Ethics and Professional Practice: Privilege and Oppression Analysis

This essay, focusing on ethics and professional practice, critically analyzes the concepts of privilege and oppression as presented in the provided readings by Anderson & Middleton and Sue. The essay explores the subtle yet pervasive nature of racial discrimination, highlighting how societal structures often grant preferential treatment to white, heterosexual, able-bodied males. It examines the discomfort arising from instances of racial invisibility and disrespect, particularly the impact of white fragility as described by DiAngelo. The author discusses the importance of empathy and open-mindedness in addressing these issues, while also questioning the effectiveness of counseling and the role of leaders in combating discrimination. The essay reflects on personal discomfort related to incidents of racial bias, emphasizing the need for awareness and change at a societal level. The essay references the provided texts, offering a comprehensive analysis of the dynamics of privilege and oppression.

Running head: ETHICS AND PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE
Ethics and Professional Practice
Name of the Student:
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Author Note:

1ETHICS AND PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE
What makes sense? What doesn't?
The authors Anderson & Middleton as well as Sue, in the books talk about racial
discriminations that are faced by colored people worldwide. Both the chapters are makes
complete sense. It is definitely true that white, heterosexuals, able bodied people and males
are given preferential treatment in a very subtle way. It is practices in such a manner that it
has become a norm amongst us. In many cases people who enjoy this privilege do not even
consider them as such. They have become accustomed to this treatment and think that it is
what constitutes normal. It is also true that most of the times people who are privileged
overlook the racial or other forms of discriminations or do not take heed of them much. In
many times they also think that the people that claim that they are suffering are exaggerating
or false claiming, in order to attract attention to themselves or their cause. It also makes sense
that it has become necessary that the psychological therapists and other privileged people that
are willing to help need to address the issue with empathy and open mind and heart. In most
cases, being skeptical about towards the account of a victim who has faced discriminatory
behavior makes them resent the privileged races. They might develop blind hatred and the
result might be fatal.
The thing that does not makes sense is whether counselling or psychological treatments are
enough for the victims. It also does not make sense what role the politicians and the leaders
are playing in minimizing and eradicating these discriminatory practices.
What makes you uncomfortable? Why?
The Anderson & Middleton chapter describes incidents where African Americans or more
generally the colored people experiences invisibility in social situations. In those incidents,
the victims were treated as invisible when they went up to receptionists, or order receivers or
help desk personnel. This incident makes me uncomfortable as this shows blatant disregard

2ETHICS AND PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE
for a person’s respect and integrity as human being. The person is being specially pointed that
they don’t matter or at least less important than the whites, or male individual. In many cases,
we may also behave unintentionally with bias or prejudice. When explained properly where
we went wrong, people who are open to change the scenario will rectify and check
themselves in similar situations. In the scenarios presented by both the authors, the situations
show that their dismissal and disrespect was somehow done with awareness even though they
are not intentional. The aspect of racism in such incidents are so overpowering and open that
it is difficult to believe that people might be so insensitive and disregarding of individual
identity. This incident also makes me uncomfortable because this shows that the spread of
awareness that is required for the eradication of such incidents must start at the root. These
people have been brought up in a society where these acts are not considered as rude or
misbehaving. These acts are natural and are widely practices, which in itself is sad thought.

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References
Sue, D. W. (2003). Overcoming our racism: The journey to liberation. John Wiley & Sons.
Anderson, S. K., & Middleton, V. A. (2010). Explorations in diversity: Examining privilege
and oppression in a multicultural society. Cengage Learning.