Mentor defines cultural humility as an ongoing, lifelong process of self-reflection; learning how social identity and experiences are shaped by systems of oppression, power, and privilege. Having cultural humility is key to learning and understanding the cultural makeup of your mentee and what makes them unique, just as your cultural makeup makes you unique! This short video created by Mentor explains cultural humility in detail.
To help illustrate the complexity that comes with cultural identity, anthropologist, Edward T Hall created the analogy of culture being an iceberg with visible and invisible characteristics.
We can apply this same concept to the idea of cultural humility. We see our mentees on a weekly basis and we may be aware of certain cultural aspects that make up the social identity of our mentees, but there is so much more under the surface that we, as mentors, may not be aware of. We can also take this a step further and think of how an iceberg can move and shift in the same manner mentees’ cultural identities can over time. As you look below the surface of the iceberg you see values, traditions, morals, meaning of life, etc. These concepts make up the deeper characteristics of someone’s cultural identity. Practicing cultural humility can help us understand that what we see on the surface of our mentee’s cultural makeup is connected to deeper characteristics.
In recognizing the cultures and experiences of our mentees, be humble and open, encourage them, show genuine interest in what they have to say, educate yourself, avoid stereotypes and assumptions. By engaging your mentee in conversations about themselves and actively listening to their stories (and being present) you are already practicing cultural humility.
A wonderful way to learn more about your mentee’s life and what is important to them is by encouraging them to do this A Little Bit About Me activity. Completing this with your mentee will allow them to learn more about you as well.
Building an authentic relationship with your mentee not only requires you to be open minded about what makes them unique, but also your willingness to learn more about yourself.
Mentoring a young human takes commitment, a sense of wonder and curiosity, and a healthy dose of humility. Many times, people volunteer to mentor because they want to help a young person and enrich their life. If done correctly, in the end, the mentor realizes their own life has been greatly enriched too.