A Reflective Inquiry Examining the work of Binyavanga Wainana, Horace Miner, and the thoughtful TED Talks of Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie and Taiye Selasi Bart-Williams, the construction of language power is a critical lens. identities and reinforcing stereotypes. It's time to turn the lens inward and think about our assumptions and recognize how they contribute to the creation of "otherness". Positive Stereotypes: Thinking about my own beliefs, I realize that even seemingly positive stereotypes can be harmful. . . Praising someone for their supposed "natural talent" in a certain area, even if the intention is appreciative, can inadvertently limit their achievements because success is due to innate ability rather than hard work and dedication. Negative Stereotypes Explore Negative Things Stereotypes makes me see that prejudices can cloud judgment and perpetuate unfair prejudices. Unconscious biases can affect communication and decision-making, resulting in the unintentional reinforcement of harmful stereotypes. Other: Reading Winana's satirical piece about writing about Africa reminded me of instances where I may have unconsciously contributed to the "other" cultures by some people. or regions. It is important to understand that every story is complex, and to reduce it to simplistic exotic versions only perpetuates ignorance and encourages division. Learn from TED Talks: Adichie's The Danger of One Story and Bart-Williams' Change. Your Channel" highlights the different nature of stories. meaning. As I reflect on these conversations, I realize that it is necessary to actively seek out many voices and stories to broaden my perspective and challenge existing assumptions. On this ongoing journey of self-awareness, I am committed to questioning my assumptions, challenging stereotypes, and making an active activity looking for different perspectives. By understanding how language shapes our perceptions, we can do our part to break down the barriers created by stereotypes and promote a more inclusive, empathetic world.