A negative social attitude towards the Aboriginal communities is still prevalent today. Racism towards ATSI people is widespread in the Australian community. Individuals who have experienced discrimination need to be treated with understanding and respect. This will need to be reinforced whist working together to collaborate culturally relevant ways to bridge the gap. Until social attitudes are addressed it will impact professional relationships when delivering services and programs.
Employment
Aboriginal adults were deprived of effective role models when they were growing up. They were removed from their families and then institutionalised adopted or fostered. Being relatively poor meant that adequate education was not option. In order to …show more content…
For instance the structure associated with mainstream work life isn’t flexible enough to allow for work and family balance to occur. This causes conflict between the employee and the Aboriginal worker because he or she is not able to meet the expectations of their own extended family or on the other hand meet the proper demands of his professional role.
Drug and alcohol abuse
The white people had invaded Australia bringing with them alcohol. Within months the first pubs were opened. ATSI people received their wages as alcohol or tobacco. There was no education about the harmful effects of excess drinking and smoking and they were not aware of the damage it would cause to their bodies. Media delight in raising this as the stereotype but the figures show that Aborigines are no more problematic than the non Aboriginal people when it comes to alcohol consumption.
The unfortunate statistic here is that many of the ATSI people who do drink are very heavy drinkers. The consequences to this would be health problems, family breakdown, financial problems, violence theft and crime. Working with people who under the influence will be challenging, especially when you’re trying to get them to engage in …show more content…
Start appropriate dialogue with indigenous people and give them back the ability to define who they are and where they come from. Find out the Aboriginal land you are on, which mob use it, these are all ways to bridge the initial gap. There is real power when we show genuine interest to one’s history and culture. It gives ATSI people an opportunity to be heard and understood, therefore they feel important and acknowledged. Relating to their identity you in essence give them the respect and dignity they once lost and now deserve.
We need to know how to communicate in a culturally appropriate way with ATSI people. Use gentle tones when speaking, avoid complicated questions, and use little eye contact during conversations. Speak politely and slowly and be educated in the differences between terminology like, mob, tribe, traditional owner, Elder and Clan for instance. One great way to be welcoming without words is by using a nod and a smile, this gives an impression that you are relaxed in order to create a safe and approachable
Employment
Aboriginal adults were deprived of effective role models when they were growing up. They were removed from their families and then institutionalised adopted or fostered. Being relatively poor meant that adequate education was not option. In order to …show more content…
For instance the structure associated with mainstream work life isn’t flexible enough to allow for work and family balance to occur. This causes conflict between the employee and the Aboriginal worker because he or she is not able to meet the expectations of their own extended family or on the other hand meet the proper demands of his professional role.
Drug and alcohol abuse
The white people had invaded Australia bringing with them alcohol. Within months the first pubs were opened. ATSI people received their wages as alcohol or tobacco. There was no education about the harmful effects of excess drinking and smoking and they were not aware of the damage it would cause to their bodies. Media delight in raising this as the stereotype but the figures show that Aborigines are no more problematic than the non Aboriginal people when it comes to alcohol consumption.
The unfortunate statistic here is that many of the ATSI people who do drink are very heavy drinkers. The consequences to this would be health problems, family breakdown, financial problems, violence theft and crime. Working with people who under the influence will be challenging, especially when you’re trying to get them to engage in …show more content…
Start appropriate dialogue with indigenous people and give them back the ability to define who they are and where they come from. Find out the Aboriginal land you are on, which mob use it, these are all ways to bridge the initial gap. There is real power when we show genuine interest to one’s history and culture. It gives ATSI people an opportunity to be heard and understood, therefore they feel important and acknowledged. Relating to their identity you in essence give them the respect and dignity they once lost and now deserve.
We need to know how to communicate in a culturally appropriate way with ATSI people. Use gentle tones when speaking, avoid complicated questions, and use little eye contact during conversations. Speak politely and slowly and be educated in the differences between terminology like, mob, tribe, traditional owner, Elder and Clan for instance. One great way to be welcoming without words is by using a nod and a smile, this gives an impression that you are relaxed in order to create a safe and approachable