16 Feb What implications do the concept of intersectionality and white supremacy hold for counseling and the counseling relationship?
Sue, Sue, Neville, & Smith (2019) trace the development of Racial, Ethnic, Cultural Identity Attitude models from the work of early researchers in the 1970’s to current day. The authors discuss the development of these models in ways that moved away from pathology and toward greater inclusivity. Sue and Sue posit the R/CID model as a culmination of this development stating that this model serves as “a conceptual framework or heuristic to aid therapists in understanding their REC diverse clients’ attitudes and behaviors” (p. 238).
Other authors including Anders, Kivilighan, Porter, Lee, Owen (2020), bring our consideration of identity and the process of identifying to a perhaps more complex level. Discussing the work of Kimberle Crenshaw in the area of intersectionality, authors state that, “the ultimate purpose of intersectionality theory and research is to dismantle systems of power and oppression and barriers to justice by addressing how those who hold multiple marginalized identities are uniquely discriminated against” (p. 140). This concept brings to our awareness that we each hold multiple identity statuses that cross and overlap in different ways through the act of identifying.
In order to complete this discussion, review the following videos, readings, and your textbook. Reflect on REC identity models and the concept of intersectionality from and how these models and concepts contribute to multicultural competency in counseling. Respond to the following questions in your main post.
1. What examples of racial, ethnic, cultural identity development do you recognize from your personal experiences and/or observations? What are your personal intersections of identity? Do you experience/observe institutionalized racism?
2. What implications do the concept of intersectionality and white supremacy hold for counseling and the counseling relationship?
3. As counseling professionals, how does these implications shape our understanding of multicultural competence and our future work with clients?
Please watch:
Dr. Camara Jones’ Allegories on Racism https://m.youtube.com/watch?feature=youtu.be&v=GNhcY6fTyBM
(Links to an external site.)
Alice Goffman’s ted talk:
Please read: Why are we talking about white supremacy.pdf
Please review: White Supremacy Pyramid.pdf and Racial History of Grandfather Clause.pdf
