1)After reading chapters 13 and 14 of the Linzer text, address the ethical issues raised in this dilemma. How would you handle this ethical dilemma?

The first ethical issue addressed in the dilemma presented by the scenario is social justice (Linzer, 1999). According to NASW Code of Ethics (NASW, 2008), the works of social workers should aim at sensitizing and offering knowledge to the disadvantaged or deprived group. However, from the scenario, the large northeaster city’s social service that was hired by the community organizer did not involve the street dwellers in decision making thereby making them go against the social justice ethics. The other ethical issue in the scenario is the problem of service. Social work is expected to be a voluntary service where social workers voluntarily offer their services without expecting financial return (Linzer, 1999). This implies that hiring a service department attracted financial implication. The last ethical issue in the scenario is the issue of dignity of the person. Instead of offering the clients an opportunity to change and deal with their own needs, the scenario adopted their personal suggestion to resolve the problem of the clients.

Various dilemmas presented by social justice, service and dignity or worth of the person in the scenario can be resolved by ensuring that the community organizer and the social service provider adhere to NASW Code of Ethics principles as follows (NASW, 2008). First, both the community organizer and social service provider should note that social work services are better handled by voluntary social workers and not hired (Linzer, 1999). This would help the social service to elevate their work above self-interest thereby effectively addressing the problem of homeless people’s deaths. The dilemma on whether to obtain the consent and/or involve the client can be resolved by embracing social justice that both the client and the social service providers decide on the appropriate measure to resolve the problem (Linzer, 1999). Lastly, both the social service and the community organizer should aim at according the homeless people a chance to change and address their personal problems; a move that would allow the social workers to respect the dignity and worthiness of the clients.

2)Identify some of the commonly held stereotypes about Arab Americans. Analyze where these stereotypes may have originated and what factors perpetuate them. Reflect how stereotypes may influence the life of an Arab American child.

Arab Americans are mostly seen as either “bad guys” or terrorists, bombers, belly dancers, barbarians or greedy sheiks (Weaver, 2007). Most of the above stereotypes about Arab Americans have been perpetuated by foreign policy and general ignorance on Arab American population. All Arab Americans are also perceived to ascribe to Islam, which is a backward and repressive religion. Weaver (2007) argued that the stereotypes are likely to profile and train an Arab American child to be violent and hate Americans of other ethnic origin. The stereotypes might also make an Arab American child fear the police and shy from reporting criminal cases among the Arab Americans.      

3)Identify some of the commonly held stereotypes about refugees and immigrants, addressing them separately. Analyze where these stereotypes may have originated and what factors perpetuate them. What types of considerations would you think about when working with these populations?

Immigrants’ Stereotypes

Immigrants are stereotyped to drain health care and educational resources: this stereotype originates from and is propagated by the fact that the majority of immigrants cross the border and enter other countries such as the US illegally thereby causing strain of basic resources meant for natives (Weaver, 2007). In addition, immigrants are also stereotyped as individuals who take jobs away from hardworking native-born residents. According to Weaver (2007), job-taking stereotype is fostered by the fact that immigration is a black market composed of desperate illegal individuals, thus readily accepts work at low wages. Lastly, immigrants are stereotyped to increase crime rates; this stereotype originates from and is propagated by the belief that being in the United States illegally is a criminal offence and not civil violation. This notion has propagated the fact that all immigrations are illegal thus a violation of laws regards acts such as theft or physical violence.         

Refugees Stereotypes

Refugees are perceived as resource stealers: that is, they are draining the economic resources and causing financial burden to the recipient country (Weaver, 2007). This stereotype originates from and is perpetuated by the notion that refugees drain resources in an attempt to seek wealth, prosperity and favorable economic options.  

Refugees are perceived as queue-jumpers: that is, refugees often jump the line in order to get to places of sanctuary. Weaver (2007) cites that this stereotype originates from and is perpetuated by two notions: first, refugees are expected to follow formal line in order to gain access to seek refuge. Secondly, refugees hardly adhere to protocols set by agencies such as UN for relocation to safe country.

Refugees are perceived as security threats: generally, the entire globe perceives refugees as a threat and destabilizing force because of the continued quest for military and human security response (Weaver, 2007).

In working with refugees and immigrants, I would take into account that such populations are not permanent residents of a recipient country; therefore, they are only eligible for basic social assistance and emergency health care that would not make them drain resources or cause economic strain in recipient country. In addition, I would also consider the fact that refugees are always not able to line up for visas at their local government, especially if the persecution is from the government; consequently, barriers and challenges restricting relocation might not apply to such populations. Lastly, in working with the refugees, I would consider the refugees and immigrants are a population that is running away from persecution and thus require religious, cultural, political and personal freedom. Consequently, I would advocate tolerance between the population and the residents in a bid to foster equality, diversity and integration.      

4)Discuss the challenges you see for yourself in working with someone like Mrs. Leiden. How would you resolve these issues?

Generally, it would be a challenge to share and understand the purpose of the venture with someone like Mrs. Leiden. The two of us have varied beliefs and values about social work (Weaver, 2007). This challenge would be resolved by initiating a common communication style and constant consultation to help harmonize on the purpose of the work.  

Secondly, I would face cultural challenge; that is, we are from different cultures and might be counterproductive. We would resolve cultural challenge by managing our cultural differences effectively while harness the unique traits from each individual for the good of the social service.