SUBCULTURE STORY

Subculture Story

Subculture Story

Today I am going to share with you a story about Native Americans and their plight regarding healthcare. This story reflects my feelings and professional experience in connection with the services that I rendered to Native Americans through a health care camp, which was set up in Chicago. During my stay at the camp, I noticed that these people are being neglected and they have no proper access to the desired services. This was a very negative experience as I was taken aback by the prevailing situation there at the medical camp.

Native Americans are prone to certain health problems more than are other segments of the population. For example, there are high rates of type 2 diabetes, heart disease, obesity, and alcoholism among Native Americans (Nebelkopf, 2008). The rate of type 2 diabetes is four times the national average for American Indian elders, affecting one in five. Consistent with the general population, however, heart disease is the leading cause of death for Native Americans (De Coteau, 2006). In comparison to that of other racial and ethnic groups, the life expectancy of Native Americans is appreciably lower. According to the work of Everett Rhoades, reasons for this discrepancy may include poverty, greater risk of interpersonal violence, increased abuse of substances, vehicular accidents, and greater rates of disease (e.g., diabetes).

In terms of mental health challenges, Native Americans most frequently experience substance abuse, anxiety, and depression, as described by Emily Sáez-Santiago and Guillermo Bernal. Some protective factors that may help maintain good mental health for Native Americans include a strong ethnic identity and involvement in cultural activities and traditions. For example, (Heinrich, 2006) has suggested that participation in cultural activities and ceremonies may protect against depression, the experience of emotional distress, and stress for traditional Native Americans.

Further, the strong emphasis on the importance of family in the Native American sub-culture also may serve to protect Native Americans from psychological distress (Gone, 2007). The Native American family often includes members of the extended family and the community, including members of the tribe or group even though they might not be biologically related. The extended family and elders are highly respected, and the collective wisdom of the tribe is treasured. Individuals are expected to provide advice and counsel to tribe members and to reinforce the values of the culture (French, 2006). They are believed to be responsible for the decisions that they ...