Culturally Competent Strategies
Celie was abused by men in the first part of her life due to the lack of education (Walker, 1990). However, such people as Shug helped her to broaden her horizons. Admittedly, when a member of the family acquires new knowledge it often causes some sort of alienation. In Celie’s case, the woman could hardly escape the alienation, but they’re still could be effective ways to develop appropriate strategies.
The process of acculturation is rather long, so it is necessary to develop appropriate communication strategies step by step. The acquired knowledge can help the individual to educate close people. For instance, Celie could have revealed her viewpoints on various matters. She could have challenged her husband by starting ‘smart’ conversations. It is important to gain respect and authority to escape from alienation. The individual should share new knowledge and try to initiate discussions to create an atmosphere where people reveal their opinions freely.
Apart from this, it is also important to take into account another vector of alienation. People who acquire new knowledge often tend to alienate themselves from their less acculturated relatives. However, it is necessary to remember that relatives and other close people can never be substituted by more educated strangers. Thus, an acculturated person should appreciate close people. The acculturated person can try to broaden his/her close peopleās horizons. However, if those people do not share some of the acculturated personās views, the latter should develop appropriate communicative strategies. It is important to be patient and supportive.
Apart from this, Walker (1990) depicts many other experiences. One of the most important experiences portrayed is Nettieās life in Africa. Nettie was looking for justice in Africa, but she saw that women were still suppressed there. Nettie could not stand such order and she left. Of course, this case can be valuable as it provides insights into the development of culturally competent strategies.
Admittedly, when a person finds him/herself among people of a different culture, it is important to learn as much as possible about it. Of course, some traditions can seem strange or even wrongful, but one cannot try to change the way people live. It is essential to respect other cultures, as any tradition has been developed throughout centuries. Nettie feels disappointed (Walker, 1990). However, it is a somewhat wrongful position. It is necessary to see any experience as a positive one. When one finds out more about various traditions and cultures, he/she broadens own outlook.
It is also necessary to understand that when an individual is among people in another culture, he/she should not preach on how to live. However, it is necessary to share knowledge. It is necessary to tell different stories about some traditions which can be useful for other people. Sharing knowledge makes people understand a lot of important things. It also makes people more open to new experiences.
On balance, it is possible to note that the book provides important insights into various cultural issues. It can help to develop culturally competent strategies. For instance, it is important to respect other cultures and traditions. Any cultural experience should be seen as positive since it helps people to broaden their outlooks. Finally, the acculturation process can become one of the reasons why family ties go down. However, it is important to remember that alienation can be avoided if the acculturated person manages to gain respect, is supportive and respectful to less acculturated people.
Reference List
Walker, A. (1990). The color purple. Riverside, NJ: Pocket.