Image provided by: University of Oregon Libraries; Eugene, OR
About Street roots. (Portland, OR) 1998-current | View Entire Issue (Feb. 14, 2014)
street roots 10 * \ Feb. 14, 2014 f v /* l The dynamics of race and its impact on real social work responses to him, and ask him how we could avoid the violence and threats in the they did not really know this man, what he he topic of race and social work is a liked to do, or what hi's goals were. The. conversation that could take many white man, who had threatened staff, had a paths. We could discuss the dynamics for professionals of color in Portland (and history o f violence, and was struggling in the program, was discussed by the team as the sad trend of emigration from Portland); “strong,” having a “difficult life,” and, or the experience of people of color within needing to “feel safe” to excel in the our dominant culture organizations. program. Both men had traumatic histories, , Instead, I would like to focus on what I think are some useful questions and ways of both exhibited the symptoms, associated with a schizophrenia diagnosis, and both thinking about race that social workers can had goals of healing. This is a systemic ask and employ withih their practice. The problem because it has occurred on multiple over-professionalization of social work can occasions, with multiple agencies, and with lead people to believe that their work is multiple social workers. done, that they are “culturally competent” I have gone through this process myself. professionals with little need for further Using the above example of the two similar reflection and dialogue. men— one white, one black — I had to first Social workers are called to be ask myself why I had not spent as much empathetic, to walk in the shoes of . the time listening to the black man’s story. I people they serve, to align themselves with was operating out of a space of knowing and people, bear witness to their stories, offer assuming that I knew his story — a life of support. I would argue that We cannot fully racism, constant micro-aggressions and do this untilwe reflect on th e dynamics of poverty. For the white man, who had acted race in our relationships. Can you find a out Violently towards me, I responded with space of empathy for a person whose story anger and aggression — two coping skills you interpret through the lens of your own that have helped me survive some violent race and ethnic identities? racial attacks in my life. My interactions I have had long-time professionals label black men as “angry,” “scary,” “violent;” yet, with both men were being controlled by my tinexamirted racial socialization. By being these same professionals did not attribute the same labels to white men who had honest and bringing these to light, I was able to consciously change the way I viewed actually been violent At one agency, we had two men with similar body frames and these two men. I spent time with the black types, one identified as black; the other as man, listened to his story, learned what he liked, what he wanted to do, what he needed white. Over time, I noticed that the black gentleman was being discussed as “scary,” from us as a staff. I was able to have a conversation with the white man, apologize “difficult,” and needing “anger for being angry and aggressive in my management.” When asked, the staff said ■ Shannon Singleton Shannon Singleton has worked in homeless services for over 12 years, the past 6 in Portland. Prior to that, she worked with social action groups in Philadelphia. SO future. ' It is easy to put people on the defensive when discussing race, so I ask that everyone be brave and handle afew moments of being uncomfortable. We are socialized in a racist society so it is impossible to grow up and riot have iiiterrialized racism. If we neglect to ask ourselves the hard questions though, aren’t we personally Can jo b l i a i a of responsible for perpetuating racism " em patby fo r a person whose and oppression? The story y©B Interpret thro agb principles of social the leas of your own race work demapd that we ask ourselves, why do aa< ethnic Idealities? I have fear for this black man? What are thé messages that I receivéd about the intrinsic value and worth of people who look like this person; what about those who look like me? Do I place faith and trust in this person’s story, or do I think they cure being manipulative or lying. Why do I feel this way about this relationship and how does my socialized understanding of race impact this decision? There are so many questions we can ask ourselves when we consider the problem of race; the key to social work as I believe it should be done, is to be courageous enough to ask ourselves these questions. Sisters O f The TC^ad a non-profit cafe in Old Town since 1979 “ f will bare my testimony: Sisters Of The Road Cafe Is the mostiosmicalty correct restaurant In the tthiverse.” - Sisters Supporter . All are welcome. Monday - Friday 1Oam-2:3Opm - - . g j T keT ait H om e I — - . j a / Call us for more information (503)223-2144 1337 S.W. Washington, Portland, OR 97205 w ww.taft h o m e, o rg ------------ ------ main; 503 222 5694 www.sistersoftheroad.org PAID TRAINING i I N PHC orthwest Beyond. Limitations- Where senior and disabled adults receive the care and respect they deserve. 133 NW Sixth Ave. Portland, OR 97209 F0R PEOPLE WITH disabilities ! 5312 NE 148th Ave. REQUIREMENTS: Portland, OR 97230 / Pass a drug test ✓ Must be at least 18 / Must be able to provide documentation of a disability / Fluency in English / Clean background check QUESTIONS? Please call (503)261-1266 or (800)874-7917 email: dcherry@phcnw.com
