Nerd Task:Week 7 Initial Discussion Post Due Wed. Dec..7 by 5P.M.

EST (200 Words)

The theme for this week is about international issues in human services work and this is an
important topic especially with the changing face of American demographics. It used to be
and really still is that Americans were going to the world; however, with issues related to
diaspora movements, immigration, ethnic migration patterns (e.g., Hispanics/Latinos
moving from one city and state to another due to immigration crackdown), refugees, the
“world” is coming here. But in many ways the world has been coming to America for a long
time. For example, there are well-established ethnic communities in larger cities
(Chinatown, Little Korea, Little Italy, Hispanic/Latino etc.) and over the last few years there
are more ethnic communities that are growing (Lost Boys of Somalia, Burmese refugees,
Muslim communities, Asian Indian, and others).
There is no doubt that the US has influenced the world, but now the world is influencing
the US more so than ever before and in many respects redefining the “traditional” view of
the US due to changing demographics. With the demographics of America continuously
changing, these present unique opportunities to work with a wide variety of people as far
as ethnicity/race is concerned. While these opportunities in some ways were already
present especially in larger cities, there are now more unprecedented and needed
opportunities to help those of all races/ethnicities.
Whether you end up as a human services worker working with someone in this country or
in an international setting, there may be similar cultural issues to address regarding a
specific group. As been mentioned in this class, it’s impossible to learn everything about
everybody about every country; however, I wanted you take away information from others
who have had experience working in other countries. I also wanted to provide you
opportunity to read about changing racial attitudes in China as China appears to be the “hot
country” right now in many respects.
China’s Changing Views on Race
http://roomfordebate.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/12/13/chinas-changing-views-on-race/
(As you read this article, you’ll notice that there are four contributors and near the end of
their piece you may see a link “ Read More.” Clicking this will expand their piece. It will be
like that for each of the four pieces.)
I would also like for you to read the following articles from a few resources. As you read the
articles, take into account information that is presented on how to approach people not
only multiculturally but also from an “international perspective” which includes the idea of
working with internationals and/or working in international settings. Keep in mind the
prominent issues in those respective countries and how individuals are handling these
issues in terms of approaches and effective practices.
Counseling Beyond US Borders
http://ct.counseling.org/2009/12/counseling-beyond-u-s-borders/
Counseling Across Borders: Limitations and Realities of Cross-Cultural Therapy
http://ct.counseling.org/2011/05/counseling-across-borders-limitations-and-realities-of-cross-
cultural-therapy/
Multicultural Counseling: Not Just For Specialists Anymore
http://ct.counseling.org/2007/02/multicultural-counseling-not-just-for-specialists-anymore/
What patterns/themes/ideas did you notice from the articles about working with others in
other countries or working with others who have worked in other countries? What
principles did you notice that seemed universal as it relates to human services work as a
whole (not counseling alone)? Did you see any principles that would be inappropriate in
various situations? Compare, contrast, connect this information to what we have studied in
this course thus far. Do you see any similar themes from the texts or other resources used
in this course? (Take into account the lessons that were learned from individuals and nuggets
of knowledge that are shared in the experiences of people you've read about.)
You will be allowed to be more conversational and free-flowing with this week's discussion
board; however, I don’t want you to go overboard with them.