We foster a feeling of "otherness" when we assume things about someone based on stereotypes. This indicates that we view them as different from ourselves, often in a bad way.

In literature and other media, stereotypes and stigmatizations about Africa have been reinforced. For example, Wainana's 2005 piece, a parody of how Africa is commonly written about, emphasizes how the continent is often seen from a single, limited perspective. This representation ignores the complexity and depth of African cultures and experiences in favor of emphasizing poverty, violence, and exotic wild life.

Satire is used in Horace Miners 1956 essay " Body Ritual Among the Nacirema" to highlight how absurd it is that we consider other cultures to be weird or old. By characterizing American customs as foreign, Miner shows how our biases can skew our perception of other cultures.

In her " The Danger if a single Story" TED talk, Ngozi addresses the misconceptions and stereotypes that can arise from viewing Africa just from one point of view. In order to obtain a more complete and accurate picture of any location or people, Ngozi's talk highlights the significance of acknowledging many narratives. She explains how stories have the ability to change our perceptions and cautions against taking a single narrative as the whole truth.

Through engaging with these works, I have become more aware of my own biases and the stereotypes I might unconsciously hold. For instance, I realized that my knowledge about certain cultures was often based on limited and one dimensional portrayals in the media.

Understanding how language constructs " otherness" is crucial in challenging stereotypes and promoting a more nuanced and respectful view of different cultures. By critically examining our assumptions and the media we consume, we can work towards a more inclusive and empathetic world.

I go through a variety of networks everyday as a student, and these networks influence my experiences, connections and everyday interactions. These networks include a wide variety pf people, each playing a unique role in my life and contribute to different support, information, and resources exchanges.

My family members are the backbone of my network because they consistently support and encourage me while I pursue my studies. Regular communication and mutual experiences enable the exchange of not just material assistance but also emotional support, direction, and inspiration. Whether it's a comforting call from my mom and dad before a test or on any other day , or an honest talk about difficulties of university life in general with my big sister, the interactions with my family network provides me a sense of belonging and solidarity, and I always feel better after speaking to them.

In the academic world, I am part of a network of peers, students and lecturers who all contribute to my learning and development. Through group study sessions, group assignments and discussions, we exchange ideas, insights, and views that help us understand the course material. These discussions develop a sense of companionship and shared purpose, as we encourage each other in our academic goals and celebrate each other's wins.

Outside of school, I am connected to a network of friends and acquaintances who offer companionship , social support, and possibilities fro personal development. Whether it's exploring new interests, having lunch together or simply sharing laughter and creating memories with one another, these interactions contribute to my general well-being and sense of belonging.

My networks do not only allow for human interactions but also the sharing of chances and resources that both support my academic and personal growth development.

Reflecting on my kinship and exchange of networks, I am appreciative of the wide range of people that make a difference in my life and encourage me as a student. No matter how big or little, every interaction offers a chance for development , learning, and connection. Through my proactive involvement and upkeep of these networks , I am able to create meaningful connections, encourage mutual support, and enhance the well-being of my surroundings.

Going forward, I intend to acknowledge and value the diversity within my networks and actively pursue chances for meaningful communication and interaction, whether in the lecture room, social events or gatherings, or through acts of kindness and unity. In my networks, both inside and outside of the institution , I want to keep encouraging a sense of reciprocity and belonging.

I am a proud member of the Xhosa ethic group, with a rich cultural background that is filled with firmly held beliefs and teachings. These ancestors' wisdom have greatly impacted not only my identity but also my perspective of the world. In this blog, I reflect two Xhosa tradition teachings that I find to be guiding and inspiring.

Ubuntu: The essence of Humanity: The basic concept of "Ubuntu"- which is summed up in the phrase " Umntu ngumntu ngabantu"- which translates to " A person is a person through other people"- lays the foundation of Xhosa philosophy. Ubuntu highlights the interdependence of all people as well as the value of empathy, compassion, and support from others. I was instilled\raised with the value of Ubuntu from a young age, learning or understanding that our relationships with others validate or enhance our humanity. I now have a strong sense of duty to my community as a result of this teaching, which inspires me to always think about the well-being of others and work toward harmony and unity. I try to live up to the spirit of Ubuntu through my interactions, understanding that each person's well-being is entwined with the welfare of humanity as a whole. 

Respect for Ancestral Rituals and Wisdom: Respect for traditional wisdom and ritual-obedience are two further pillars of Xhosa culture. These customs, which range from initiation ceremonies to ancestral ceremonies, act as a link between the spiritual world and our forefathers and the current generation. I learned to value and respect the wisdom that our ancestors impaired to us through storytelling and ceremonial traditions, realizing it's continuity significance in directing our lives. This belief gave me a strong feeling of identity and roots, grounding me in the midst of uncertainty in life.