Topics from the 12th Annual Cultural Competency in Family Law Practice
A recent issue of The Daily Journal, July 23, 2024 (pages 4-5) features a preview of topics discussed among attorneys, judges, and psychologists at the event Cultural Competency in Family Practice – Uncomfortable Conversations: The Art of Cultural Dialogue.
Abbas Hadjian lists “A Roundup of Infamous Misunderstandings in Cultural and Professional Settings”.
Here are just a few examples: [Disclaimer: Collected by but not verified]
- 2015: Nestlé’s Coffee Creamer Ad in Saudi Arabia
Nestlé released a coffee creamer ad that depicted women without headscarves in a public setting, leading to backlash from conservative communities. - 2015: Coca-Cola’s Ramadan Ad
Coca-Cola launched a Ramadan campaign in the Middle East featuring a video of a man fasting and then breaking his fast with a Coke, which faced criticism for commercializing a religious practice. - 2016: Dolce & Gabbana’s Abaya Collection
Dolce & Gabbana launched a collection of abayas (traditional Muslim dresses), receiving mixed reactions. Some praised the fashion house for embracing Islamic culture, while others criticized the high prices and felt the designs did not respect traditional modesty standards. The brand addressed these concerns through targeted marketing and community engagement. - 2017: Dunkin’ Donuts’ Arabic Coffee Cup
Dunkin’ Donuts released a coffee cup with Arabic calligraphy in the Middle East, which included a design resembling the word “Allah.” This led to protests, and Dunkin’ Donuts withdrew the cups and issued an apology. - 2023: Gucci’s Turban Controversy
Gucci released a fashion line featuring turbans, which was criticized for cultural appropriation and insensitivity towards Sikh traditions. The brand faced calls for boycotts and issued an apology.
Here are excerpts from the other contributors included in the article:
Los Angeles Psychologist Gitu Bhatia, PsyD. on “Mastering Uncomfortable Conversations”
Having courageous conversations eventually leads to personal growth and increasing depth and intimacy in relationships. This benefits not only our personal relationships but also paves the way for societal progress. The civil rights movement, acceptance of marriage equality and gender equality were all possible because of people approaching these tough conversations.
Los Angeles Psychologist, Linda Bortell, Psy.D. on “Navigating Difficult Conversations in Therapy and Personal Life”
If a client is going before a judge to determine custody and their sister is a judge, they may think one way. If a client has suffered discrimination from the legal system, going to court has a completely different meaning. Asking about specific differences and understanding them helps the client feel like they belong.
Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Firdaus F. Dordi on “How Cultural Competency Supports Fairness in Justice”
In the family law context, cultural competency in a diverse society such as ours refers to the ability of judicial officers, lawyers, and all involved professionals to seek to recognize, understand, and respect cultural differences among individuals and families. These differences can include a multitude of variables such as religion, language, geography, socioeconomic status, and family dynamics.