Ancestors are a big part of the African heritage and culture. Especially those considered to be natives by blood origin and historical context. Growing up  in a conservative traditional Zulu household, we occasionally  made "umsebenzi" symbolic sacred sacrifices as a way of feeding the members of the family that have passed on. In return they ease our pain and hardship so that we have the strength and wisdom to face our challenges head on knowing they are watching over us. I have a strong connection with my past through my ancestors. They are also various other cultures and religions that put emphasis on sacrificing animals as a means of intermediation between the living and the supernatural. Drinking is encouraged during these ceremonies. I grew up on stories of a long time ago before modern history there was a period known as "Emandulo" and back then animals, cutlery and utensils used to communicate. These are stories that were passed down from generation to generation. These ceremonies and stories give us a sense of purpose and serve as a timeless way to remember and celebrate our past, where we come from, and ancestors. Zulu bear is prepared rigorously for the vigorous members of the community, which they drink through "ukhamba" a jug made of the shell of a butternut after feasting the meat which was just slaughtered. You are not allowed to chase them from the yard the attendees must leave on their own terms otherwise it might affect the outcome of the ritual, it is taken as if the ritual was a success. The members of the community can come back to feast and drink for as long as the meat and alcohol is still available. It is customary for the family members to be the first to eat or drink upon serving the members of the community, as a sign to ensure the safety of the food. We usually have a get together that unites all the immediate family during big holidays such as Easters and/or christmas. There is a culture of braaiing by the man and socialising and conversation by the women, drinks are available in abundance of course that goes without say.  

In most traditional Zulu households chores are distributed in the lines of gender. Man are most likely to do yard work, herding of cows and goats, they are also inclined with hard labor or labor that appears to demand strength and applied force. Women are taught house chores like cooking and cleaning. They are also required to ensure the constant availability of water in the homestead. Women are taught haw to support the husband and ensure the children are well taken care off. The family is usually lenient with women in terms of expectation, whereas men are expected to become providers from a young age. 

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My recent exposure to the study of Social Anthropology changed the way I view the world. As humans we always look for the familiar every where we go in a world that is forever changing. This causes us to rationalize our encounters and the environment to preserve our state of knowing. This is haw the concept of othering comes into effect.

I recently had a conversation with one of my old friend and I shared my interest in the faculty of humanities. The reaction I received was unexpected, to my surprise they had already assumed I was studying in the field of engineering, because I studied science in high school.

They had already made an assumption based on our shared experiences and knowledge. They even went on to conclude that there is no science in the faculty of humanities. This is the remark of someone who has yet to explore and enjoys the comfort of knowing. These are some of the dangers of a single sided story. 

I felt stereotyped against because they maid it sound like I'm supposed to be in a field that embodies science in its numerical and visible aspect like in the faculty of engineering or the faculty of medicine. Which are both well known and widely accepted as fields of science. 

Misinformation leads to lack of understanding due to lack of adequate understanding. This leads to the creation of stereotypes, judging whole communities based on what was perceived as reality. The sense of othering is then reinforced.