Learning Log: Exploring Endogenous Beliefs Shaping My Worldview.

I find myself thinking back on the lessons and ideologies that my ethnic past has instilled in me while I immerse myself in the rich tapestry of anthropological inquiry. These ideas, which are frequently handed down through the generations, have big impact on how I see the world and relate to other people. They also help to shape my worldview. I will examine two such endogenous teachings or ideas that have greatly influenced my outlook on life and are unique to my ethnic group in this learning log.

First lesson: Show elders respect

Respecting and honouring elders is a deeply embedded trait in my society. I learned early on to pay attention to the knowledge and advice from people who have experienced more and lived longer than I have. Elders are the respected for their wisdom and are regarded as archives of tradition, culture and information. This idea has influenced my perspective on the world by making me feel humble and appreciative of the insight that comes with age. It has taught me to cherish older generations opinion even when they diverge from mine and to approach life with an open mind, eager to learn from those who have gone before me. It has also affected on how I communicate with people, encouraging compassion and understanding for people of all ages.

Second lesson: Value of community 

Another essential principle that I  have been raised with is the significance of community. In my culture, mutual support and group  well-being are highly valued. Our encounters are infused with a sense of unity and interconnectedness that transcends both joy and sorrow. This philosophy has helped to create my perspective on the world by instilling in me the importance of empathy, cooperation and teamwork. It has given me a sense of obligation to my community , inspiring me to make constructive contributions and actively participate in initiatives to improve the lives of the people around me. It has also deepened my love for diversity and inclusivity since I now see the power in accepting the individual contributions that every member of the community brings to the table.

Talk with my classmate

I am struck as I discuss my reflections with a student by how similar of my opinions are to those of my ethics community, as they reflect common sentiments. But I also understand that some of the continent might seem unusual or foreign to my classmates, particularly if they have different cultural backgrounds. We critically examine in our conversation how our individual biases and prejudices could effect how we understand these lessons. While we recognize the importance of upholding customs and community, we also recognize that there are parts of our beliefs that should be questioned and challenged because they could contribute to inequality or exclusion. We work to better understand ourselves and one another via candid discussion and reflection, realizing that by accepting both the familiar and the unfamiliar , we can extend our horizons and help us interact with the varied world more sympathetically.

I move through a maze of interwoven networks every day, each one laced with ties to friends, family and the workplace. When I consider these networks in the perspective of what I have learned about South African settings, I see how complex human connections are and the interactions that take place inside them. My family is the centre of my network , above anything else. They lay the groundwork for my life's direction, love and support. My siblings and parents provide company and shared experiences, while my parents impart wisdom and ideals. My family network is a source of unwavering acceptance and comprehension. We trade not only tangible items and useful help through this network, but also emotional support and a feeling of community. 

Apart from my family, while others expand my horizons with their novel insights and experiences. Simple acts of compassion and humour are shared in these friendships, as well as more in depth discussions that test and spur personal development. We weave together a fabric of support and friendship by lending each other our time, resources and experiences. I participate in a number of professional networks related to my field of study or employment. In this network, colleagues, mentors and collaborators serves as nodes, providing chance for education, teamwork, and career advancement. We share information, abilities and experience with one another through these relationships, fostering mutual development and achievement. These interactions, which might take the form of brainstorming sessions, project collaborations or mentorship, encourage creativity and advancement in our specialized domains. Apart from navigating my personal and professional networks, I also traverse a larger social networks that include groups, clubs and communities. These networks create a sense of community and shared identity by uniting people who have similar interests, objectives and identities. Exchange occur in these communities in the form of pooled resources, experiences and joint endeavours toward common objectives.  Participating in cultural events, working for community projects, or speaking up for social change are all examples of interactions that fortify ties and foster a sense of unity among group members. When I think back on these network, I notice how they overlap and intersect to create to a complicated web of relationships that influence how I live my life. Every network has its own distinct dynamics and trade opportunities , be it the close support of family, the companionship of friends, the cooperation of friends, the cooperation of co-workers, or the the community's combined efforts. Through these networks, I add to the range and depth of human connection in addition to providing and receiving support. I am reminded of how interconnected people are and how crucial it is to create deep connections as I move through various networks. Every interaction we have, whether it is by deeds of kindness, common experiences, or cooperative endeavours, fortifies the links that bind us together as people and communities. Our family and exchange networks are a source of connection, solidarity and group resilience in world full of complexity and diversity.

