A persuasive argument for assertiveness training for blacks that takes into account the lifestyles of black people and also--unlike other programs--acknowledges that interracial exchanges are operating under different sets of assumptions. A counselor and psychology professor, Dr. Cheek contends that white-oriented therapies are deficient in their understanding and expectations of blacks, and white therapists often misread behavioral differences as deviations when in fact they are common and acceptable to large numbers of people. He provides sample dialogues which demonstrate typical experiences, pointing up the difference between servility and civility, how to get the goods without losing face or opportunity, and he compares blackblack and black-white communications to dramatize dissimilarities. Dr. Cheek urges the development of greater unity among Third World professionals to press for general recognition of black values in treatment programs, and he also suggests specific adjustments, such as adding music, to standard assertiveness meetings to improve the atmosphere. Finally he includes five counseling tools to help the professional and uncover biases. Ostensibly intended for therapists, much of this is rather simplistically written and parts seem more appropriate for clients than practitioners. But the observations are sound, the recommendations overdue.
Pub Date: Jan. 1, 1977
ISBN: N/A
Page Count: -
Publisher: Impact Publishers (P.O. Box 1094, San Luis Obispo, Ca. 93406)