Community Work - Research Paper Example

Although our community strives to provide diversity for all individuals in many ways Cascade Maryland lacks opportunities for ethnically diverse individuals. At my profession I often assisting in providing treatment to individuals composed of different races. Like many other individuals in our community I was born in America. My ancestors immigrated to America from Germany in 1785. According to Washington County Maryland (n.d.), our town was "a city founded by German immigrants in 1762" (pp. 2).

Our community does not have a large foreign born population. Encountering individuals with accents is a rarity. From 1995-2000 the foreign born population was 0 (City-Data, n.d.). Community work manuals and texts are relevant to me as an individual. I believe these readings are meant to address people like me. I would imagine the minorities living in this community may struggle with understanding these work manuals; as they are not designed for them based upon their cultural make-up. Approximately 95% of individuals living in this community speak only English and no other languages at home (City Data, n.d.).

The remaining five percent that utilize different langue at home are compiled by languages such as Spanish (.3%), European (1.9%), or Asian (2.8%). Perhaps the lack of cultural diversity can be attributed partially to the history of our state. Our state is home to many historical battle sites and monuments. Maryland being one of the thirteen original colonies formed was effected by west bound expansion during the 1800's leading many immigrants to settle in other states. Due to the geographical location of our state finding immigrants is not a common occurrence.

In the past I have encountered skeptism from minorities I have treated in my profession. I remember during the O.J. Simpson murder trial talking to an African American woman about the trial. With the evidence present by the media we both agreed that we felt that he was guilty of the crime. Some time passed before the verdict in the trial was read and I thought very little about the conservation as I did not see the woman for treatment regularly. After the verdict was read the woman called my human resources department claiming that I was a racist.

I do not believe my actions constituted racism as I was merely stating an opinion in the discussion we were having. The human resources department for the facility I work for did not believe this constituted racism either. However, I have learned not to discuss trials, politics, or other controversial views and/or opinions with the clients I treat out of fear for the potential negative ramifications that could occur for stating my opinion; even when the client initially agrees with my opinion.

Our community is composed equally of half women and half men. My age is slightly older than the rest of the community. Our community consists of people mainly child bearing age. My children are grown and on their own. I am the proud grandparent of seven grandchildren and a prouder great grandmother to two young children. . According toThe United States Census(2000),18.6% of the population is over the age of 55. Unlike few others in my community I am a widow. My husband died suddenly in 2007.

Of the people in my community the widows 9% are widowed. Of this 9% the majority (7%) are women. I believe that the community is well represented politically