RESOURCES
CROSS-CULTURAL CLUES
You may be entering into a very different world than the one with which you are familiar. That may scare you, but if you maintain an open and teachable attitude you will probably receive far more than the people you encounter than you could ever hope to give. Here are some things to keep in mind.
DO NOT CLASIFY.
All Black people do not play basketball or rap or have rhythm. All Hispanic people do not speak Spanish and play dominoes. Not all Asian people are model minorities who came over on boats. Certainly, there are cultural traits that characterize every distinct group of people, but each individual is unique, and stereotypes can get you in trouble.
BE A LEARNER.
Do not be afraid to ask respectful questions about the way things are and how people feel about them. Read the books or magazines our guests and residents suggest. Listen to radio stations geared to other audiences Keep reminding yourself that things can be different without being better or worse.
DON’T PRETEND TO BE SOMETHING YOU’RE NOT.
This is a big one. Every now and then a Midwestern farmhand or a suburban Ivy Leaguer makes the mistake of trying to come off like a “homeboy” or “girlfriend” in “da hood.” Bad move. God can use who you are. God does not need you to pretend to be something you're not.
BE CAREFUL HOW YOU TALK.
Refer to Blacks as Blacks or African-Americans, Hispanics as Hispanics or Latinos, and Asians as Asians or Asian-Americans. Don’t use the words “ghetto” or “slum” in reference to your location, as theses words suggest that you place yourself on a higher plane that those around you. Try “neighborhood” instead. Also, do not assume that you can use words or phrases just because the people around you use them. What is OK for an insider may not be OK for an outsider. If you are unsure, hold your tongue and check with JSBC Staff.
DON’T BE AFRAID TO IDENTIFY WITH THE PEOPLE YOU MEET.
You may be surprised at how similar you are to your neighbors beneath the surface. You also may adopt some new values or characteristics during your trip. Remember, it ain’t necessarily posing when you change your attitude. It may be growing, instead.
CONTACT
Jefferson Street Baptist Center
733 East Jefferson Street
Louisville, KY 40202
Phone: 502.584.6543
Email: info@jeffersonstreet.org
Fax: 502.584.4377
MAIN OFFICE HOURS
7am - 3pm Monday - Friday
DAY SHELTER HOURS
7am - 1pm Monday - Thursday
7am - 12pm Friday - Sunday
