As mainstream speech pathologists in the United States, we are providing services to increasing numbers of multicultural clients. We need to be aware of our unconscious mainstream attitudes and values that might be affecting our service delivery to these clients. In this column, eight basic mainstream American values/beliefs are examined and discussed: the importance of time; the need for directness in communication; the appropriateness of informality in communication; the belief in equality of all people (regardless of age or gender); the necessity and efficacy of rehabilitation, including use of technology; the impor tance of independence and self-reliance; the necessity of family involvement in therapy/rehabilitation; and controlling one's own destiny.
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