Based on the readings from unit six we can see that there are many different types of beliefs that stem from different groups. In this blog I am propelled to explore my beliefs from own ethnic group and how my own cultural background and these beliefs have significantly influenced my view of the world. With these beliefs that my ethnic group, they help to remind me to constantly examine my prejudices, preconceptions and assumptions.

From a semi-Afrikaans heritage, I have learnt that woman are the “mother” of the group. We belong in the kitchen ensuring that our families can survive, and our “men” get enough food and sleep to be able to work hard enough to support us. Woman have been given this title as the caregivers, we have been taught from young that when it comes to the household, we must ensure that there is food for everyone, the house and clothes are clean until the next woman can our that spot. Either when your son gets married or when your daughter gets married.

The next belief is that there is automatic respect for elder generations. Elders are regarded as the keepers of wisdom, without them we won’t have the knowledge t o be able to survive and that is why we should respect them, no matter what race they are. Respect for elders also reinforces the importance of storytelling and passing down cultural values from one generation to another.

Reflecting on these two beliefs, I realized how they have shaped my view of the world, influencing my values, attitudes, behaviors and how I will probably pass these beliefs down onto my own children one day. These serve as a reminder to examine my prejudices, preconceptions and assumptions.