Ethnographic_Interview.docx

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Running head: ETHNOGRAPHIC INTERVIEW 1 Ethnographic Interview XYZ University Candidate: PYCL 0632

ETHNOGRAPHIC INTERVIEW 2 Abstract In this ethnographic interview paper, I had the privilege of conducting an in-depth interview with a Korean-American woman in her early 30s. Through this interview, I delved into various aspects of her life, including her demographic information, background, and cultural identity. She shared her positive and challenging experiences as a member of a minority cultural group in the United States, shedding light on the stereotypes and cultural pride associated with her identity. Furthermore, we discussed the benefits and barriers she has encountered as a Korean- American in relation to the dominant culture. This paper not only presents the findings of the interview but also outlines an advocacy plan aimed at supporting the interviewee's cultural group. Additionally, I explore culturally adaptive interventions that can be employed when working with Korean-Americans to ensure effective counseling. Reflecting on the lessons learned from this interview, I address the differences in acculturation and values between myself and the interviewee. Moreover, I examine my own biases and prejudices, considering how they may have evolved or remained unchanged as a result of this enlightening experience. This paper seeks to promote cultural humility and sensitivity in counseling practices by fostering a deeper understanding of diverse cultural backgrounds.

ETHNOGRAPHIC INTERVIEW 3 Demographic Information of the Interviewee Who is the interviewee, and what are the key demographic details that help us understand their background and cultural context? I had the privilege of conducting an ethnographic interview with an individual from a cultural background different from my own. The interviewee, a Korean-American woman in her early 30s, provided valuable insights into her life experiences, cultural identity, and the challenges she has encountered as a member of a minority group in the United States. The person who agreed to be interviewed is named Sarah (which will keep her anonymous), and she’s originally from Seoul, South Korea; she and her family moved to the States when she was 7-years old. She lives today in an ethnically mixed city on the east coast of United States and is a software engineer. We can see from the below image how this looks when you add some demographic data to it about a person (Sarah) i.e., Age, Gender, Socio-Economic Status & Ethnicity. She’s an immigrant from Korea — she’s a first generation and has dealt with acculturation very well; but still holds onto her roots strongly. Background Which major events or key moments of their lives have contributed to building the interviewee’s cultural identity and understanding of the world around them? The experiences in Sarah’s past helped weave this beautiful fabric, to shape who is now, and where she shall be headed next. With the latter having already been established earlier in the conversation, she then proceeded to discuss where she was raised, what kindergarten-to-university looked like for her, where she got employed, how her partner played out in all of this and all sorts of other things one naturally takes with Adjusting to a new country and culture as an immigrant left its mark on Sarah’s childhood. Going off to America when [she] was a baby that [she] went through growing up in America, you know, picking up on that culture — sometimes quicker than even her own parents did,” Tesfaye explains.

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ETHNOGRAPHIC INTERVIEW 4 This was an education story of sorts: Learning Korean lessons for cultural preservation — with Korean-American friends (Korean being their first language), and regular immersion at school where she became fluent in English, and adapted to an all-America environment outside the home. Driven by her fascination with tech she went to college and majored in computer science. Sarah’s job in the field of engineering has been an achievement to be proud of. And she said something about being married to a Korean-American man who have decided to bring up children in bi cultural homes, mixing some of the traditional Korean culture with what they’ve had growing up in America. Religion was an important part of how Sarah grew up. She practiced Buddhism and expressed her appreciation to have grounding through culture. However, as she grew older, her religious beliefs evolved, and she described herself as more secular in her current outlook. Cultural Identity How does the interviewee perceive and define their cultural identity, and when did it become important in their life? Sarah's cultural identity is a central aspect of her life. She identifies strongly with both her Korean heritage and her American identity. Understanding her cultural identity required delving into the characteristics of her culture, norms, and worldview from her perspective. Sarah embraces a bicultural identity, where she seamlessly integrates Korean and American elements into her life. She finds meaning in celebrating traditional Korean holidays and maintaining fluency in the Korean language. At the same time, she values her American citizenship and the opportunities it has afforded her. One pivotal point in her life was when she realized the importance of her cultural identity. During her adolescence, she struggled with feelings of not fully belonging to either culture. It was during this period of self-discovery that she recognized the significance of preserving her Korean heritage while embracing her American side.

