In this unit I learned more about the concepts of othering, stereotypes, misinformation and distortion, I derive my understandings from the readings of Wainana(2005) and Miner (1956).

Othering is the act of treating someone as though they are not part of a group and are different in some way. Similarities between othering and stereotypes are quite obvious. Stereotypes is an unfair and untrue belief that many people have about all people or things with a particular characteristic. Wainana(2005) talks about how the racist ways Western media depicts Africa with implicit bias and subjective cliches. Misinformation and distortion have altered somethings out or their true form and changed the narrative.

Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie spoke about how the danger of a single story, it highlighted how important presentation is. To have one perspective about a particular group or society is unfair and unjustified.

In other words stereotypes impose limitations on the people they target, in my personal experience the stereotype I encountered affect me and has been in my mind since then.  I was six years old when I first visited Durban and I was so excited to swim for the first time. My mom's friend at that then asked out of concern I guess, "Oh but can she swim?". At that time her point was valid I was young and maybe she was truly scared I could drown. 14 years later whenever I am in public pools or the beach the very same comments are made and now I know its not about the age or my ability to swim its just the negative stereotype that black people can't swim. Stereotypes affect our lives they exist for that reason it is how you receive and allow them to define you or your society.