Language plays a crucial role in constructing identities and representations of people. It can be manipulated to create difference through othering, stereotypes, exoticization, misinformation, and distortion. This can lead to the stigmatization of certain groups or individuals.

In wainaina's "How to write a story about Africa", he parodically highlights the stereotypes and exoticization often used in writing about the African continent. Through exaggerated descriptions and cliches, he shows how Africa is misrepresented in literature, perpetuating a single story. Similarly, Miner's "Body and Ritual Among the Nacirema" satirically examines the cultural practices of Americans, revealing the ethnocentric lens through which we often view other cultures. By presenting familiar practices in an unfamiliar context, Miner challenges the reader's assumptions and highlights the dangers of cultural misunderstandings .

In Ngozi's TEDTALK, "The Danger of a Single story", she discusses the impact of storytelling on our perceptions of others. She emphasizes the need to hear diverse stories and avoid reducing individuals or cultures to a single narrative. By acknowledging the complexity and diversity of human experiences, we can overcome stereotypes and foster understanding. Bart-Willams' TEDTalk, "Change your Channel", focuses on the power of media in shaping our perceptions and reinforcing stereotypes. He encourages us to critically analyze the media we consume and question the narratives presented to us.

Reflecting on my own assumptions, I realize that I have sometimes fallen into the trap of believing in stereotypes and stigmatizations. Whether positive or negative, these assumptions can create a sense of "otherness" and hinder genuine understanding and connection with others. Overall, I have learned that it is important to challenge and question our own assumptions and stereotypes. By doing so, we can strive to create more inclusive and empathetic society, where differences are celebrated rather than used to create "otherness".