**My Day: Acknowledging the Ordinary Wonders**

I slowly awaken from the depths of slumber as the first rays of dawn peek through the curtains, welcomed by the soft sound of songbirds outside my window. Through the window, the gentle warmth of the early sun bathes my chamber in a golden glow. I take a deep breath and extend my legs, enjoying the feeling of renewal that comes with a new day.

As I get out of bed, a shiver of awareness runs up my spine as my bare feet hit the chilly embrace of the hardwood floor. From the kitchen, I can smell the aroma of freshly brewed coffee, tempting me to start my day with a steaming cup of liquid energy. I savor the aromatic, thick brew and pause to enjoy the small pleasure of indulging in a morning routine.

I start the day off with a sense of purpose and excitement as I make my way through the busy streets, full of caffeine. All around me, the city comes to life, with fresh sensory experiences around every corner. The walls are covered in colorful street art, creating a kaleidoscope effect against the steel and concrete background. The air is filled with sounds: the sound of honking horns, people talking to each other, and the steady hum of life coursing through the city.

I'm engrossed in a frenzy of activity as the day goes on, with every moment a mosaic of sensations andexperiences. The appealing aroma of street cuisine tantalises my sense of taste, enticing me to indulge in the numerous culinary offerings of the metropolis. With the soft grass tickling my toes and the warm sun caressing my skin, I can't help but immerse myself in a good book in a peaceful city park.

With the soothing glow of candles creating a sense of tranquillity over the room, I find comfort in the familiar embrace of home as darkness falls on the metropolis. I sigh with satisfaction as I think back on the day's events, cherishing every memory as a priceless find. And I feel so grateful for the wonder and beauty that surround me as I go to sleep.

I’ve been forced to look at my own stigmatizations and prejudices after thinking back on the humorous literary examples and the thought-provoking TEDTalks by Ngozi Adichie and Chimamanda Bart-Williams. Both Wainana’s “How to Write About Africa” and Miner’s “Body Ritual Among the Nacirema” eloquently illustrate the destructive preconceptions that may be perpetuated and identities constructed through words.

I’ve discovered that, when analyzing my own presumptions, I occasionally depended on oversimplified explanations and generalizations to comprehend other people. For example, I’ve found myself blaming someone for particular traits or actions based only on their cultural background, without taking into account the nuanced nature of their unique experiences. Stereotypes are reinforced and “otherness” is created as a result of this propensity to oversimplify and pigeonhole people.

Positive stereotypes are just as harmful since they still confine people to limited representations and ignore their varied personalities and distinctive features. Positive group labels run the risk of depriving such groups of agency and sustaining a homogenous narrative that ignores their variety.

My reaction to Ngozi Adichie’s TEDTalk on the peril of a single story was strong because it demonstrated how one story can distort perceptions and reinforce negative preconceptions. It is imperative to acknowledge the significance of varied viewpoints and to eschew the tendency to essentialize individuals on the basis of incomplete knowledge.

In his TEDTalk, Bart Williams stressed the importance of refuting the stories that uphold stigma and prejudices. This served as a helpful reminder of how crucial it is to aggressively challenge our own presumptions and look out opposing views.

To sum up, this self-reflection trip has shown the role language plays in forming opinions and maintaining prejudices. We might endeavour to remove the obstacles that produce “otherness” and promote sincere understanding and empathy by being aware of and critical of our own presumptions.