Recommendations for using films, videos, fictional books, and autobiographies for developing multicultural competence.

Films and videos are an excellent way of tapping into the affective realm of our experience and providing an opportunity to reflect on our experience and that of others. One important reminder is that films typically portray a limited number of characters and who should not be viewed as representations of a particular group.

Consider the character(s) within the context of multiple identities and multiple societal influences. They are a representation of a unique blend of experiences that may help you to understand one experience through which you can begin to understand and distinguish unique experiences and those that exist for a larger group of individuals due to their systemic or societal nature.

Progress Notes Reminder: If you choose to read or view a film with the intent of increasing your cultural competence, be sure to complete a Progress Note recording your experience and reactions. Then print and file the Progress Note.