left his family when he was six years old. He stated that he started smoking weed at the age of nine years old. He said his mother worked two full time jobs to make ends meet. She was barely home, stated JB. He felt like he

Cultural Immersion Paper had lost both parents. He was introduced to drugs by the neighborhood drug gangs. He started skipping school at 12. He did feel that there was a need to go to school. Only two of his sisters graduated from high school. He made up his mind that education was not important to him. He wanted to work hard to help his mother. By the age 14, JB claimed he started hugging the block. He wanted his mother to move out the three bedroom townhome. He felt like there was not enough space for his family. He said that he watched his mother struggle to put food in the house. We ate like pigs, said JB. He did not want his mother to work so hard. I asked him about his criminal background. He told me that he started stealing and selling, and it got him an early rap sheet at 14. Luckily, JB is still considered a minor and most of his offenses will not count against him when he turns 18 years old. I asked him if he had any friends and he revealed that most of his friends are haters. His friends are very envious of his swag and his possession. The black

kids at school think Im trying to be like them, and that not true. I cannot help that I love to dress with swag. JB stated that Black people are not the only ones who can dress or get in trouble. As I interviewed JB, I noticed that he yearned for equality in his actions, style, and behaviors. The Caucasian youth population is often underrepresented in many categories. Our society can sometimes portray the Caucasian population as the perfect race. After reviewing the movie KIDS, I have noticed that higher risk levels in the Caucasian population for males. I strongly believe that Caucasian males youth is at the same risk as any population to drop out of school, use drugs, result into violence or become suicidal. The population should be more closely examined freely with biases or pre-judgments. Summary and Synthesis:

Cultural Immersion Paper The overall perspective is to understand that every race and gender can be a product of risky behaviors. As human service, and social services providers we must examine each race, class and gender of the at risk population to better understand how to prevent it. population and demographics appear to be unique in their own way. Each

Some population will

appear to be overly represented, while others appears to be overlooked. The main goal is to treat each gender, race and class the same and to understand that all youth could be potentially at risk. At Vision Quest, I have learned that location does not matter. At risk youth can live in wealthy neighborhoods and still have the same behaviors as an inner city child.

Agency Community: Vision Quest has two locations in Delaware. The main office is located off of Concord Ave in Northern Wilmington, DE area. A second office is located in Dover area. I worked out of the Wilmington Office. The office is located in the same building as the Justice of Peace court. The address of Vision Quest is 1010 Concord Ave, Wilmington DE. Vision Quest is

directly across from the Krestone Liquor store in Wilmington. Some nearby school to Vision Quest are the following: Salesianum School, Ursuline Academy, Warner Elementary and Delaware College Prep Academy. Access:

Cultural Immersion Paper

All races and gender are equally transported back and forth through Vision Quest's vehicles. In order to services our target population, transportation to and back to the client house is required. Vision Quest has designated zones and each zone has an assigned vehicle. Staff picks up all races and gender to receive services at event or the offices. Vision Quest's Caucasian youth live in the northern part of Wilmington and the Newark/New castle area. Other at risk Caucasian males lives in the lower counties of Delaware. Those living in Sussex and Kent County are services through the located in Dover. Individual living in Sussex can receive services at home and in their community if they are not able to travel to Kent County. Receptivity: Before entering the building, you must get buzzed into the corporate building. As you enter into the office of Vision Quest, there is a receptionist at the front desk to escort, and assist clients. In the clients waiting room there are brochures located on the table with the information Brochures are in English and Spanish translation for clients. A communication board is also visible for clients to see different events and occasions for the youth to participate. Pictures of the services are hung up around the front office. I feel very welcome when I walk into the front of the office. The work of other youths is displayed at the front desk.

Cultural Immersion Paper Administration and Staff Training Vision Quest is a statewide program servicing at risk youth in communities and the homes. Vision Quest provides accountability checks, counseling for both children and families, community service opportunities, and life skill programs. The Executive Director for the Delaware Site is Ken Donovan. There are two program administrators under Ken. Layanda Dowell is the program administrator Northern Delaware. Southern Delaware regulated by Carleton Adams. Lesley Lind is the director of all Delivery services for the entire Delaware. Training groups are held for all youth during placement in umbrella services. Most training

group for the youth take place on Tuesday and Thursday. Group training for the youth is mostly about street smart, moral reasoning, case life skill, and aggressive training replacement. Training for staff takes place once a month. Each staff is required to have at least five hours of training per month. All training course is required. Staff are trained prior to starting the job. Once a month all staff are required to attend the core meeting with the organization valued topic training session. Each training meets the standards of the NASW code 1.05 of Cultural Competence and Social Diversity which states. "All workers should obtain education about and seek to understand the nature of social diversity and oppression with respect to race, ethnicity, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, and, etc." (SocialWorker, 2014). A recent training for all staff to attend focused on the different boundaries level based on cultural differences. The training session raised different concerns on what may be acceptable in different cultures. Funding: Vision Quest receives all funding through the state. Vision Quest bill the state for each service once it has been provided. Most recently, Vision Quest has received a 1 million dollar grant for their newest program called PLL. For additional funding, Vision Quest will reach out

