A NEMUTANDANI
NEMUTANDANI ASAKUNDWI 52428745
THE WORKS OF WAINAINA: HOW TO WRITE ABOUT AFRICA [2005]
Wainaina wrote this satirical analysis in 2005 where he describes the way in which western people describe Africa, African people and their experiences there.
The focus of this piece is to point how western people exploit Africa in their writing.
Different ways in which Wainaina explained how the westerners write about Africa include:
STEREOTYPED WORD CHOICES
The introductory paragraph of "How to write about Africa" mentions words that most westerners use to describe Africa. These are words like: gorillas, safari, darkness, tribal etc. and many of these words make Africa to sound so outdated and old-fashioned. These words also focus on ethnic groups and landscape by outlining how mountainous and jungle-like Africa is.
STEREOTYPES AND GENERALISATION
Westerners treat Africa as if it were a single country while they ignore its diversity of fifty-four countries and over 900 million people. Africa is represented as this hot and dusty place that is filled with thin, tall and hungry people. Wainaina says that rice, beef and wheat must never be mentioned but instead weird African cuisine consisting of monkey brain, goats and snakes with worms are what we eat.
EXOTICISATION
Wainaina calls out the tendency of western writers to see or view Africa as uncivilized and exotic compared to the western world. And western writers exoticize African bodies by highlighting that they have big, black lips and rounded buttocks. Western writers also view Africans as rhythmic and athletic, and this stereotypes Africans as physical rather than intellectual.
CONCLUSION
This piece highlights harmful stereotypes implied by western writers when they write about Africa. And how writers exoticize Africa by focusing on its wilderness and primitive nature instead of being authentic and complex when writing about Africa. Western writers should rather talk about the continent`s rich resources and diversity in different tribes and ethnic groups.
My kinship and exchange networks: A South African perspective
13 May 2024, 20:39
In the energetic pace of south African society, networks and kinship and exchange play a crucial role in shaping our lives. As an individual deeply rooted in this context, I find my life interwoven with these networks, each thread representing a relationship, an exchange and a memory.
My primary network is my family, the cornerstone of my kinship system. This includes my immediate family- parents, siblings-and extends to aunts, uncles, cousins and grandparents. Each member holds a unique place in my heart and life, their roles varying from mentors and confidants to friends and guides. Our relationships are nurtured through shared experiences, mutual support and the unspoken bond of blood ties.
Beyond my family, my network expands to include my friends and classmates. These relationships, though not by blood are no less significant. Friends from school and university, Neighbours from my community and classmates from university-all form integral parts of my social network. The exchanges within this network are diverse, ranging from shared knowledge and experiences to emotional support and companionship.
In the South African context, the concept of "ubuntu"- the belief in a universal bond of sharing that connects all humanity- is deeply ingrained in our interactions. This philosophy manifests itself in my networks through the acts of kindness, support and communal living. for instance, during festive seasons, we come together as a community sharing meals and stories, reinforcing our bonds.
Moreover, my professional network plays a role in my career development. It includes mentors who guide me, peers who challenge me and seniors who inspire me. The exchanges here are often knowledge-based involving sharing of skills, advice and opportunities. However, it is important to note that these networks are not static. They evolve, expand and sometimes contracts. Relationships change, new ones form, old ones fade. But each interaction leaves an indelible mark, shaping me as an individual.
In conclusion, my networks of kinship and exchange are a reflection of my journey, my experiences, and my identity. They are a testament to the south African spirit of "ubuntu" reminding me that I am because we are. As I navigate through life, these networks serve as my compass, guiding me, supporting me and enriching my life in countless ways