AB LANGA
LEARNING ACTIVITY 1.
When I read books like "How to Write About Africa," "Body Ritual Among the Nacirema," and TED Talks by Ngozi Adichie and Bart-Williams, I realized that stereotypes and othering can be very common and subtle. Wainana's essay is funny and shows how Western stories of Africa often focus on one thing. His critique shows how such narratives reduce a rich, diverse continent to simplistic images of poverty, war, and exotic wildlife, effectively stripping people of their individuality and complexity.
Miners anthropological parody of American culture forces us to think about how cultural practices can seem strange or primitive when seen through a biased lens. This idea shows how important it is to compare cultures and challenges me to think outside my own group.
Ngozi Adichie's TED Talk, "The Danger of a Single Story," says that single stories about cultures or peoples create incomplete and often damaging views. Her insights show that my understanding of others is often shaped by limited and selective information, which leads to stereotypes that define entire communities by one thing or story.
Bart-Williams' book "Change your Channel" explains how the media affects stories. They often focus on negative things and make harmful stereotypes stronger. His talk makes me think about where my information comes from and what stories they tell.
After thinking about it, I realized that I have had both good and bad ideas about others. For example, looking at African countries only through the lens of poverty and conflict, or seeing Indigenous cultures as purely spiritual and noble, overlooks the many different aspects of these societies.
When I challenge these ideas, I realize that we need to be more understanding and understanding of others. This means looking for information from a variety of sources, listening to a variety of voices, and being aware of the stories I accept and spread. To get rid of stereotypes, you need to keep thinking about yourself and try to see people as individuals instead of just a group.
theoretical framework of ritual and how we can use this structure
21 May 2024, 17:56
LEARNING ACTIVITY 2.
The sound of my alarm gently wakes me from sleep. As I open my eyes, the warm glow of the sunrise comes through the cracks in my blinds and casts a golden hue across my room. The air is cool and crisp, with hints of jasmine from the garden below. I stretch my muscles and swing my legs over the side of the bed. The wooden floor is cool on my feet.
I shuffle to the kitchen and my footsteps echo softly in the quiet house. The smell of freshly brewed coffee is strong and revitalizing. As I pour myself a cup, the steam rises in delicate tendrils, and I savor the first sip, the warmth spreading through me. As I prepare my breakfast, I can taste the sweet and bitter taste of strawberries and honey. The creamy oats contrast with the fresh fruit.
The day starts with a series of rituals, each with its own sensory experience. At my desk, the clatter of my keyboard makes a steady rhythm. The screen's bright light contrasts with the soft, natural light coming through the window. My workspace smells like lavender from a nearby diffuser, which helps me focus better.
A midday walk is a good way to relax. The sun is high and warm, a comforting presence on my skin. Cars honking, conversations, the distant wail of a siren. I pass a bakery, its scent of fresh bread and pastries wafting through the air, tempting me to stop and indulge. The park is full of activity: children’s laughter, the rustle of leaves in the gentle breeze, the bright colors of blooming flowers, and the earthy smell of freshly cut grass.
As the evening approaches, I go back to the kitchen. When vegetables hit the hot pan, they sizzle and the garlic and onions smell good. Cooking sounds like chopping ingredients, clinking tools, and bubbling sauces create a musical harmony. Dinner is a medley of flavors and textures: the crisp snap of vegetables, the tender bite of chicken, and the smooth richness of a homemade sauce.
The day ends with a moment of reflection in silence. The living room is lit by a lamp, casting warm shadows. I lie on the soft couch cushions, feeling cool against my skin. I lose myself in its world, the only sound being the rustling of pages. Chamomile tea soothes me.Finally, as I prepare to go to bed, the rituals of the night bring a sense of closure. The feeling of soft, clean sheets against my skin, the sound of a night breeze through an open window, and the sound of an owl make for a peaceful atmosphere. As I drift off to sleep, the sensory tapestry of the day lingers, a gentle reminder of how rich things can be.This exercise in documenting my day has made me more aware of how sensory experiences shape our daily lives. Each sound, smell, taste, touch, and sight adds to a vivid, textured story, turning routine actions into meaningful rituals.