Cultural Immersion Paper

for private grant from other organization. All funding supports the training and hiring practice to aid in culturally sensitive services for the population. Different literature is available for staff to review and aid in training on cultural variation. Staff Sensitivity Most of the staff seemed to be culturally sensitive to the client population. I have encountered a few who place stereotypes amongst some of the clients. Most staffs are following the NOHS code of ethics statement 17 which refer to providing services without discrimination or preferences. There are some who will know the past of a client and associate their past behaviors with their current action. The staff that made comments about the youth has been

addressed by management and required a training meeting about stereotyping. Agency and Program Services Effort: Vision Quest has made a strong effort to reach out into the community the youth. Although clients are appointed to Vision Quest by the state, the organization make daily effort to reach out to the youth within the school setting, community and home based. YFS workers travel to reach youth where they are and provide transportation to events, session and mandatory community services. Family functional therapist coordinates group session at the facilities. Some meeting is held one on one in the homes of the youth. If homes are not accessible, the therapist will meet the client and parents in the arranged location. Vision Quest has partnered with local organizations to ensure all assigned youth able to complete their community services. They work along with the school officials to increase of academic levels and attendance. Quality: Vision Quest follows all rules, laws and regulation of the state and federal. The clients are taken to other organization for service and to give back to the community. During the

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community services, most youth witnesses the cultural variation with the people they encounter. The youth volunteer at group homes and the homeless shelter. The youth is exposed to different cultures and races and ethnicity. They are learning about different population in most of their community services. I think Vision Quest can enhances services all at-risk population by taking out of their community to visit other communities. Many of the youth in Southern Delaware are brought to the Northern Delaware to see the cultural and community differences.

Effectiveness: Our target population comes to Vision Quest for counseling, life skill development, community service, accountability checks and guided recreation activities. Some of our youth are recycled or are in multiple programs within Vision Quest. Previous youth has shown consistency of staying out of trouble and focused while enrolled in the Vision Quest program. After six weeks, some youth is finished with the program, but once they stop they end up doing wrong. Vision Quest has become a great with the youth, but the organization has noticed the same youth reoffending and ending up into the program again. Many of this youth lack the support and encouragement of an adult being. I can say about that about 60% of the youth complete the program, and do not reoffend. Efficiency: Vision Quest collaborate with many local agencies. The organization collaborates with meal on wheel, and the food bank of Delaware regularly. Some of the youth live in home low income homes, so Vision Quest has reached out to the food bank and meal on wheel to provide backpack goods for the youth. The organization also partner up with the homeless shelters, Goodwill, and YMCA to provide guided recreational and community service opportunities.

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NASW Standard for Cultural Competence Standard 3: Cross Cultural Knowledge To better serve the Caucasian male youth within Vision Quest, I strongly believe social workers should examine the Cross-Cultural Knowledge standard. Social worker shall have and continue to develop specialized knowledge and understanding about the history, tradition, values, families and artistic expression of major client groups they serve (Socialworker, 2014). In order for professional to be able to understand each population, a person must be open to learn more about the family background, values, tradition and the structure of the family. Cultural

competence is not static and requires frequent relearning and unlearning about diversity (Socialworker, 2014). Professional should expand their cultural knowledge by learning about the following areas: communication styles, cultural behavior impact, and speech patterns. Is important for a professional to expand the differences amongst each family and their culture. Not all Caucasian youth males behave the same. They are not exceptional to the risky behaviors.Standard 8: Professional education Social workers shall advocate for and participate in educational and training program that help advance cultural competence within the profession (Socialworker, 2014). In the umbrella services, each professional are required to facilitate a trainings to education peer and youth on the hot topics for cultural variation. Cultural differences trainings are given to the employees to understand the need of cultural sensitivity with all youth. Vision Quest provides the training for all staff to attend. Personal Cultural Competence

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Personally I believe that all standards of the NASW is equally important to build cultural competency and sensitivity. To better understand the Caucasian male group, an individual must understand that this population is at the same risk as any other youth group. Caucasian male youth are the underrepresented group. To effectively service this population, a professional must understand standard 3 and 8 closely. Becoming an advocate or being actively involved in educational training will allow a person to strengthen the youth and their own cultural competence levels. Learning more about the childs family history, background, values, belief and structure will better serve both youth and profession. Final Thoughts: To prevent stereotypes, a person must develop self-awareness. Becoming more open and diverse within your our group can aid to diversity with other groups. I strongly believe that all NASW standards should be practice to exercise an effective cultural competence. All professional should accept the difference within each race, and culture to better understand cultural diversity. Having cross cultural knowledge will give professional an advance opportunity to work with individuals proficiently.

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References Abagond. (2008, November 18). White American Culture. Retrieved, from http://abagond.wordpress.com/2008/11/18/white-american-culture/ CDC. (2012, January 1). Firearm-Related Death and Injury among Children and Adolescents . Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance. Retrieved , from http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/pdf/ss/ss6104.pdf EuroAmericans. (2014). EuroAmericians. . Retrieved , from http://euroamericans.org/ Fingerhut, L. (2002). Firearm-Related Death and Injury among Children and Adolescents The future of the Children. Retrieved , from http://futureofchildren.org/publications/journals/article/index.xml?journalid=42&articleid =163ionid=1046

Cultural Immersion Paper Painter, N. (2010, September 1). The history of White people. Eric Foner. Retrieved , http://www.ericfoner.com/reviews/092010harpers.html

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Thomspon, D. (2008). Do white people really come from Caucasus. How Do whitpeople get their name. Retrieved, from http://www.slate.com/articles/news_and_politics/explainer/2008/08/do_white_peo ple_really_come_from_the_caucasus.html http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HRz4jJ7K1fA https://www.socialworkers.org/pubs/code/code.asp

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