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The United States (US)) has become increasingly diverse, and some people may find it a challenge to keep pace with the transformation. We live among various cultures and subcultures. Culture refers to a group or community of people who share common experiences that shape how those members understand or view the world. Generally, culture includes groups or a community of people who you are born into such as, race, gender, religion, and national origin. According to Cross et al. (1989), depending on the group you are born into, some populations have negative experiences when seeking and receiving care and treatment more than other populations due to "culturally blind" interactions from health care providers. The authors coined the term cultural blindness to describe healthcare providers' inability to understand cultural differences most specifically in underrepresented populations. The lack of understanding is considered a low point on their cultural competence continuum (Foronda, Porter, & Phitwong, 2020).
While people may see the world differently, there are many commonalities that connect groups. Unfortunately, there are decades of historical events which have occurred that continue to cause disconnect, misunderstandings, and even violence. Racial injustice, oppression, and historical trauma is embedded in the daily lives of people from marginalized groups. According to the National Collaborating Centre for Determinants of Health (2020), marginalized populations are groups and communities that experience discrimination and exclusion because of unequal power relationships across economic, political, social and cultural dimensions. Becoming culturally aware, appreciating cultural diversity, and practicing cultural humility will help you overcome and prevent racial and ethnic divisions as well as the misunderstanding that creates conflict. Cultural awareness is one of the concepts of cultural...