Education Blog: Understanding Endogenous Teaching With its focus on “making the strange familiar and the familiar strange,” anthropology encourages us to explore the depths of our cultural environment and question the systems we take for granted. The purpose of this reflective activity is to discover and critically analyze two beliefs or teachings that are specific to my ethnic group and that have significantly shaped my worldview. Teaching 1: The value of community and collective responsibility One of the most profound teachings of my cultural heritage is its emphasis on community and shared responsibility. This belief is deeply rooted in the idea that individual happiness is inextricably linked to the happiness of society. Growing up, I was constantly reminded of the African proverb, “It takes a village to raise a child.” These words embody the idea that all members of a community have a role to play in nurturing and supporting one another. This belief has shaped my worldview in many ways. Interconnectedness: I perceive my actions as part of a larger network of relationships. Decisions are not only about personal gain, but also about how they affect others. Mutual Support: Focus on helping others, whether through formal community projects or informal support networks. I have come to value collaboration and empathy both personally and professionally. Teaching 2: Respect for elders and traditions Another key teaching of our ethnic group is respect for elders and the importance of traditions. Elders are considered guardians of wisdom and cultural heritage. Their experiences and stories are invaluable and I look to them for advice when making important decisions in my life. This belief influenced my worldview in the following ways. Value of Wisdom: I have a deep respect for knowledge based on life experience. It instilled humility and a willingness to learn from those who came before me. Continuity and change. While I appreciate modern developments, I also recognize the importance of preserving cultural customs and traditions. This has created a balance in my life between embracing innovation and respecting the past. Thinking About Prejudice and Prejudice By sharing this learning journal with my classmates, I hope they will find these teachings familiar or strange depending on their cultural background. For example, an emphasis on community may resonate with someone from a collectivistic culture but may seem strange to someone from an individualistic culture. Likewise, respect for elders and traditions may be familiar to members of cultures that value hierarchy and continuity, but may be unfamiliar to members of more egalitarian and progressive societies. critical thinking Through discussion, I try to reveal my own biases and preconceptions. for example: Collectivism: I may unconsciously prioritize group decisions over individual plans, potentially overlooking the benefits of individual autonomy and innovation. Preconceptions about tradition: I may assume that all traditional practices are inherently valuable and fail to recognize the need for cultural evolution and reform. By critically reflecting on these points with my classmates, I hope to gain a more nuanced understanding of how my cultural teachings influence my perceptions and actions. This exercise is a step towards becoming more aware of my biases and broadening my understanding of different worldviews. conclusion Anthropology's call to make the unfamiliar familiar and the familiar strange is a powerful reminder of the importance of reflection and dialogue. By studying and discussing the endogenous teachings of our ethnic groups, we not only deepen our understanding of ourselves, but also develop greater empathy and understanding of the rich tapestry of human culture.

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.