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 and many of these words make Africa to sound so outdated and old-fashioned.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.
SHAPED BY VENDA: TWO ENDOGENOUS TEACHING THAT MOLDED MY WORLDVIEW
14 May 2024, 22:29
As a proud member of the Venda ethnic group, I have been shaped by a rich tapestry of cultural teachings and beliefs. Today I would like to share two endogenous teaching that have significantly influenced my worldview.
1. RESPECT FOR NATURE AND ANCESTORS
One of the most profound teachings in Venda culture is the deep respect for nature and our ancestors. We believe that our ancestor`s spirits reside in the natural world around us- in the rivers, mountains and forests. This belief instills in us a profound respect for the environment. We are taught to live harmoniously with nature, understanding that our actions can impact the spiritual realm. This belief has shaped my worldview by making me more conscious of my actions and their impact on the environment.
THE POWER OF COMMUNITY
The second teaching that has shaped my worldview is the importance of community. In Venda culture we have a saying," Muthu ndi muthu nga vhanwe " which translates to " a person is a person through others". This encapsulates the belief that our identity is intertwined with our community. We are taught to value cooperation, mutual respect and unity. This has shaped my worldview by emphasizing the importance of relationships and community engagement. It has taught me to value the collective over the individual, understanding that our strength lies in unity.
These two teachings, respect for nature and ancestors and the power of community have not only shaped my worldview but also guided my actions and decisions. They serve as a compass, guiding me through life`s journey. As I navigate through life i carry these teachings with me, proud of my Venda heritage and the wisdom it imparts.