N KABI

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N KABI

Most powerful and important teachings I have learnt from my ethnic group.

16 May 2024, 04:26 Publicly Viewable

I grew up in a very strict ethnic group of Sotho people, in my household specifically there a lot of things you were not allowed to do, it is a family of Christians and since I am the only young girl in the family things were worse for me.

Respect

In my ethnic group, communication skills and socializing was a very important key to good relationship, you are not allowed to speak to anyone the way you want to, even young children and most especially your elders, you have to talk to them with respect and you had to humble yourself when talking to them, you were also not allowed to just pass your elders or anyone without greeting them that showed disrespect, whether it's a handshake, hug, or bows it is important and it represents love and unity. 

Ceremonies and Celebrations

During ceremonies and celebrations, it is not allowed to slaughter animals especially goats, Cows were only slaughtered occasionally so, and during funerals or after, everyone had to be cleansed to avoid bad lucks, which is something that does not really happen to other ethnic groups but to mine it is very important , with the traditional attire, you had to wear it with respect and you were not allowed to mix it with any different attire or any casual clothes, you had to wear it with respect and love and be proud of who you are.

Gender roles

There were no gender roles or expectations, everyone was allowed to do what they wanted to do, whether female or male, there were no specific jobs that women had to take, or men had to take, if you were a lady and wanted to slaughter cow during ceremonies perhaps you were allowed, and you were men and wanted to work in the kitchen you were free to do so and to wear what you want to wear comfortably so, no one has the right to tell you otherwise.