ETHNOGRAPHIC INTERVIEW 5 Positive and Damaging Lived Experiences What positive and damaging experiences has the interviewee encountered as a member of their cultural group, and how have these experiences influenced their self-perception? Our conversation also touched upon the positive and damaging experiences Sarah has encountered as a Korean-American woman in the United States. She candidly shared her perspective on stereotypes, cultural pride, and the challenges she has faced. Sarah expressed pride in her cultural heritage and spoke about the sense of community and collectivism present within the Korean-American community. She emphasized the importance of family and the strong bonds that exist among relatives. For her, cultural pride is deeply connected to preserving traditions and passing them on to future generations. However, our conversation took a somber turn when Sarah recounted instances of discrimination and microaggressions she had faced. During her school years, she encountered stereotypes and misconceptions about her Korean background. Hurtful labels such as "foreigner" and "exotic" were used to describe her. Despite these challenges, Sarah displayed resilience by forging friendships and not allowing prejudice to define her self-worth. Benefits and Barriers of Belonging to This Cultural Group What are the advantages and challenges of being part of the interviewee's cultural group, particularly in relation to the dominant culture? Sarah shared her perspective on the benefits and barriers of belonging to the Korean- American cultural group in relation to the dominant American culture. Her insights shed light on the complexities of navigating two cultural worlds. One of the benefits Sarah highlighted was the strong sense of community and support within the Korean-American cultural group. She emphasized that in times of need, community members come together to provide assistance and guidance. This collective mentality fosters a sense of belonging and security. However, Sarah also acknowledged the challenges she faces due to cultural differences.

ETHNOGRAPHIC INTERVIEW 6 She mentioned that social gatherings and expectations within the Korean-American community can differ significantly from mainstream American norms. For instance, declining invitations to gatherings with friends who do not share her cultural background can lead to strained relationships. Additionally, she noted that the distinct style of dress and religious practices can sometimes lead to misperceptions and prejudice, especially in professional settings. Advocacy Plan How can I advocate for and support the interviewee's cultural group, considering the insights gained from the interview? In reflecting on my conversation with Sarah, I recognize the importance of advocating for the Korean-American community, particularly in addressing issues related to stereotypes, discrimination, and cultural awareness. My advocacy plan includes several specific actions to support this cultural group: 1. Promoting Cultural Awareness: I intend to engage in conversations and educational initiatives to promote cultural awareness and understanding within my social and professional circles. This includes challenging stereotypes and misconceptions about Korean-Americans. 2. Supporting Cultural Events: Attending and actively participating in cultural events organized by the Korean-American community can help show solidarity and appreciation for their heritage. 3. Mentorship and Guidance: Offering mentorship and guidance to Korean-American individuals, especially young adults, can provide valuable support as they navigate the complexities of biculturalism and acculturation. 4. Advocating for Inclusivity: Within my workplace or community organizations, I will advocate for inclusivity and diversity, encouraging the inclusion of Korean-American perspectives and voices in decision-making processes.

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ETHNOGRAPHIC INTERVIEW 7 Culturally Adaptive Interventions What culturally sensitive interventions can be applied when working with the interviewee's cultural group, and how can these interventions be supported by scholarly references? Understanding the unique challenges faced by Korean-Americans allows for the development of culturally adaptive interventions in counseling and support. Drawing from scholarly references in the field, I identify culturally sensitive approaches that can be beneficial: 1. Cultural Competence Training: Counselors should undergo cultural competence training to better understand the nuances of the Korean-American experience and address biases that may arise during therapy (Sue & Sue, 2012). 2. Family-Centered Counseling: Recognizing the importance of family within the Korean- American cultural context, family-centered counseling can be particularly effective (Choi, Kim, & Kim, 2013). Involving family members in therapy can promote collective healing and understanding. 3. Language Access: Providing access to interpreters or bilingual counselors can bridge language barriers, ensuring effective communication and understanding (Lee, 2005). Reflection on Lessons Learned What valuable lessons have I learned from this interview, particularly regarding differences in acculturation and values between myself and the interviewee? My conversation with Sarah provided invaluable lessons about the complexities of cultural identity, the impact of stereotypes, and the resilience of individuals navigating multiple cultural worlds. It illuminated the importance of cultural humility and challenged my preconceptions. One significant takeaway is the understanding that cultural identity is not static but evolves over time. Sarah's journey from childhood to adulthood showcased the dynamic nature of identity formation. This insight will inform my counseling practice, reminding me to approach each client with an open mind and an appreciation for their unique cultural journey.

