Self and Privilege Awareness
To be a successful multicultural advisor, I need to understand and explore my own cultural heritage as well as any privileges I have as a result of my gender, ethnicity, ability, socioeconomic status, religion, gender and sexual orientation. In doing so, I engage in personal development and develop a greater understanding myself and my heritage. Simultaneously, I need to acknowledge any biases or stereotypes I hold towards other groups or student populations. Only by understanding my own bias and privilege can I strive to change my thinking to be more inclusive and accepting. Specifically, as a person of Caucasian descent, I need to understand the impact of white identity, privilege, the history of white supremacy and the impact this has on removing or perpetuating racism (Sue & Sue, Cobham, 2011) . To discuss these topics, I have recorded a video during which I describe my background and discuss my thoughts about multiculturalism, white privilege and prejudice.
As a multicultural advisor, it is not only important that I understand my own culture and privilege, but that I help students learn about their own biases and privileges as well. At a predominantly white university, I have worked with several students that are in what Helm's describe as "contact status" or "disintegration status" (Sue & Sue, p. 3). In fact, last semester a student wrote an opinion piece in the USU student newspaper about how racism is no longer an issue (see article below, name removed for confidentiality). As a multicultural advisor, it is important that I help students understand how this type of thinking can perpetuate oppression and racism. Teaching students to develop self-awareness and become aware of discrimination around them allows them to break the cycle of white supremacy and oppression.