Learning Activity 1 Reflecting on my own assumptions and how they contribute into creating “otherness” has been an enlightening journey. Drawing from the insightful parodic example found in works such as Binyavanga Wainana’s “How to Write About Africa”, Horace Miner’s “Body Ritual Among the Nacirema”, and also TEDTalks by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie and Chimene Suleyman BaRT-Williams, I have come to recognize the distinction yet pervasive nature of stereotypes and stigmatizations. In such a way that I realized that even with the best intentions, my language and perceptions can be accidently preserve stereotypes. Positive stereotypes, in example certain cultures associating with exoticism or even mysticism, can be as harmful as negative ones. For example, having to assume all individuals from a specific culture possess inmate spiritual wisdom oversimplifies their identities and overlooks their individual complexities. However, negative stereotypes can often come from a place of ignorance or fear leading to distortion of the entire communities or even identities. Miner’s ironical portrayal of the Nacirema emphasize how unfamiliarity with cultural practices can lead to absurd misinterpretations. Same goes to Wainana’s parody exposing the tendency of depict Africa through a narrow lens of poverty, war and even exotic wildlife, in exchange of disregarding its diverse people and rich heritage. I have learned also the dangers of the “single story” and the importance of diversifying narrative through Ngozi and Bart-Williams’ TEDTalks. By reducing individuals or culture to a single narrative, it shows we risk dehumanizing them and perpetuating harmful stereotypes. Bart-Williams’ emphasis on changing our mental “channels” produced deeply, urging me to actively seek out diverse perspectives and challenge my assumptions. In reflecting on my own assumptions, I have realized that the need for continuous introspection and humility. Acknowledging my biases and actively striving to unlearn stereotypes is very much crucial in fostering empathy and understanding. By embracing the complexity and diversity of human experiences, we can move beyond the constraints of “otherness” and foster genuine connection based on mutual respect and appreciation.