Lately, I've been challenged by the way language constructs "otherness." Satires like Wainaina's "How to Write About Africa" [1] expose how descriptions of a continent can be flattened into simplistic tropes. Similarly, Miner's "Body Ritual Among the Nacirema" [2] flips the script, revealing how our own practices might seem alien to another culture. These, along with Ngozi's TEDTalk on "The Danger of a Single Story" [3] and Barat-Williams' call to "Change Your Channel" [4], made me realize how my own thinking isn't immune to bias.
For instance, I admit to a stereotype – that technological knowledge is skewed towards the West. But then I recall the vibrant tech startups emerging in Africa, shattering that image. On the positive side, I may see a country known for its scenic beauty and assume a laid-back lifestyle. However, this overlooks the bustling cities and intense work ethic that also exist there.
These exercises helped me understand how singling out a single aspect creates a distorted "other." Africa isn't a monolith, and neither are its people. Similarly, attributing a singular characteristic to any group can be misleading.
The path forward is to be mindful of these biases. I'll strive to seek out diverse perspectives – through documentaries, literature by African authors, or even just conversations with people from different backgrounds. By challenging my assumptions and embracing the richness of human experience, I can move beyond "otherness" and see the world in all its complexity.