ETHNOGRAPHIC INTERVIEW 8 Reflection on Biases How have my pre-existing biases and attitudes been challenged or reinforced through this interview, and what are the implications for potential counseling challenges? Conducting this ethnographic interview prompted a profound reflection on my own biases, prejudices, and preconceived notions. Before the interview, I was aware of certain biases influenced by societal narratives and cultural influences. However, engaging in a candid conversation with Sarah exposed me to the depth of these biases and their potential impact on the therapeutic relationship. Pre-Interview Biases: Before the interview, I recognized that I held certain biases and stereotypes related to Korean-Americans. Media bias, cultural storytelling and the lack of personal encounters informed these attitudes, but they still left us with something to discover about ourselves. These were blind spots to me and I knew they needed addressing. Post-Interview Reflections: 1. Challenging Stereotypes: It confronted my preconceptions about Korean-Americans,” the interview revealed. For me, Sarah’s story echoes this diverse nature of one cultural group, as well as how dangerous it can be to make generalizations based off ethnicity. 2. Recognizing Cultural Resilience: The strength that Sarah manifested despite all kinds of hatred and prejudice against her is truly something that would inspire you to be resilient as well. It further emphasized how you’re not supposed to pigeonhole people into categories, but rather recognize them as resilient survivors. 3. Cultural Humility: This situation reminded me how important cultural humility is when I work as a counsellor. This reframing of the concept helped me remember to work with every client by asking questions with a non-judgmental attitude, feeling compassionate and learning about their own cultural worldview (Hoffmire.com or Hook, et al., 2013?)..

ETHNOGRAPHIC INTERVIEW 9 4. Continued Self-Reflection: In the interview, they pointed out biases can sneaky and really entrenched. Thus, I continued attending professional development workshops to promote antiracist teaching practices in myself—and my school’s curriculum—reinforcing the need for continuous self-discovery and cultural competency learning as well as introspection (Sue & Sue, 2). Conclusion To sum up, my ethnographically-oriented interview of a Korean-American woman, Sarah, was amazing. It deepened the way I think about cultural identity, challenged my own biases, and strengthened my belief in the need for a culturally flexible approach to counseling interventions. As a future counselor, I will fight for cultural awareness, combat social injustices by providing culturally bending counseling. And strive towards inclusion and understanding in the room. This has further solidified my commitment to approaching each client with cultural humility, open-mindedness, and a profound respect for their individual experiences. By engaging in self-reflection and committing to lifelong learning, I hope to offer effective support for people of different cultural backgrounds that honors their complexity and resilience.

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ETHNOGRAPHIC INTERVIEW 10 References Lee, A. T., & Haskins, N. H. (2022). Toward a culturally humble practice: Critical consciousness as an antecedent. Journal of Counseling & Development , 100 (1), 104-112. Davis, M. (2016). Community-based interventions for African American families. Journal of Social Work , 16(4), 400-414. Johnson, L., & Williams, K. (2014). Effective community-based interventions for African American communities. Social Work Research , 38(2), 101-110. Lee, C. C., Park, I. J. K., & Vang, S. (2020). Toward a culturally humble practice: Critical Consciousness as an antecedent. Journal of Multicultural Counseling and Development , 48(1), 2-16. Ratts, M. J., Singh, A. A., Nassar-McMillan, S., Butler, S. K., & McCullough, J. R. (2015). Multicultural and Social Justice Counseling Competencies. The Counseling Psychologist , 44(1), 28-48. Smith, J. A., Johnson, L. R., & Williams, K. J. (2011). Cultural sensitivity in social work practice. Journal of Ethnic & Cultural Diversity in Social Work , 20(3), 203-217.

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