Introduction
The African-American cultural group can be described with the help of such criteria as environmental control, biological variations, social organization, communication, space, and time orientation. These factors affect the provision of healthcare services to African Americans. They determine the effectiveness of the American healthcare system among different ethnic groups.
Environmental control
Some African Americans exercise environmental control by adhering to their beliefs and cultural practices. In turn, the individuals, who believe in traditional medicine, are suspicious of modern treatment methods (Dayer, 2010). Therefore, more representatives of this group may seek the services of folk healers before seeking modern medical remedies. This practice is imbedded in many traditions that they still observe today. Moreover, they mistrust the American healthcare system due to the effect of the Tuskegee syphilis study and other violations of their civil rights.
Biological variations
The studies have revealed that genetic makeup, enzymatic variations, and susceptibility to diseases are the main reasons for prevalence of certain diseases among African Americans. These diseases include cancer, asthma, coccidioidomycosis, lactose intolerance, and sickle cell anemia (Dayer, 2010). For example, the HbSS genotype passed on from parents to offsprings causes sickle cell anemia. The prevalence of the disease is between 8 and 10 percent (Spector, 2004). Additionaly, genetic variations determine the extent to which environmental factors and socioeconomic constructs affect the health of African Americans.
Social organization
African Americans attach importance to family and religion. For example, they treasure extended families, community organizations, and religious communion. Since the days of slavery, African Americans have maintained strong social ties in order to retain the sense of community and belonging (Spector, 2004). For example, slaves used spiritual symbolism to give hope for freedom. This tendency has led to strong church affiliations that are still present today. Moreover, religious and social groups were important for addressing social, political, and economic challenges faced by this group (Dayer, 2010).
Communication
The description of communication style is valid because African Americans use different languages and dialects. They emerged during the days of slavery. Apart from English, one can distinguish French and Spanish. Distinct language patterns emerged during the period of slavery when black people had to learn new languages in order to communicate with one another (Spector, 2004).
Slave owners discouraged the communication between people who spoke the same language because this interaction could have led to rebellions. This separation contributed to the development of dialects such as pidgin and Creole (Spector, 2004). Moreover, African Americans rely on non-verbal communication. For example, they discourage direct eye contact in certain situations and use silence to express anger and dissatisfaction.
Personal space
I agree with the description of African Americans’ approach to personal space because it is determined by their social nature. They are not very sensitive to the concept of personal space because they are used to working together and taking care of each other. It should be mentioned that many African Americans encourage eye contact. However, they accept body contact (Spector, 2004).
Time orientation
African Americans are described as having present time orientation, and I agree with this argument. These people are more concerned with the present, rather than the future. African Americans are inclined towards dealing with events and challenges that are related to the most immediate future. Therefore, they consider appointments and many other activities as flexible and elastic (Spector, 2004). This attribute distinguishes them from other cultural groups.
How deeply I identify with the heritage
I identify strongly with the African-American ethno-cultural heritage. I attach importance to such values as strong social and religious affiliations, open communication styles, distinct language patterns, and emphasis on present time orientation. In addition, I am of African-American origin. Several health beliefs are included in the cultural heritage of this group. They include the power of folk medicine, healing effects of herbs, healing powers of root and herb doctors, and the ability of spiritual healers to ward off evil and illnesses.
Reference List
Dayer, L. (2010). Cultural Competencies for Nurses: Impact on Health and Illness. New York, NY: Jones & Bartlett Learning.
Spector, R. (2004). Cultural Diversity in Health and Illness. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall.