Multiracial Discrimination

The society is becoming one global village, as people are able to break geographical boundaries. As such, the multiracial population is broadly growing. It is critical to understand that there are unique experiences that multiracial people face. These issues can stem from psychotherapy or during casual socialization in the clinic (Adam et al., 2018). One of the characteristics of multiracial groups is that they are culturally and racially diverse. Besides, multiracial clients are often young, with children being the fastest growing group. As people become more accepting of racial differences, this has caused a rise in interracial marriages. However, despite such developments, multiracial groups are one of the smallest demographic groups constituting of about 2% (NSAW, 2007). Social worker professionals should have an understanding of what multiracial groups go through.

Discrimination and microaggressions are some of the issues that multiracial persons face based on their racial and ethnic status. Usually, micro-aggressions are subconscious actions or words that are insulting and discriminative against others (Plummer, Makris, & Brocksen, 2014). They are not as aggressive as other forms of discrimination. In multiracial groups, individuals claim that bias is something that happens most of the times. Some people pass judgments either verbally or non-verbally, attributing to their race and this can be hurtful to them.

In some schools today, they do not allow mixed race individuals because of the belief that they destroy other ‘pure’ races (NSAW, 2007). Due to stereotypes and psychology behind it, bias stems from ideals and beliefs. Society tends to use stereotypes in day-to-day lives more than we realize. The prejudices against multiracial people tend to affect them because they are tempted to connect with more than one identity (NSAW, 2007). Whether it is one form of discrimination or another, the effect it has on multiracial groups is something that has not been fully explored.

Social work practice with individuals, families, groups, and communities

In social work practice, it is crucial to note that multiracial people, like other minority groups, go through the same type of racial discrimination. They experience bias, microaggression, physical threats, and other forms because of race or prejudice due to their ethnic representation (Plummer, Makris & Brocksen, 2014). As a social worker, opportunities in the field rely on multiracial issues awareness, as well as, the ability to address race from a cultural humility lens. According to the National Association of Social Workers (2007), social workers should have skills in areas such as self-awareness, ethics, cross-cultural knowledge, empowerment, and advocacy. These skills will enhance one’s ability to communicate, understand, and work with people from a multicultural background. 

To sum it up, it is important to note that multicultural groups are going through the same discrimination issues that people from minority racial groups go through. Reports have shown that victims of racial discrimination have reported physical aggression and micro-aggressions. As a social worker, one needs to be self-aware about their level of tolerance, awareness about other people, humility, and patience among others. Therefore, there needs to be educational training that caters for social workers and their ability in multiracial competence. The program should cover culturally attuned practices, as well as, promote general awareness about multiracial communities before one becomes a professional in the field. The key is to ensure that they are in a position to help and support individuals from multiracial setting with understanding, empathy, and respect.

References

Adams, M., Blumenfeld, W. J., Castaneda, C., Catalano, D. C. J., DeJong, K., Hackman, H. W,… 

Zuniga, X. (Eds.). (2018). Readings for diversity and social justice (4th ed.). New York, NY: Routledge Press.

National Association of Social Workers. (2007). Institutional racism & the social work profession: A call to action. Retrieved from https://www.socialworkers.org/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=SWK1aR53FAk%3d&portalid=0

Plummer, S.-B., Makris, S., & Brocksen S. M. (Eds.). (2014). Social work case studies: Foundation year. Baltimore, MD: Laureate International Universities Publishing. [Vital Source e-reader]. Working With Individuals: The Case of Mary\”