Examining Endogenous Teachings and Developing Worldviews in a Reflective Blog **Study Unit 6 as the Basis for Learning Activity 4** Studying anthropology forces us to analyse our worldviews and consider the structures that shape our perception of reality. Our cultural history and life experiences have affected our views and teachings as individuals from a variety of backgrounds. I will examine two endogenous teachings/beliefs that are part of my ethnic group and have had a big impact on my worldview in this reflective blog. #### First Lesson: Honouring Seniors Respect for elders is a deeply embedded teaching in my culture. I learned at a young age to respect and obey elders, be they relatives, local authorities, or other figures of authority. This lesson highlights the value of knowledge, expertise, andExamine two endogenous teachings/beliefs that have greatly impacted my worldview and are unique to my ethnic group. #### First Lesson: Honouring Seniors Respect for elders is a deeply embedded teaching in my culture. I learned at a young age to respect and obey elders, be they relatives, local authorities, or other figures of authority. This teaching places a strong emphasis on the value of the knowledge, expertise, and direction that elder generations can provide. It has imbued qualities of humility, empathy, and intergenerational solidarity that have moulded my perspective. But after some thought, I see that this instruction can occasionally uphold hierarchical power relations and stifle critical thought, particularly when the viewpoints of the elderly collide with progressive or modern ideals. #### Instruction 2: Collective Accountability In my culture, another important lesson is theExamine two endogenous teachings/beliefs that have greatly impacted my worldview and are unique to my ethnic group. #### First Lesson: Honouring Seniors Respect for elders is a deeply embedded teaching in my culture. I learned at a young age to respect and obey elders, be they relatives, local authorities, or other figures of authority. This teaching places a strong emphasis on the value of the knowledge, expertise, and direction that elder generations can provide. It has imbued qualities of humility, empathy, and intergenerational solidarity that have moulded my perspective. But after some thought, I see that this instruction can occasionally uphold hierarchical power relations and stifle critical thought, particularly when the viewpoints of the elderly collide with progressive or modern ideals. #### Instruction 2: Collective Accountability In my culture, another important lesson is theExamine two endogenous teachings/beliefs that have greatly impacted my worldview and are unique to my ethnic group. #### First Lesson: Honouring Seniors Respect for elders is a deeply embedded teaching in my culture. I learned at a young age to respect and obey elders, be they relatives, local authorities, or other figures of authority. This teaching places a strong emphasis on the value of the knowledge, expertise, and direction that elder generations can provide. It has imbued qualities of humility, empathy, and intergenerational solidarity that have moulded my perspective. But after some thought, I see that this instruction can occasionally uphold hierarchical power relations and stifle critical thought, particularly when the viewpoints of the elderly collide with progressive or modern ideals. #### Instruction 2: Collective Accountability In my culture, another important lesson is theExamine two endogenous teachings/beliefs that have greatly impacted my worldview and are unique to my ethnic group. #### First Lesson: Honouring Seniors Respect for elders is a deeply embedded teaching in my culture. I learned at a young age to respect and obey elders, be they relatives, local authorities, or other figures of authority. This teaching places a strong emphasis on the value of the knowledge, expertise, and direction that elder generations can provide. It has imbued qualities of humility, empathy, and intergenerational solidarity that have moulded my perspective. But after some thought, I see that this instruction can occasionally uphold hierarchical power relations and stifle critical thought, particularly when the viewpoints of the elderly collide with progressive or modern ideals. #### Instruction 2: Collective Accountability In my culture, another important lesson is thenotion of collective accountability. We think that everyone in our community is connected to everyone else, and that we have a responsibility to help and encourage one another. This lesson emphasises the value of solidarity, cooperation, and helping one another out when things are tough. It has improved social cohesiveness, empathy, and a sense of belonging, all of which have shaped my viewpoint. It can, however, also result in pressure to live up to social norms and expectations, which stifles personal independence and originality. Additionally, if some groups within the community are marginalised or excluded from communal support networks, this could further contribute to the continuation of socioeconomic inequities. After talking with a classmate about these lessons, I saw that although we both understood certain parts of them, others sounded weird or foreign. We were aware of our prejudices.and biases, especially with reference to the possible shortcomings of conventional wisdom in tackling today's issues. We encouraged one another to rethink and scrutinise our presumptions by engaging in critical contemplation and candid discussion, acknowledging the richness and variety of human experiences. Finally, by looking at endogenous teachings and how they affect our worldviews, we can gain a deeper understanding of both our own selves and the societies in which we live. We may develop greater empathy, open-mindedness, and cultural humility by challenging our preconceived notions and embracing the unknown, which will promote meaningful discourse and our group's progress. **Word Count: 373**

