Anthropology encourages us to examine our preconceived notions and understandings of the world. By exploring different cultures and beliefs, we can see the familiar in new ways and make sense of the strange. This process allows us to question the systems we have grown up with and become aware of our biases. As a Venda girl, my worldview has been significantly influenced by the unique teachings and beliefs of my ethnic group. Here, I reflect on two such teachings that have shaped my perspective.

Vhukwasi: The Importance of Kinship and Community

One of the fundamental teachings in my Venda culture is Vhukwasi, which emphasizes the importance of kinship, community, and mutual support. This belief underscores that our identities and successes are closely linked to the well-being of our family and community. It teaches us that individual achievements are secondary to the collective good and that we are all interconnected.

Growing up with this teaching has profoundly shaped my worldview in several ways: Community Over Individualism: I have been taught to prioritize the needs and well-being of my family and community over my personal ambitions. This belief influences how I interact with others, ensuring that I always consider the impact of my actions on those around me. Mutual Support: Vhukwasi instills a strong sense of mutual support and cooperation. It encourages me to assist others in their times of need, knowing that they will do the same for me. This reciprocity strengthens our communal bonds.Sense of Belonging: This teaching fosters a deep sense of belonging and identity. It reminds me that I am part of a larger network of relationships that provide emotional and practical support, making me feel secure and valued.

TshiVenda: Respect for Elders and Ancestors

Another significant belief in my culture is the TshiVenda practice of respecting elders and venerating ancestors. Elders are considered the custodians of wisdom and tradition, while ancestors are believed to be the guardians who watch over and guide the living. This practice involves showing reverence and seeking guidance from both elders and ancestors. This belief has shaped my worldview in the following ways: Respect for Tradition: TshiVenda teaches me to value and uphold the traditions and customs passed down through generations. It instills a sense of pride in my cultural heritage and the importance of preserving it. Guidance and Wisdom: Respecting elders and venerating ancestors has taught me to seek their guidance and wisdom in making decisions. It has helped me appreciate the knowledge and experiences of those who came before me, using their insights to navigate my own life. Spiritual Connection: This belief enhances my spiritual awareness and connection to the past. It reminds me that I am part of a continuum that spans generations, fostering a sense of continuity and responsibility to honor my ancestors' legacy.

These teachings and beliefs, rooted in my Venda heritage, have profoundly shaped my worldview. They influence how I perceive myself, relate to others, and understand the world. By reflecting on these beliefs, I can appreciate the rich cultural knowledge that informs my perspective and recognize the importance of questioning my biases and assumptions.

In my daily life, I navigate through various networks that contribute to shaping my experiences and interactions. These networks encompass different facets of my social world, from family and friends to colleagues and online communities. Mapping out these networks provides a visual representation of how they intertwine and influence each other, revealing the interconnectedness of my social circles.

My family network forms the foundation of my social support system, comprising close relatives and extended family members with whom I share familial bonds and traditions. This network extends to my friends' circle, where friendships forged through shared experiences and mutual interests create a sense of belonging and camaraderie. Additionally, my classmates network and work network offer avenues for academic collaboration, professional growth, and networking opportunities.

Within these networks, reciprocal relationships play a pivotal role in fostering mutual support, knowledge exchange, and emotional connections. For instance, in my friends' network, reciprocal friendships involve shared experiences, emotional support during challenging times, and moments of joy and celebration together. Similarly, in my professional network, reciprocal relationships with colleagues involve teamwork, collaboration on projects, and the sharing of expertise to achieve common goals. One notable reciprocal relationship is with my closest friend, who embodies the essence of mutual support and understanding. We take turns lending an ear, offering advice, and being there for each other through life's ups and downs. This reciprocity extends beyond emotional support to practical help, such as assisting with tasks, sharing resources, and celebrating achievements together

These reciprocal relationships have a profound impact on my well-being, personal growth, and sense of belonging. They provide a support network during challenging times, opportunities for learning and development, and a sense of community and connection that enriches my life experiences. As I reflect on these networks and reciprocal relationships, I recognize the importance of continuous evaluation and nurturing. This involves active communication, expressing gratitude, resolving conflicts amicably, and being responsive to the needs of others within my social circles.

I woke up to the gentle buzz of my alarm. Sunlight flitters through my curtains, filling my room with a warm, golden light. I then took a deep breath, enjoying the rich aroma from the kitchen. In the bathroom, the cold water on my face wakes me up instantly. As I brush my teeth, I was already thinking about how late I am to run my errands for the day. I glance in the mirror, seeing my reflection more clearly in the bright morning light.

During daytime, the world greets me with a burst of sensations. The sun feels so warm and gentle on my skin. I then walk to the bus stop and also when I was walking the birds were chirping in the distance, creating a peaceful background melody. On the bus, the engine hums, passengers talk quietly. When i reached on campus, the classrooms were full of sounds and smells. Keyboards were clicking and clacking. Nothing much really happen on campus it is just always listening and asking questions from the lecture as exams are approaching so we were just revising.

After classes, I went back to res, were I decided to go out and buy some groceries at OK groceries just for me to have something to eat for the rest of the week. When i went back to the res, I cooked dinner while listening to music. Steam rises, promising a tasty meal. Sitting down to eat, I enjoy each and every bite. As I get ready for bed, the softness of my pajamas and the crisp, cool sheets feel welcoming. The gentle hum of the night outside my window helps me relax. I think about the day's experiences, each sensory detail coming together to form a vivid memories. I then fall asleep, surrounded by the quiet sounds of the night.

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".