Replay to two colleagues separately (Replay 1 Erin and Replay 2 Kimesa):
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.
Replay 1 Erin
The recent controversy surrounding the racial profiling incident at a popular retail store speaks directly to race and ethnicity. In this incident, a customer of color was unfairly targeted and accused of shoplifting based solely on their appearance. This event connects to race and ethnicity as it highlights the ongoing issue of racial profiling and discrimination faced by people of color. It demonstrates the abuse of power and privilege by those in authority who unjustly target individuals based on their race or ethnicity. The incident provides a clear example of how systemic oppression continues to impact people from marginalized racial and ethnic groups, reinforcing my current understanding of power, privilege, and oppression.
As a social worker, I would approach the population affected by first acknowledging and validating their experiences. I would create a safe and supportive space for individuals to express their feelings and concerns about the incident. It’s important to actively listen to their experiences and provide empathy and understanding. I would also work to empower the community by providing education on their rights and the resources available to them (Marsiglia et al., 2021). This could include information about how to report instances of racial profiling, access support services, or seek legal assistance if they have experienced discrimination. Additionally, I would collaborate with community leaders and organizations to advocate for policy changes that address systemic issues of racial profiling and discrimination. By working together, we can strive to create a more just and equitable environment for the affected population and prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future (Marsiglia et al., 2021).
My approach aligns with my statement on anti-racist social work practice in several ways. First and foremost, I emphasized the importance of acknowledging and validating the experiences of the affected population, which is a fundamental aspect of anti-racist practice. By creating a safe and supportive space for individuals to express their feelings and concerns about the incident, I am actively working to address the impact of systemic oppression, as stated in my statement. Additionally, my commitment to empowering the community through education on their rights and available resources resonates with my dedication to anti-racist social work practice. By providing individuals with information about reporting instances of racial profiling, accessing support services, and seeking legal assistance, I am working to dismantle the barriers created by systemic discrimination.
REFERENCES
Marsiglia, F. F., Kulis, S. S., & Lechuga-Peña, S. (2021). Diversity, oppression, and change: Culturally grounded social work (3rd ed.). Oxford University Press.
Replay 2 Kimesa
Angel Reese and Caitlin Clark are WNBA players who formerly played collegiate basketball. Reese at Louisiana State University, and Clark at the University of Iowa. Racial discrimination and inequality have existed since their college years, and many spectators, communities, and even the government have made significant mistakes in relation to these two young athletes. Reese now plays for the WNBA Chicago Sky and Clark for Indiana Fever; the media, press, and social media continue to cause racial tension between these basketball players. Sports media portrays Caitlin Clark as the victim and Angel Reese as the bully. This unfair portrayal has only fueled the fire of racial discrimination in the sports world, creating unnecessary tension between the two players. It seems as if the media and spectators are treating both individuals like property instead of recognizing them as talented athletes with their own unique strengths and abilities.
People who have preconceived notions about race and gender view Caitlin and Angel through a biased lens because they adhere to different cultural norms. Cultural norms are beliefs and values that shape how individuals perceive and interact with the world around them (Marsiglia et al., 2021). Clark is Caucasian, in my opinion, Clark has the white privilege that comes with her race, while Angel faces discrimination due to her African American background and is perceived as an angry black woman. To foster respect and understanding for various viewpoints, if I were a social worker employed by these teams, I would offer cultural sensitivity training to all staff members, press, news media, and players.
This would help create a more inclusive and supportive environment for Caitlin, Angel, and all the athletes involved. It is crucial for the media and fans to focus on their skills and sportsmanship rather than fueling unnecessary animosity based on race. While cultural sensitivity training and awareness are vital, it does not address the root causes of racism and prejudice that people from marginalized communities and employment face. Addressing systemic disparities and biases is crucial for creating a truly inclusive environment and society. Ultimately, both players deserve to be respected and celebrated for their talents on and off the court. My approach aligns with my original anti-racist statement because it emphasizes the importance of inclusivity and respect for diversity in all aspects of the sports community.
Reference
Marsiglia, F. F., Kulis, S. S., & Lechuga-Peña, S. (2021). Diversity, oppression, and change: Culturally grounded social work (3rd ed.). Oxford University Press.
Dennis, D. (2024, April 5). LSU’s Angel Reese and Black women didn’t ask for this. Andscape. https://andscape.com/features/lsus-angel-reese-and-black-women-didnt-ask-for-this/
WNBA accused of racism for Caitlin Clark vs. Angel Reese decision. (2024, May 7). Nj. https://www.nj.com/sports/2024/05/wnba-accused-of-racism-for-caitlin-clark-vs-angel-reese-decision.html
