Multicultural Competence Analysis

Multicultural competence is the ability to interact effectively with people of different cultures. There are four major components present when discussing multicultural competence: (1) the individual (me) must be aware of one’s own cultural views, (2) know one’s attitude towards cultural differences, (3) Knowledge of different cultural practices and worldviews, and (4) having cross-cultural skills (Adapted from class 2 and 3 definitions handout, as adapted from Pope, R.L. & Reynolds, A. L. (1997)). How does one gain this competency? Is it ever truly obtainable? I would argue that every person, no matter upbringing or background, has the ability to gain more multicultural competence. This semester we were tasked with having an open and honest

A, she asked me “what do you bring to the table of life”. I was confused with the question and asked her to clarify. She broke it down by saying “if everyone in the world could sit around a giant table and discuss what impacts, lessons or problems that they have in life, what would you bring”? I told her I needed a week to reflect on this question and I would answer her in our next conversation. This, however, was not a question that would only take a week to answer and I find myself still reflecting as I write this paper. I bring privilege to the table as a white, middle-class male. I bring naïve thoughts as I learn about my advantages and privilege. I bring love to the table as I open my mind and heart to others and become vulnerable. I bring anger or passion when it comes to topics that I feel passionate about. Most importantly, though, I bring myself to the table with an open mind and being willing to discuss openly with any individual willing to talk and learn from each

What makes us similar? What makes us different? Why does it matter? I find myself quoting the Socratic paradox, “I know that I know nothing”, when talking with Mrs. A and learning from Mrs. A. I have no exact questions I need to answer and I have no desired outcome, I just want to learn and develop as a person. I want to understand the world through a philosopher’s lens and just keep asking “why”. I remind myself that dualistic answers are not the end goal if I keep asking why. I am left wondering “what if I was “different” and wasn’t such a privileged identity. Would I be open to conversation that challenged my identity? Would I be able to remain calm, even when my blood is boiling? What does it feel like to be the “other”? While I will never truly understand these questions, I will take advice from both Mrs. A and Dr. Watt and learn to be vulnerable and open to the discomfort about not