In the video, “A Hidden America: Children of the Mountains”, news correspondent Diane Sawyer introduces the viewers to various families and individuals living in poverty stricken communities in the Central Appalachian Mountains of Kentucky. According to the program, the people living there are descendants of pioneers and legendary fighters in the American military. “They are brave, tough, wary of outsiders, steeped in family and faith” (20/20). This is an area of the country that is experiencing widespread prescription drug abuse, alcoholism, tooth loss, cancer, depression, and higher mortality rates in adults then the rest of the United States. They are also a population in need of assistance. Of all the individuals and families highlighted
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I know many people who when you mention the Appalachian Mountains they either immediately think of the hillbilly stereotype or recall a scene with toothless locals from the movie Deliverance. It’s probably something that Angel and her family have heard all their lives, which could account for why they are so wary of outsiders. That kind of thinking is judgmental and unfair and has no place in a helping environment. That is why Suspending Judgement is so important in this situation. According to the textbook, “It is also important that helpers not communicate negative judgements about the way in which an individual, couple, or family manages decisions and crises” (Poindexter). In order to help Courtney and her family, I must look beyond their living conditions and the stereotypes, to see them for who they really are, or as Angel’s mother states, “Now, I’m not well educated, but if you take the time to sit down and talk to me then you’re going to see, hey she’s not so stupid after all” (20/20). No matter what my personal feeling might be regarding how Angel and her family choose to live, it’s up to me as a helper to be a non-judgmental …show more content…
Although there are a number of negatives in their lives, they each still have plenty of positive things going for them. One of the most important positives is the full support of Angel’s mother, and the other family members. Unlike some of the other families in the program, Courtney and Angel’s family despite the overcrowding, seem to get along well. By using The Strengths Perspective, I would focus on Courtney and Angel’s strengths and abilities. Courtney does well in school, she helps her mother stay on track, and she looks after for her younger sisters. Angel has remained drug-free, she has walked several miles and spent many hours in order to obtain her GED which will open up more opportunities for her, she managed to secure a house of her own, and under difficult circumstances she has kept her family together under one roof. By focusing on the positive aspects of their lives, and the resources they possess instead of on the things they lack, I am better able to help Courtney and Angel build upon their existing strengths which would then allow them to see how they are fully capable of managing the ups and downs that they may encounter in their
I know many people who when you mention the Appalachian Mountains they either immediately think of the hillbilly stereotype or recall a scene with toothless locals from the movie Deliverance. It’s probably something that Angel and her family have heard all their lives, which could account for why they are so wary of outsiders. That kind of thinking is judgmental and unfair and has no place in a helping environment. That is why Suspending Judgement is so important in this situation. According to the textbook, “It is also important that helpers not communicate negative judgements about the way in which an individual, couple, or family manages decisions and crises” (Poindexter). In order to help Courtney and her family, I must look beyond their living conditions and the stereotypes, to see them for who they really are, or as Angel’s mother states, “Now, I’m not well educated, but if you take the time to sit down and talk to me then you’re going to see, hey she’s not so stupid after all” (20/20). No matter what my personal feeling might be regarding how Angel and her family choose to live, it’s up to me as a helper to be a non-judgmental …show more content…
Although there are a number of negatives in their lives, they each still have plenty of positive things going for them. One of the most important positives is the full support of Angel’s mother, and the other family members. Unlike some of the other families in the program, Courtney and Angel’s family despite the overcrowding, seem to get along well. By using The Strengths Perspective, I would focus on Courtney and Angel’s strengths and abilities. Courtney does well in school, she helps her mother stay on track, and she looks after for her younger sisters. Angel has remained drug-free, she has walked several miles and spent many hours in order to obtain her GED which will open up more opportunities for her, she managed to secure a house of her own, and under difficult circumstances she has kept her family together under one roof. By focusing on the positive aspects of their lives, and the resources they possess instead of on the things they lack, I am better able to help Courtney and Angel build upon their existing strengths which would then allow them to see how they are fully capable of managing the ups and downs that they may encounter in their