VIDEO 3: Cultural Competence in Minimization

University students discuss what their experiences have been with either themselves or with others who have mindsets in Minimization.

Most people (65%) fall within Minimization, which is the tendency to focus too much on similarities and by ignoring differences; essentially, this orientation represents “color-blindness,” where people say, “I don’t see color, we’re all the same”  but takes away the value of individuality with which one identifies. This expectation of cultural commonality and universal values and principles may mask a deeper recognition of cultural differences. These individuals tend to have really “good hearts,” believe in equality and humanity but have poor impact. The best strategy for moving beyond this orientation is to explore and focus on issues of power, privilege, and systemic differences.