Navigating Networks of Kinship and Exchange

As I reflect on my daily life, I realize that I have various networks of kinship and exchange, often without conscious awareness. These networks are though the fabric of my relationships, shaping my interactions and exchanges with others.

My immediate family is the core of my kinship network. We share a bond of love, support, and mutual care. We exchange emotional support, financial resources, and practical help, creating a sense of belonging and security. Extended family members, though geographically distant, remain connected through regular communication and shared family events.

Friendships form other important network. We exchange emotional support, trust, and laughter, creating a sense of community and belonging. We share experiences, advice, and resources, strengthening our bonds and navigating life's challenges together.

In the workplace, professional relationships form a network of exchange. We share knowledge, skills, and expertise, collaborating to achieve common goals. We exchange feedback, guidance, and support, fostering growth and development.

Social media platforms and online communities have also become an important part of  my networks. We exchange ideas and support each other . We connect with others who share similar interests and passions, expanding our knowledge and perspectives.

In these networks, I relate to others through various roles and identities. I am a daughter, sister, friend, colleague, and online community member. Each role carries its own set of expectations, responsibilities, and exchanges.

Through these networks, I exchange various forms of capital, including:

- Social capital: building relationships, trust, and support
- Cultural capital: sharing knowledge, values, and beliefs
- Economic capital: exchanging financial resources and services
- Symbolic capital: exchanging prestige, recognition, and status

Reflecting on my networks has made me aware of the intricate web of relationships and exchanges that shape my daily life. I recognize the value of nurturing and investing in these networks, as they provide support, growth, and a sense of belonging. By acknowledging and appreciating these exchanges, I can cultivate more meaningful connections and contribute to the well-being of those around me.

As I wake up, the sunlight peeks through my window, putting a golden glow on my face. The soft chirping of birds outside creates a soothing melody, putting me into consciousness. I stretch, feeling the gentle rustle of my sheets and the softness of my pillow. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee comes from the kitchen, reminding me to start my day.

As I head to the kitchen I find scramble eggs being made and I am already feeling energetic . The sound of sipping coffee and the gentle clinking of cups create a warm atmosphere, accompanied by the sound of the refrigerator in the background.

Throughout the day, I navigate various social experiences. In the classroom, the  sounds of discussions and the scribbling of notes on paper create a changing environment and the glow of the projector light immerse me in the learning process.

Later, during lunch, the vibrant colors and enticing aromas of food from different cultures tantalize my senses. The chatter of friends and the clinking of utensils against plates in the cafeteria create a lively ambiance.

As the day unwinds, I find peace in nature. The gentle sound of leaves and the soft chirping of birds in the park create a serene atmosphere. The warmth of the sun on my skin and the fresh air surround  me, preparing me for the evening ahead.

As night falls, the soft glow of lamps and the stars coming out bring me closer to bedtime. The aroma of dinner wafts from the kitchen as more girls enter the kitchen to cook accompanied by the sound of the gentle clinking of dishes.

In this  piece, we can identify various elements of ritual, being 

- Separation (waking up, leaving the house)
- Transition (commuting, moving between activities)
- Liminality (classroom, park, social interactions)
- Incorporation (returning home, reuniting with family).

As I read the works of Wainana, Miner, Ngozi, and Bart-Williams, I gained a deep understanding of how language in literature can shape our perceptions and create "otherness." Through their parodic examples and thought-provoking TEDTalks, I went  on a journey of self-reflection, confronting my own stereotypes and stigmatizations.

Wainana's satirical piece, "How to Write about Africa," exposed my romanticization of the continent, revealing my biases and misinformation. I realized that my assumptions were rooted in limited perspective, perpetuating exoticization and "otherness." It perpertuted othersness by ignoring diversity. This awareness has encouraged me to approach cultural differences with a better and clear understanding.

Miner's "Body and Ritual Among the Nacirema" also revealed my own cultural biases, as I accepted the absurdity of their practices without questioning my own cultural norms. This exercise taught me to challenge my assumptions and recognize the beauty of different perspectives.

Ngozi's TEDTalk, "The Danger of a Single Story," resonated deeply, as I recognized how my own experiences and perspectives can limit my understanding of others. I've come to understand that a single story or assumption can lead to the creation of "otherness" and perpetuate harmful and untrue stereotypes.

Bart-Williams' "Change Your Channel"  stressed on  the importance of self-reflection and challenging our assumptions. I've learned that my own stereotypes and stigmatizations are not fixed and can be changed  through awareness and education.

In conclusion, this learning activity has been a changing  experience, allowing me to confront and challenge my own assumptions and stereotypes. I've come to understand how language and cultural norms can construct "otherness" and perpetuate harmful stereotypes. Moving forward, I aim to approach cultural differences with empathy, curiosity, and a willingness to learn and grow, recognizing the beauty of all different perspectives and experiences.

As I reflect on my ethnic background and upbringing, I realize that two teachings have greatly influenced my worldview. These beliefs, , may be unfamiliar or even challenging to others. Through this exercise, I aim to acknowledge and critically examine my biases, creating a deeper understanding of the complexities that shape our perspectives.

Teaching 1: Respect for Elders

In my culture, elderly individuals are acknowledged  for their wisdom, life experience, and contribution to our community. We are taught to prioritize their needs, seek their counsel, and show deference in our interactions as compared to agemates.  This teaching has instilled in me a deep respect for those who have come before me, recognizing the value of their insights and the importance of inter generational knowledge transfer.

Teaching 2: Community Over Individuality

My ethnic group places a strong emphasis on collective well-being, encouraging individuals to prioritize the needs of the community over many personal desires. This teaching has played a role in shaping my understanding of success, happiness, and fulfillment, recognizing that our individual achievements are intertwined with the prosperity of those around us.

Class Discussion:

Sharing my text with a classmate, I was struck by the familiarity of my first teaching, as my peer also came from a culture that really  values respect for elders. However, our second teachings differed as their culture places a greater emphasis on individual achievement and autonomy. This exchange highlighted our biases and prejudices, as we both acknowledged a tendency to think our own cultural norms are same as others .

Critical Reflection:

Through this discussion, I recognized my bias toward assuming that respect for elders is a universal value, and my prejudice against individualistic cultures as being selfish or possibly uncaring. I also acknowledged my assumption that community-centric cultures are  more harmonious and equitable. These reflections have allowed me to approach different  worldviews with a more open understanding, recognizing the complexities and richness that different  perspectives bring.

In conclusion, this exercise has taught me the importance of examining my own beliefs and biases, and the value of engaging with others to challenge and learn more about my worldview. By doing so, I hope to continue making the strange familiar and the familiar strange, creating  a deeper empathy and understanding in our shared human experience.