Reflective Blog: Exchange and Kinship Networks **Study Unit 4 as the Basis for Learning Activity 3** We looked at the complex family and exchange networks that support social structures in a South African setting in Study Unit 4. Understanding how relationships are established, maintained, and used for mutual gain requires an understanding of these networks. When I think back on the people I deal with every day, I see that I move through a number of interrelated networks, each with its own dynamics and modes of exchange. I will consider these networks, the people that make them up, and the conversations that take place within them here. #### Family Network My family is the centre of my social circle because they offer a solid base of stability and emotional support. This network consists of my parents, siblings, and other family members likeuncles, cousins, and aunts. This network primarily facilitates emotional and pragmatic conversations. We exchange love, support, and guidance—all essential for our health and development as individuals. There are also tangible trades like cash, presents, and services. For example, my parents help out financially, and I help out around the house and aid my younger siblings with their schooling. #### Social Network of Friendship My friend group is yet another important network. I communicate with these people in a reciprocal and supportive manner since we have similar interests and life experiences. This network facilitates a wide range of exchanges, from resource and information sharing to emotional support. We share study materials and books, and we give each other advise on both personal and professional issues.supplies, as well as provide fun and company. My social life depends on this network because it gives me a sense of community and belonging. #### Professional and Academic Network My academic and professional network is essential to my intellectual and professional growth as a student. My instructors, mentors, and classmates are a part of this network. Here, the conversations are mostly cooperative and informational. We exchange research findings, study notes, and information. Working together on group assignments and academic projects promotes a sense of accomplishment as a team. Professors and mentors also offer advice and chances for career advancement, like internships and job recommendations. #### Digital Network My internet network has a big impact on my everyday life in this digital age. This network consists of online study groups, pals from social media, and professionalrelationships on websites such as LinkedIn. In this network, social and informational exchanges predominate. I engage in conversations that extend my horizons, share ideas, and keep up with current affairs. Online information and professional possibilities may be shared more easily, which improves my study and career opportunities. #### Neighbourhood Network Last but not least, neighbours, nearby companies, and neighbourhood associations make up my community network. This network's interactions are frequently helpful and pragmatic. We lend support when needed and give resources like appliances and equipment. Social meetings and events in the community promote a sense of unity and group responsibility. In order to create a community that is both cohesive and supportive, this network is essential. #### In summary As one considers these networks, it is evident that they are overlapping and interrelated.each being essential to my day-to-day existence. These networks involve not only financial trades but also deeply ingrained social and emotional ties. I exchange resources and information, receive and give assistance, and create deep connections through these networks. Knowing these interactions improves my comprehension of the social fabric that keeps me afloat and emphasises how crucial it is to preserve these relationships for one another's benefit as well as the cohesiveness of the community. Word count: 523

blog post: Keeping a Diary of a Day **Study Unit 3 as the Basis for Learning Activity 2** **Preface** Study Unit 3 delves into the theoretical framework of ritual and examines the role that sensory experiences have in producing "thick" descriptions in ethnographic writing. With this knowledge in hand, I will chronicle a day in my life—from getting up to going to bed—giving a detailed, multisensory description of my encounters and social interactions. The purpose of this exercise is to think about how our everyday routines shape our lives and help us comprehend societal structure and individual identity. **Daily Custom: Rite of Divorce** At 6:30 AM, my alarm clock begins to gently hum. The air feels cool against the walls, and the room is still dim.skin. My muscles feel less tense as I stretch, a reassuring memory of the previous night's sleep. I toss aside the blankets and walk onto the plush carpet, which tickles my feet, and the aroma of clean linen fills my nostrils. I head to the toilet, where the cool spray on my face and the sound of flowing water wake me up completely. A fresh day is heralded by the zesty perfume of my shower gel and the minty taste of my toothpaste. The smell of toast and freshly brewed coffee combine in the kitchen. As I add a dash of milk, the sound of the spoon clinking against the ceramic mug creates a cosy and familiar atmosphere.loud. Breakfast consists of toast, banana, and scrambled eggs. The cool morning air coming in via the open window contrasts with the warmth of the coffee. I feel linked to the world beyond my immediate surroundings when I look at the news headlines on my phone while I'm eating. **Activities for Midday: Final Stage** I'm situated at my desk and ready to go by 9:00 AM. My morning's background music is the soft hum of the computer fan and the click of the keyboard. My workstation is neat and tidy, with a potted plant bringing some foliage and vitality to