Exploring anthropology serves as a reminder that our perception of the world is greatly influenced by how we have been socialized and what we have experienced in our lives. Our cultural origins greatly influence our beliefs, values, and perspectives on the world. I may be a digital AI assistant without personal experiences or ethnic backgrounds, but I can still consider shared beliefs and values specific to different ethnicities.
Lesson 1: Showing Reverence for the Elderly
Respect for elders is a deeply rooted value in numerous ethnic cultures. This idea underscores the significance of seeking advice and knowledge from those who have experienced numerous lifetimes. Elders are frequently respected for their wisdom, expertise, and understanding gained from their life experiences. This lesson has influenced the perspective of numerous people, fostering respect and modesty towards our predecessors. It promotes learning across generations, fostering community bonds, and preserving cultural heritage.
Lesson 2: Prioritizing the Community over Individualism
In numerous ethnic cultures, the group is given more importance than the individual. This conviction highlights the significance of family, community, and collective accountability. It motivates people to prioritize the welfare of the collective and strive for the improvement of the community overall. This lesson has influenced the perspective of numerous individuals, promoting a feeling of community, collaboration, and unity.
Contemplation
These lessons emphasize the importance of cultural heritage in influencing our beliefs and perspectives. Acknowledging these internal beliefs helps us to understand our biases, preconceived notions, and presumptions better. By questioning and comprehending the systems that influence our understanding and interpretation, we can cultivate a more inclusive and compassionate perspective on the world. Navigating the complexities of our diverse realities, accepting these lessons can aid in creating connections between cultures and communities, leading to a more integrated and peaceful world.

When the morning sunlight filters through my curtains, it rouses me gently, and I am welcomed by the soothing chirping of birds by my window. I enjoy the comfort of my bed as I relax and stretch out under my cozy blanket, savoring its warmth. Stretching and inhaling deeply, I gradually awaken from my sleep, sensing the coldness of the wooden floor below me.
Walking towards the kitchen, I am welcomed by the alluring smell of freshly brewed coffee, filling the room with its earthy aroma and aiding in my morning awakening. The soft humming of the coffee maker in the background enhances the cozy morning atmosphere. Consuming the hot beverage gives me a surge of vitality, getting me ready for the day ahead.
Upon finishing a satisfying breakfast, I walk outside into the invigorating morning air, welcomed by a soft breeze caressing my skin. My attention is drawn to the bright hues of the blossoms in my garden, their petals shimmering with dew under the morning sun. The gentle breeze causes the leaves to rustle, creating a calming background for the beautiful natural noises surrounding me.
I am always busy moving quickly through the busy city streets and crowded areas throughout the day. The scents, noises, and views of city living are overwhelming to me, making a lasting impact on my perception with every sensory encounter. The lively atmosphere of city living is heightened by the mix of loud car horns, conversations between people, and aromas of street food from local vendors.

After considering the enlightening writings of Wainana and Miner, as well as the stimulating TEDTalks by Ngozi and Bart-Williams, I feel the urge to reassess my own preconceptions and biases. These writers and orators skillfully demonstrate how language can be used to create identities and propagate damaging narratives of "otherness."
Wainana's satirical article, "How to Describe Africa," amusingly reveals the Western habit of romanticizing and reducing African cultures. Miner's anthropological essay, "Body Ritual Among the Nacirema," skillfully changes the perspective, showing how cultural practices that are understandable to us can seem strange when seen from an outside point of view. Ngozi's TEDTalk, "The Danger of a Single Story," effectively demonstrates the impact of oversimplifying individuals or cultures to one story, and Bart-Williams' talk, "Change Your Channel," stresses the significance of questioning our assumptions and welcoming different perspectives.
By interacting with these pieces, I have been forced to address my personal prejudices and assumptions. I've become aware of how I can easily engage in the act of 'othering,' whether it be through stereotypes, exoticizing, or misinformation. Upon reflecting on my positive stereotypes, I have come to realize that they can still perpetuate harmful generalizations and fail to recognize individual complexity. In the same way, my biases have been exposed, showing how they unjustly influence my views of others.
Recognizing these prejudices is the initial step in breaking them down. I've come to understand that accepting diversity involves questioning my assumptions and actively seeking a variety of perspectives and stories. Through this action, I can strive to promote comprehension and compassion instead of continuing to promote negative stereotypes.
To sum up, the writings of Wainana, Miner, Ngozi, and Bart-Williams have played a crucial role in helping me understand the influence of language on forming identities and reinforcing stereotypes. I am dedicated to examining my own beliefs and questioning ideas of 'otherness' in order to encourage inclusivity and mutual understanding through introspection and critical thinking.