I couldn't help but think about the networks I am a part of in my everyday life as we dug into Unit 4 and examined the complex networks of family and exchange in a South African environment. These networks have shaped my experiences and interactions on a daily basis, even though they are not as explicit or structured as those researched in South Africa.

My family network is the foundation of my social network, above everything else. My parents, siblings, and other family members make up my immediate family, and they are the ones who always support, love, and mentor me. We have developed a close relationship through our same experiences and memories, which supports me at difficult moments.I couldn't help but think about the networks I am a part of in my everyday life as we dug into Unit 4 and examined the complex networks of family and exchange in a South African environment. These networks have shaped my experiences and interactions on a daily basis, even though they are not as explicit or structured as those researched in South Africa.

My family network is the foundation of my social network, above everything else. My parents, siblings, and other family members make up my immediate family, and they are the ones who always support, love, and mentor me. We have developed a close relationship through our same experiences and memories, which supports me at difficult moments.

Studying anthropology frequently requires us to adopt a new perspective on the world, making the unfamiliar seem familiar and the familiar seem weird. This idea challenges us to examine our own cultural prejudices and presumptions as well as our attempts to comprehend and value the customs and beliefs of other civilizations.

I think that the value of community and connection is one teaching or idea that the Batswana ethnic group is intrinsically devoted to. There is a great focus on uniting as a community, helping one another, and pursuing shared objectives in Batswana culture. My perspective has been impacted by this concept of communalism and interconnection because I now recognise the benefits of collaborating with others, forming ties with them, and appreciating the significance of collective well-being.

The concept of reverence for elders and ancestors is another teaching or belief that, in my opinion, is inherent to the Batswana ethnic group. Elders are valued and respected in Batswana culture for their knowledge, expertise, and direction. In addition to being revered and remembered, ancestors are said to have spirits that guard and shield their offspring. This idea has influenced the way I see the world. I now value the experience and wisdom that comes with age, and I think it's important to recognise and pay tribute to our ancestors.

I can observe how these teachings and ideas from the Batswana ethnic group have influenced my own perspective and comprehension of the world by looking closely at them. Because of anthropology, I've come to understand and  comprehend the customs and beliefs of many cultures, but also to consider how my own cultural upbringing has shaped my relationships with the outside world and how I perceive the world. By pushing us to venture outside of our own cultural frames and make an effort to comprehend and value the diversity of human experience, anthropology genuinely aids in making the strange familiar and the familiar strange.
 

Introduced to the theoretical framework of ritual and its significance in organizing observational work, this framework provides a structured approach to understanding cultural practices and behaviours, allowing researchers to conceptualize and analyse social interactions. Additionally, we explore the role of sensory experiences in contributing to ethnographic writing, known for its detailed and immersive descriptions. By incorporating sensory details, writers can capture the essence of a culture or individual experience, providing readers with a deeper understanding and appreciation of the subject matter.

In this essay, we will follow a day in my life, a student living. From the moment I wake up to the time I go to bed, I will document my experiences and social interactions, highlighting the sensory aspects that shape my day.

Morning: I open my eyes to the soft glow of sunlight filtering through my curtains, signalling the start of a new day. The chirping of birds outside adds to the tranquil atmosphere, as I stretch and prepare to get out of bed. As she step into the shower, the warm water lets the sleepiness in me away which awakens my senses, setting the tone for the day ahead.

Heading out for class, I have to navigate through the bustling bus gates of the campus from my residence bus, with the sounds of  arriving buses and chattering students creating a symphony of varsity life. The sight of the busy campus adds to the vibrant energy of the campus, as I immerse myself in the sights and sounds of my surroundings. The feel of the cool breeze on my skin and the morning air enhances my sensory experience, making me feel connected to the world around her.

Afternoon:
In class, I engage in discussions and conversations with other students, each interaction filled with its own sensory cues. As I take a break for lunch, the taste of a freshly baked blueberry muffins and the feel of the warm sun on my skin during my walk  to the library provide moments of sensory pleasure amidst her busy schedule.

Evening:
As the day winds down, I return to res to unwind and relax. The familiar smells of my room – vanilla candles and fresh laundry – envelop her in a sense of comfort and familiarity. I settle in to watch a movie, enjoying the visual and auditory stimulation of the film, coupled with the taste of popcorn and the feel of my cozy blanket wrapped around body. The day ends on a peaceful note, with the sounds of crickets outside lulling me to sleep.

In conclusion, the sensory experiences that shape my day offer a rich tapestry of sights, sounds, smells, tastes, and textures that contribute to my overall well-being and connection to the world around me. By incorporating these sensory details into ethnographic writing, researchers can create 'thick' descriptions that immerse readers in the subject matter, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of diverse cultures and experiences. As we continue to explore the theoretical framework of ritual and its application in observational work, we recognize the importance of sensory experiences in enhancing our understanding of the world and the people within it. Through thoughtful documentation and analysis, we can continue to uncover the intricate nuances of human behaviour and cultural practices, shaping our perspectives and contributing to a more nuanced understanding of the world around us.

In exploring the parodic examples presented by Wainana (2005) in "How to Write about Africa" and Miner (1956) in "Body and Ritual Among the Nacirema," as well as the TEDTalks by Ngozi in "The Danger of a Single Story" and Bart-Williams in "Change Your Channel," I have come to recognize and confront my own stereotypes and stigmatizations.

Reading Wainana's satirical guide on how to depict Africa in literature, I realized how prevalent negative stereotypes about the continent are perpetuated through Western narratives. The portrayal of Africa as a homogenous, exotic land rife with poverty and conflict reflects a narrow and biased perspective that I have, unfortunately, internalized to some extent.

Similarly, Miner's anthropological study of the Nacirema people, which is actually a satirical critique of Western cultural practices, highlights how easily we can misinterpret and distort information when viewing cultures different from our own. It made me reflect on how my own cultural biases and preconceived notions can lead to the misrepresentation of others.

Watching Ngozi's TEDTalk on the danger of a single story and Bart-Williams' presentation on changing our perspectives further emphasized the importance of recognizing and challenging these stereotypes. They reminded me that our assumptions and perceptions can contribute to the creation of "otherness" by simplifying complex identities into narrow categories.

Through this exploration, I have learned to critically examine my own assumptions and prejudices. I now understand that by succumbing to stereotypes and stigmatizations, I inadvertently contribute to the perpetuation of harmful narratives that marginalize and dehumanize others. Moving forward, I am committed to challenging these biases and engaging in more inclusive and empathetic ways of thinking and interacting.

Reference list

Bart -Williams,T.(2020).TEDxYOUTH@SILExcellence.https//www.ted.com/tedx/events/40910

Miner,H.(1956).Body ritual among the Nacirema.American Anthropologis,58(3),503-507

Ngozi.C.(SSpeaker).(2009)The danger of a single story.https//www.ted.com/talks/Chimamnda_ngozi_adichie_the danger_of_a_single_story

Wainaina.B.(2005).How to write about Africa.Grant,92.