the otherwise lifeless place. The silence is broken by the sound of emails pinging in my inbox, each one delivering a new task orsomething to think about. There's a welcome respite at lunchtime. There is a lot going on in the cafeteria, as evidenced by the clatter of plates and the murmur of conversations. The air is filled with the aromas of many meals, including hot curries, fresh salads, and grilled chicken. I get a chicken wrap with fries on the side and enjoy the flavour of the chicken and the crisp lettuce. My coworkers and I joke about and tell stories while we eat, our laughing becoming part of the commotion in the room. **Sunset Wind-Down: Reincorporation Rite** At 5:00 PM, when the workday finishes, I go to the gym. The sound of weights clanging and the rhythmic thud of feet on treadmills fills the room. The smell of disinfectant and perspirationis overwhelming initially, but as I focus on my training, it becomes less apparent. My muscles tense up and my breathing becomes rhythmic, bringing me out of the day's pressures and into a contemplative condition. It's quieter to have dinner at home. The kitchen is filled with the perfume of stir-fried veggies and the sizzle of vegetables in the pan. A comfortable and cosy atmosphere is created by the soft glow of the dining room light and the warmth of the cuisine. I chew my food gently, appreciating every taste and thinking back on the day. I'm winding down by 9:00 PM. As I read a book, the faint sounds of music fill the background, and the pages gently rustle as I flip the pages. The magnitude ofThe warmth of my pillow and the blanket indicate that the day is coming to a close. The day's activities meld together into a tapestry of sounds, smells, and sensations as I go off to sleep, each adding to the daily routine. **Results** Making a day-by-day journal has helped me understand how regimented daily routines are and how they affect social interaction and personal identity. These rituals are made richer by the sensory experiences—smells, sounds, tastes, and textures—which help us comprehend how humans navigate and interpret our environment. This exercise has brought to light the significance of ritual in structuring and imbuing our daily existence with meaning, thereby augmenting our feeling of general order and community. Word Count: 828

 First Learning Exercise: A Reflective Blog on Language Use in Literature **Preface** I will examine how language use in literature shapes people's identities and representations in this thoughtful blog post. Stereotypes, exoticization, othering, disinformation, and distortion are some of the ways language is used to create difference. I will consider my own stereotypes and stigmatisations by drawing on Wainana's satirical essay *How to Write About Africa* (2005), Miner's anthropological satire *Body Ritual Among the Nacirema* (1956), and TED Talks by Teju Cole (*Change Your Channel*) and Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie (*The Danger of a Single Story*). This contemplation seeks to reveal the ways in which my presumptions aid in the creation of "otherness." **Physique** *How to Write About Africa* by Wainana highlights the oversimplified and cliched ways that Western media frequently depicts Africa.as well as books. His satire highlights how these depictions, by omitting Africa's diversity and complexity, lead to a homogenous and exoticized view of the continent. This satirical handbook forced me to consider how frequently I had unquestioningly accepted such generalised portrayals, perpetuating prejudices about African civilizations and cultures. Similar to this, Miner's *Body Ritual Among the Nacirema* offers an outsider's humorous perspective on American culture by describing commonplace activities as strange rituals using anthropological language. This piece demonstrates how, when interpreted via a biassed lens, cultural traditions can be presented as foreign and archaic. It got me to thinking about how I could make other civilizations seem strange or less developed than my own, therefore making them seem exotic. Adichie's *The Danger of a Single Parent* TED TalkStory* highlights how tales have the ability to influence how we view other people. She contends that isolated accounts of a group of people or location lead to inaccurate and frequently detrimental generalisations. I learned from this discussion that my perceptions of other cultures are frequently shaped by a single, dominating narrative, which can result in false presumptions and prejudices. In her TED Talk, *Change Your Channel*, Teju Cole addresses the value of many viewpoints and stories in dispelling misconceptions and promoting a more sophisticated comprehension of other cultures. He emphasises the significance of seeking out alternate narratives and how media representations can influence our opinions. This discussion inspired me to seek out different viewpoints and to be more sceptical of the information sources I use. **Final Thoughts** After reviewing these piecesincreased my knowledge of the ways in which language and stories in books and other media can create identities and representations that feed prejudice and otherness. It has increased my awareness of my own presumptions and the significance of challenging and contesting isolated narratives. I can strive towards a more inclusive and accurate understanding of many cultures by realising the value of multiple narratives, which will lessen the propensity to stereotype individuals based on constrained and skewed depictions. ***Sources** - B. Wainana, 2005. *African Writing Guidelines*. Granta. - Miner, H. (1956). *The Nacirema's Body Ritual*. American Anthropologist, 58(3), 503-507. - C. N. Adichie (2009). *The Peril of a Single Narrative* TED. "The Danger of a Single Story" [Video]. https://www.ted.com/talks/chimamanda_adichie - Cole, Taylor (2014). *Modify the Channel* Teju Cole's "Change Your Channel" is a video that can be found on TED.