Group B addressing the following: Four "myths" about working with multicultural groups are detailed in chapter 8; choose two of the four myths, define and discuss their impact on the group. Myth #1: Discussion of racial or cultural differences is offensive to group members and is best never mentioned. • This is partly true because no matter how hard you try or how delicately you approach the sensitive issues of racial and cultural differences someone is sure to be offended feel uncomfortable (Gladding, 2016, p. 168). • However, according to Gladding (2016), “Once acknowledged, the subject area is no longer taboo” (p. 168). • Counseling, like all other relationships, relies on the foundation of trust to flourish and to handle difficult life …show more content…
Myth #2: Groups can be homogeneous so focusing on diversity is not needed • Because “people are unique in many ways (e.g., gender, age, marital status, family of origin, occupation, beliefs/values)” (Gladding, 2016, p. 169) the term “homogeneous group” is actually an oxymoron. o Operating from the above premise, that no group can actually be homogeneous, means that group leaders should instead do the contrary, that is, focus and capitalize on diversity. • “People with different backgrounds bring new information” to the group setting and by “simply interacting with individuals who are different forces [the other] group members to prepare better, to anticipate alternative viewpoints and to expect that reaching consensus will take effort” (Phillips, 2014). o Similar to racial/cultural differences, once diversity among group members is recognized as well as acknowledge, the group as a whole can pool its resources and work more effectively and efficiently towards group …show more content…
• According to Phillips, Liljenquist, and Neale, (2010) “Homogenous groups feel more confident in their performance and group interactions, [but] it is the diverse groups that are more successful in completing their tasks”. o Again, similarities between myth #1 and myth #2 exist. Yes, groups can be homogeneous and they may even experience greater self-esteem and increased interpersonal relationships, yet the same can be said for a diverse group with the addition of higher rates of