Читать книгу Counseling the Culturally Diverse - Laura Smith L. - Страница 45

There are many cultural clues that might have provided Dr. D. with additional insights into Latinx culture and its meaning for culturally competent assessment, diagnosis, and treatment. We have already pointed out his failure to explore more in depth Gabriella's description of her attacks (ataques de nervios), and her concern about her parents’ approval. However, many potential sociocultural and sociopolitical clues were present in their dialogue as well. For example, Dr. D. failed to follow up on why the song “Booty” by Jennifer Lopez precipitated an argument, and what the parents’ use of the term “fetish” shows us about how Russell may potentially view their daughter.

The four‐minute music video “Booty” shows Jennifer Lopez and Iggy Azalea with many anonymous women shaking their derrieres (“booties”) in front of the camera while chanting “Big, big booty, big, big booty” continuously. It has been described as provocative, exploitative, and “soft porn.” Nevertheless, the video became a major hit. While Dr. D. might be correct in saying that the argument couldn't possibly be over a song (implying that there is a more meaningful reason), he doesn't explore the possible cultural or political implications for Gabriella. Is there meaning in her finding the song offensive and Russell's enjoying it? We know, for example, that Latinas and Asian women are victims of widespread societal stereotyping that objectifies them as sex objects. Could this be something that Gabriella is wrestling with? At some level, does she suspect that Russell is only attracted to her because of these stereotypes, as her parents’ use of the word “fetish” implies? In not exploring these issues, or worse yet, not being aware of them, Dr. D. may have lost a valuable opportunity to help Gabriella gain insight into her emotional distress.