Reflection 5
The article by Sander and Kroll (2012) has revealed to me many things that I did not know. I never thought that gay and lesbian individuals become self-aware at a tender age till I read the article of Sander and Kroll (2012). Besides, I did not have the idea that such persons often develop resilient adaptations to an initially socially oppressive world that makes some of them denounce that they are gays and lesbians publicly. Unfortunately, those adaptations are not strong enough to surpass the community view about them, and often some end up being killed for taking such stand. What I loved most is the revelation that while some parents may feel ashamed of being associated with children who are gay and lesbian, some proudly accept their children’s position. I also think that learning to accept individuals the way they are is one way of developing a harmonious community. That is why Sander and Kroll (2012) advice that “by taking a stance against oppression and standing with the developing ability of young people to knowing love, we can help these children and adolescents realize a destiny of personal adequacy and fulfillment, both for themselves and for the world around them.”
On the other hand, in Fraenkel et al. (2009), I like the ideas and practices that are undertaken by the narrative therapists by working with families that are homeless under shelter-based as they are more vulnerable, unlike the housed. The idea that the homeless should share challenges with others who are vulnerable impressed me as in the process of sharing, people will reconnect and strengthen a sense of family while reducing stigmatization associated with homelessness. Besides, I agree that incorporating all people that are homeless as a result of oppression by groups because of class, race, gender, ethnicity, and even medical illness through the collaborative approach of narrative therapists stands to be the best program. This is because it can help the homeless to restore hope and pride to overcome psychological distress, be in a position to secure a job and housing.
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