It is important for social workers to have empathy for their clients and to attempt to develop an
understanding of the perspectives of others. Studying and reading is one way to do this. Another
way to do this is to intentionally place yourself into environments where you might be
unfamiliar. There is great learning that comes from stepping out of your “comfort zones” and
interacting with others that are different from you. To help you on this journey, you will each
engage in a minority experience which will expand your boundaries and grow your cultural
competency.
INSTRUCTIONS
You will first choose to place yourself in an unfamiliar setting in which you are a racial minority
(You must look different from the majority of those around you). You will do this assignment
completely alone, with no friends, family, colleagues, or anyone familiar to you. You are not to
discuss with the people in the setting that you are there for a class. No previous experiences will
be approved. You may also not use an LGBTQIA+ setting for this assignment.
You are then required to write an effective 4 to 5-page written account of this experience in
APA format. Each paper will have a title page and a reference page in addition to the 4 to 5
pages of content. Please use headings for your sections in the paper.
1. Identify how the dominant/majority culture’s structures and values may oppress,
marginalize, or alienate this population group and/or themselves. You can also
consider how the population group has created or enhanced privilege and power.
Please discuss at least three examples and use at least two professional sources
(textbooks or academic journals) to support your points.
2. Identify what you learned from the population during the experience or how you
can learn from the population in general. Consider what some of the cultural values
are of the population for this question. You should discuss at least two points that
were learned or can be learned.
3. Identify prejudice and stereotypes associated with this population group.
Describe how these stereotypes were reinforced or proven incorrect by this
experience. Please discuss a minimum of four specific stereotypes of the
population.
4. List ways in which the population is impacted by difference from the
dominant/majority culture.
