Each of us is an individual who has been shaped by the values and teachings inherited from our distinct cultural backgrounds over many generations. These ideas and teachings profoundly affect how we view the world and relate to other people. Being a part of my ethnic group has exposed me to beliefs and teachings that have had a significant influence on how I view the world. I want to discuss two endogenous lessons in this blog that have influenced my perspective.

RESPECT FOR ELDERS AND ANCESTORS

One of the fundamental teachings within my ethnic group is the value of respecting our elders and ancestors. From a young age, I was taught to revere those who came before me, acknowledging their wisdom, experience, and contributions to our community. These teachings instilled in me a profound sense of gratitude and humility, as I learned to listen to the stories and advice of the older members of our community. The belief in honoring our ancestors has also shaped my understanding of the interconnectedness of past, present, and future, emphasizing the importance of preserving traditions and passing down knowledge to future generations.

HARMONY WITH NATURE

Another core belief ingrained in my ethnic group is living in harmony with nature. Our teachings emphasize the interconnectedness of all living beings and the environment, promoting a deep respect for the natural world. From rituals that honor the changing seasons to practices that promote sustainability and conservation. I have learned to view nature not as a resource to be exploited but as a living entity deserving of reverence and protection.

These teachings have become integral parts of my worldview, shaping the way I approach relationships, decisions, and challenges in life.

As I embark on the journey of reflecting on social networks of kinship and exchange that is the complexion of my daily existence. I am filled with a great sense of gratitude for the connections that enrich my life. Back in the days of high school [ matric] to be precise. My friend named Nompumelelo and I used to share almost everything, When she had money that day she would buy lunch for us[ me and her] and would also buy her lunch someday. She would help me understand mathematics formulas as she was way too good at mathematics. I would write economics notes for her as she was always lazy and I did not mind, doing that because she was also helping me with mathematics. We treated each other like sisters who got each other's back. The relationship we had offered a unique opportunity for growth and exchange. We had a familiar bond that shaped my experiences in great ways.

At the core of my daily connections are the bonds of family that anchor me in a feeling of belonging and support. When I get back home, my mother always prepares food for the whole family. We all sit at the table while waiting for my mother to dish up the food for us. I usually wash the dishes with my little sister, Keitumetse, gossiping, dancing, and singing, making noise over nothing. My family always complains whenever we make noise. We share our laughter, experiences, and deep conversations with my family in the sitting room while watching TV. This serves as a daily reminder of the importance of human relationships. The interactions between my family and me fill me with love, empathy, and a shared history, grounding me in a strong network of my family that nourishes my soul and shapes my identity. Moving through the world of family, I am immersed in a network of professional relationships that consistently provide me with opportunities for growth and the exchange of knowledge, skills, and ideas with family, friends, etc. 

I usually have meaningful conversations with Makhumalo, our neighbor after church. She shares support, empathy assistance, and various perspectives with me. She is the reason why I consistently go to church. At the heart of my everyday networks are the ties of kinship that ground me in the sense of belonging and support. I might say I am fortunate to be surrounded by individuals who are loving, caring, and also understanding. The individuals that we create a form of togetherness, are my family, friends, neighbours, and other people that are part of our lives. 

As the day came to an end, I took a bath and played soft music at a lower volume like I often do before I sleep. I switch off the volume, start reading a novel,  and prepare for what will be done in class the following day. I get on my knees to pray and thank the Lord for the blessing of life he has given me.

It was early June on the 3rd of 2023. The weather outside was hot as heat. I was waken up by the sound of my alarm as it usually does. Before I could do anything else I decided to take a short exercise such as stretching my body and some little push ups. I went to the bathroom to freshen up, by taking a shower, the hot water coming from the shower felt so good when it poured on my body.

After I went to my room, lotion my body and dressed up. Now, I was dying of hunger so I decided to make breakfast , the smell coming from the kitchen was aromatic. I could not wait to the breakfast to be fully be prepared , so I can dish up for my family. I made up my mind that the I will be indoors for the whole recess period as I am used to.

The day for me to embark for the trip came, my transport fetched me an I met my cousins at the festival as they stay near the venue , we were all going to. We had a lot of fun dancing, laughing over silly things, swimming, taking pictures and videos of ourselves. The way we were happy we even had forgotten that by the end of the holidays we have to go separate ways.

As much as we were enjoying ourselves, the time to get back to reality came and we parted ways. As the student I had to go back my resident to continue with my learning, attending classes, doing my assessments also prepare for the upcoming tests. I was forced to focus on my studies and forget of what took place at the event.

The evening came to an end, I switched on the soft music for me to meditate and relax from the long day I had. After I read my favourite novel before I took the nap.

All these years on the use of language in literature, I have come to understand how it can be operated to establish the presentation and recognition of people, that can lead to the creation of differences through othering, stereotypes, exoticization, misinformation and distortion. The word othering has been demonstrated in a mischievous way in the examples I have read in an article 'How to write about Africa'. Wainana [2005]. Bart Williums - Change of channel, the TEDTALKS presented by Ngozi- the Danger of a single story. Minner[1956] in 'Body and ritual among 'Nacirema'.

As I consider these examples , I keep on thinking about my own stereotypes and stigmatization towards other people. When I was growing up, I have regarded Africa as poor, primitive continent, full of sickness and shortage of food. This was strengthened by the social media and literature that I used to absorb back then , which only picture Africa in a negative view. After reading Wainana's ironical work. I came to realise how my own sense of 'otherness' about Africa and preserve harmful stereotypes.

My positive stereotypes towards other people, like zimbabweans being natural smart and nigerians being good in running business and are rich. These stereotypes lead to biases, exclusion and contribute to the creation of difference although they are harmless.

In addition, I  realised that my assumptions and beliefs about other people was affected by my point of view. Ngozi's TEDTALK- The Danger of a single story helped me to understand that is essential to know various perspectives so that one cannot end up in the position of stereotyping.

Considering these examples of my own stigmatization and stereotyping , I have come to understand that it is important to carefully watch out the information and language , we absorb pf our biases and assumptions. it is more important to acknowledge our assumptions, beliefs  and words because they can lead to otherness.