Respond to two colleagues:

• Share your thoughts on the current event.
• Provide at least one evidence-based practice or intervention that could inform your colleague's approach with this population.
• LABEL EACH RESPONSE TO THE DISCUSSION

If you integrate the Learning Resources in your posts, make sure to provide APA citations and a reference list.

DISCUSSION 1

Lakisa Russell

One example could be the ongoing discussions and protests around police violence and racial discrimination in the United States, particularly following events like the killing of Black individuals by law enforcement. This issue has brought issues of racial inequality, systemic racism, and the disproportionate treatment of Black and other people of color by the justice system to the forefront.

To approach this as a social worker, cultural competence involves understanding the unique challenges faced by these communities, acknowledging the historical and ongoing impact of racial oppression, and recognizing the ways in which systemic racism manifests in both institutional and everyday settings. Social workers should engage with empathy, actively listen to the affected population, and create safe spaces for dialogue. It's important to collaborate with community leaders and grassroots organizations that are already working to address racial injustice and to advocate for policies that promote equity.

In my approach to anti-racist social work, I would strive to ensure that I remain aware of my own biases and continue to educate myself on the experiences of marginalized racial groups. This aligns with my commitment to combating racism both within myself and within the systems I engage with. Culturally competent practice means fostering an environment of respect, validation, and empowerment for communities that have been marginalized or oppressed.

DISCUSSION 2

Karin Fryer

A current event that highlights issues of race and ethnicity is the ongoing protests and strikes by migrant workers in the U.S., especially in agriculture and food processing. Many of these workers, primarily from Latin America and Southeast Asia, face poor working conditions, low wages, and limited legal protections. (Bhatnagar, 2023) These protests highlight racial and ethnic inequalities as workers demand better treatment and rights while others want stricter immigration policies.

The treatment of migrant workers connects to race, ethnicity, and power dynamics. (Marsiglia et al., 2023) Many of these workers are people of color and marginalized both legally and socially. This reflects systemic oppression where the dominant group benefits from cheap labor while denying equal rights and protections to these workers. These migrant workers are often seen through a xenophobic lens while those in power continue to profit from their exploitation.

As a social worker, I would provide culturally competent support by listening to workers' experiences, helping them navigate legal challenges, and advocating for their rights. (Marsiglia et al., 2023) Understanding their cultural backgrounds, respecting their values, and addressing barriers such as language and trauma would be essential. My practice aligns with anti-racist social work by challenging systemic racism and advocating for migrant workers' rights, ensuring they are treated with dignity and empowering them to seek justice in a racially equitable society.

References

Bhatnagar, C. (2023, February 27). Human rights abuse in plain sight: Migrant workers in the U.S.: ACLU. American Civil Liberties Union. https://www.aclu.org/news/national-security/human-rights-abuse-plain-sight-migrant-workers-usLinks to an external site.

Marsiglia, F. F., Kulis, S. S., & Lechuga-Pea, S. (2021).Diversity, oppression, and change: Culturally grounded social work(3rd ed.). Oxford University Press.