People of African American Heritage and the Amish 1. Discuss the cultural development of the African American and Amish heritage in the United States. 2. What are the cultural beliefs of the African American and Amish heritage related to health care and how they influence the delivery of evidence-based healthcare? REQUIREMENTS APA FORMAT MINIMUM 500 WORDS 2 EVIDENCE BASED REFERENCES 2 CITATIONS
The African American and Amish communities in the United States have distinct cultural heritages that have evolved over time. The cultural development of these two communities differs remarkably due to their historical backgrounds, religious beliefs, and social structures. Understanding the cultural beliefs and practices of these communities is essential in providing evidence-based healthcare that is sensitive to their unique needs.
The African American heritage in the United States is rooted in the experiences of slavery and oppression. The transatlantic slave trade brought millions of Africans to the Americas, where they were enslaved and subjected to harsh living and working conditions. These experiences have shaped the cultural development of African Americans, as they struggled for freedom, liberation, and equality throughout history.
The civil rights movement of the 1950s and 1960s played a crucial role in advancing the rights and liberties of African Americans. It marked a significant shift in the cultural development of the African American community, with an emphasis on racial pride, self-determination, and empowerment. African American cultural expressions, such as music, dance, and literature, became powerful mediums for political and social commentary, highlighting the struggles and triumphs of the community.
In contrast, the Amish heritage in the United States is characterized by religious beliefs and a commitment to simple living. The Amish trace their roots to the Anabaptist movement in 16th-century Europe and migrated to North America in the 18th century to escape religious persecution. They settled primarily in Pennsylvania and other Midwestern states, where they established tight-knit farming communities focused on maintaining traditional practices and values.
Central to the Amish cultural development is their belief in Gelassenheit, a German term often translated as “yieldingness” or “submission.” Gelassenheit emphasizes humility, submission to God’s will, and obedience to religious authority. The Amish lead simple lives, rejecting many modern conveniences and technologies. They prioritize community, family, and agriculture, and their cultural practices revolve around these values.
The cultural beliefs of the African American and Amish heritages greatly influence their approach to and preferences for healthcare. In the African American community, historical experiences of subjugation and discrimination have fostered a mistrust of the medical establishment. There is a prevalence of health disparities among African Americans, including higher rates of chronic diseases, poorer access to healthcare, and lower utilization of preventive services.
The cultural belief of “soul-centered healthcare” is prominent in African American communities. This perspective recognizes the interconnectedness of physical, mental, and spiritual health and emphasizes the importance of addressing the spiritual aspects of illness. African Americans often seek spiritual support and guidance from faith-based leaders when faced with health challenges. Therefore, a holistic approach that acknowledges the spiritual and cultural dimensions of health is crucial in delivering evidence-based healthcare to this community.
Similarly, the Amish have distinct cultural beliefs and practices that influence their healthcare preferences. The Amish place a strong emphasis on community and often rely on their close-knit networks for support, including healthcare needs. They value personal relationships and may prioritize seeking care from providers who share their cultural understanding and demonstrate a respectful approach to their beliefs and practices.
The Amish also emphasize simplicity and frugality, which can affect their healthcare decisions. Cost-consciousness may lead them to seek less invasive and expensive treatments, favoring natural remedies and home healthcare. Understanding these cultural beliefs can enable healthcare providers to engage in more meaningful communication with the Amish community and tailor their approach to align with their preferences.
In conclusion, the African American and Amish heritages in the United States have distinct cultural developments that influence their healthcare beliefs and practices. Healthcare providers must recognize and respect these cultural differences to effectively deliver evidence-based healthcare that is sensitive to the unique needs of these communities. By embracing cultural competence, healthcare professionals can provide care that is holistic, respectful, and tailored to individual cultural beliefs and practices.
References:
1. Jones, R. A. (2017). African American health disparities in the United States: A lifespan perspective. Routledge.
2. Kraybill, D. B., & Nolt, S. M. (2020). The Amish. JHU Press.