Anthropology's core concept of "making the strange familiar, and the familiar strange" truly resonated with me this week. Unit 6, particularly the emphasis on questioning our own cultural lenses, made me re-evaluate a core belief within my own ethnic background – the utmost respect for elders.

In my culture, respecting elders is paramount. Deference is shown through actions – offering them the best seat, avoiding interrupting them, and prioritizing their needs. This stems from the belief that elders hold wisdom accumulated through life experiences. They are seen as repositories of tradition and guides for younger generations.

However, through anthropological readings and class discussions, I've begun to see nuances in this seemingly universal principle. In some cultures, respect for elders might not translate into blind obedience. There's a space for questioning their decisions and engaging in respectful debate. This perspective challenged my own assumption that respect equates to unquestioning acceptance.

Furthermore, the concept of "elders" itself deserves scrutiny. In some communities, respect might be accorded to individuals based on their achievements or expertise, not just age. This broadened my understanding of who deserves respect and why.

My cultural background emphasizes respecting biological elders within the family unit. However, the readings introduced the concept of respect extending beyond family to respected figures in the community. This made me realize my own narrow perspective on who deserves respect.

Unit 4 has thrown a fascinating light on the intricate web of kinship and exchange that defines South African society. Living in a hyper-connected world, it made me wonder how these traditional concepts translate into the digital age. While physical distance might separate us, the networks I navigate daily still hum with a constant flow of exchange, albeit in a different form.

My closest network, my digital family, is a curious mix. There are childhood friends scattered across the globe, connected by a shared history that translates into late-night video calls filled with laughter and inside jokes. This exchange is one of emotional support and a comforting tether to the past.

Then there are the professional networks – colleagues on work platforms, fellow learners in online courses. Here, the exchange is one of knowledge and expertise. We share articles, offer feedback, and celebrate each other's professional triumphs. This digital kinship fosters a sense of camaraderie and intellectual growth.

Social media platforms create a looser, more public network. Here, the exchange is a blend of information, entertainment, and self-expression. I follow news outlets for updates, connect with like-minded individuals through shared interests, and occasionally even offer my own two cents on trending topics. This network is about the broader exchange of ideas and staying connected to the world at large.

There's also the anonymous network of the internet – online forums, discussion boards, even the comments section under a news article. This space thrives on a different kind of exchange. Here, I can engage with diverse viewpoints, challenge my own assumptions, and contribute to a larger conversation, even if it's with perfect strangers.

Reflecting on these networks, it's clear that exchange goes beyond just the tangible. Emotional support, intellectual stimulation, a sense of belonging – these are all vital currencies in the digital age. The nature of exchange also varies depending on the network. With close friends, it's a two-way street of emotional vulnerability and support. In professional networks, it's a more focused exchange of knowledge and expertise. Social media offers a more public platform for a wider range of information and self-expression.

However, this digital kinship also comes with its challenges. The physical distance can create a sense of detachment, and the curated nature of online profiles can lead to a distorted sense of reality. Furthermore, the constant barrage of information and the pressure to maintain an online presence can be overwhelming.

Despite these challenges, the digital world offers a powerful tool for fostering connection and exchange. It allows us to maintain ties with loved ones across vast distances, build new relationships based on shared interests, and engage in a global conversation. Understanding these networks and the exchanges that flow through them is crucial for navigating the complexities of our digital age.

As I continue to explore the ever-evolving landscape of the internet, I'll strive to be mindful of these exchanges. I'll nurture the close connections that provide emotional support, actively participate in the exchange of knowledge within professional networks, and be a responsible contributor to the broader conversation on social media. The digital world may not be a physical village, but it's a vibrant tapestry of kinship and exchange nonetheless.

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.

This morning was a little bit hasty, something inside me just couldn't get my brain to wake up and face the music it felt like a Sunday, you know nothing better to do but sleep and reset. just sitting in bed and imagining how my life will be like in the next 10 years...I was married with two kids and a super-rich husband, had a degree but never used it, suddenly I heard the gate open, and my Neighbour was on her way out this shocked me because she usually leaves her room at 10, so I got up just to be sure that she must have a really important thing to do to be up around 7. to my surprise it was actually 10!  I immediately ran a shower and put together the first items of clothing I see. 

on my way to campus, I hear a rumble in my tummy and remember I haven't had breakfast, before I do anything else I make sure I get to the emphi for a sandwich, not just any sandwich but the cheapest I could find because I know for a fact that what they are selling for 48 rand I could have made at home for 10 minutes.  

felt a whole lot better until I got to the venue for my test.my goodness. I thought I was in line for getting my id card picture taken at home affairs everyone looked so nervous and tired.  eventually we got in after that I had a meeting, would have rather written another test than to be in that library.

felt the weight lift off my shoulders when the clock strikes 4pm that's when I knew I was done for the day and could go back to my bed and continue fantasizing my dream life regretting why I spent so much time on this blog 10 years ago.