Examining the Inmate Wisdom: An Analysis of Swati Culture and Sight Blindness

The importance of knowing and seeing the systems that influence our perception of the world that brought us to light. I’ve been raised to accept some endogenous teachings and beliefs exclusive to ethnic groups as a Swati person. I will discuss these two teachings that have greatly influenced my perspective in this blog along with discussing Frances B. Nyamnjoh’s essay “Blinded by Sight Diving the Future of Anthropology in Africa.

First teaching: Ubuntu viewing someone as a ham being who needs to be respected

One of the concepts taught to us in Swati culture is called Ubuntu, which means "humanity towards others." The emphasis of this philosophy is on how intertwined we are with the natural world and other people. We think that the effects of what we do extend beyond, and this gives me a responsibility to respect and see humans.

This teaching is reflected in Nyamnjoh's essay, where he challenges the prevailing Western lens in anthropology and its frequent disregard for the interdependence of human experiences. He contends that African civilizations like the Swatsi provide enlightening viewpoints on the value of community and everyone's well-being. By acknowledging and respecting these intrinsic lessons, we may work toward an anthropology that is more inclusive and decolonized.

Second Teaching Sibhali means Respect and Humility

Our Swati culture, Sibhali is a core teaching that promotes the value of respect and humility. Respect for our elders and our parents as the myth says respect our elders your time of living will be long. My perspective has been changed it taught me to approach people with respect and dignity the knowledge and experiences of those who were here before me I must learn from the past for a better future.

The Nyamnjoh’s essay shows the value of having humility when learning cultural knowledge. People must according to their views rather than forcing someone, anthropologists should know their own biases and limits. Sibhali's teachings highlight the value of humility in our dealings with other people.  "Blinded by Sight" by Nyamnjoh demands the Western lens that is prevalent in anthropology and frequently disregards the innate wisdom of African cultures. He faces that because of this ignorance, colonialism, and injustice have continued since there is a lack of knowledge of and regard for African cultures. I say that we can move toward a more inclusive and decolonized anthropology by noting and honoring indigenous teachings like Sibhali and Ubuntu how our ancestors used to do things.

If we are willing to listen to others and learn from them instead of manipulating our own opinions and guesses, we can move toward a more delicate understanding of cultures and communities.

 As a Swati, my beliefs have been greatly influenced by the teachings of Sibhali and Ubuntu. Through contemplating these innate lessons and looking into the essay of Nyamnjoh's composition, I have developed a more profound recognition of the importance of identity, dignity, and respect in my environment and community. Let's make an effort to recognize and value the various teachings and beliefs that have shaped our worldviews as we proceed on our academic and personal journeys to work toward a society that is more compassionate and inclusive and continue to respect our teaching from our ancestors for the better future.