As a proud member of the Sotho ethnic group, I am deeply influenced by the rich tapestry of traditions, values, and beliefs that form the foundation of my cultural identity. Among the myriad teachings passed down through generations, two core principles stand out as particularly influential in shaping my worldview. Let's explore these teachings and their profound impact on how I perceive the world around me.

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Write a blog/learning log of two ‘teachings’/beliefs, that you believe are endogenous to your ethnic group, that have shaped your worldview.

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Title: Exploring Endogenous Teachings: Shaping My Worldview

As an individual shaped by my ethnic heritage, there are two core teachings that have profoundly influenced my worldview. These teachings are deeply ingrained within my cultural identity and have guided me in navigating life's complexities. Let's delve into these beliefs and their impact on my perspective.

1. Respect for Elders and Ancestors: Within my ethnic group, reverence for elders and ancestors is paramount. From a young age, I was taught to honor and respect those who came before me, recognizing the wisdom they impart and the sacrifices they made. This teaching instilled in me a sense of gratitude and humility, as I learned to value the experiences and knowledge passed down through generations. Whether through storytelling, rituals, or simply observing the conduct of my elders, I absorbed the importance of preserving cultural heritage and learning from the collective wisdom of my community. This belief has shaped my worldview by fostering a deep appreciation for history, tradition, and intergenerational connections. It reminds me to approach life with humility, seeking guidance from those who have walked the path before me, and to pay homage to the legacy of those who paved the way for my existence.

2. Harmony with Nature: Another fundamental teaching within my ethnic group is the emphasis on harmony with nature. Rooted in ancient philosophies and spiritual beliefs, this teaching underscores the interconnectedness of all living beings and the natural world. From rituals that honor the changing seasons to practices that promote sustainability and environmental stewardship, I learned to view nature not as a resource to be exploited, but as a source of balance, inspiration, and nourishment. This belief has profoundly shaped my worldview by instilling in me a deep sense of environmental consciousness and responsibility. It reminds me to tread lightly on the earth, to cherish its beauty and diversity, and to recognize the profound impact of human actions on the delicate web of life. By aligning myself with the rhythms of nature and cultivating a sense of reverence for the natural world, I strive to live in harmony with the planet and all its inhabitants.

In conclusion, these two teachings—respect for elders and ancestors, and harmony with nature—have served as guiding principles in shaping my worldview. They remind me of the importance of humility, interconnectedness, and stewardship, guiding my actions and decisions as I navigate the complexities of life. Embracing these teachings not only connects me to my cultural heritage but also enriches my understanding of the world and my place within it.

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Write a blog/learning log of two ‘teachings’/beliefs, that you believe are endogenous to your ethnic group, that have shaped your worldview. In Sotho Culture

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Title: Nurturing Wisdom: Sotho Cultural Teachings That Shape My Worldview

As a proud member of the Sotho ethnic group, I am deeply influenced by the rich tapestry of traditions, values, and beliefs that form the foundation of my cultural identity. Among the myriad teachings passed down through generations, two core principles stand out as particularly influential in shaping my worldview. Let's explore these teachings and their profound impact on how I perceive the world around met.

The heart of Sotho culture lies the profound philosophy of Ubuntu, which emphasizes the interconnectedness of humanity and the importance of compassion, empathy, and community. Ubuntu teaches us that "motho ke motho ka batho babang" – a person is a person through other people. This belief underscores the fundamental truth that our individual well-being is intricately linked to the well-being of others, and that we thrive when we nurture mutually supportive relationships within our communities. From a young age, I was taught to approach others with kindness, to extend a helping hand to those in need, and to recognize the inherent dignity and worth of every human being. Ubuntu shapes my worldview by reminding me of the power of empathy and solidarity, and inspiring me to strive for a world where compassion and cooperation reign supreme.

The world is a tapestry of diverse cultures, backgrounds, and worldviews, each thread adding its own unique hue to the fabric of humanity.

What my Grandmother taught me while growing up is to respect people, respect their beliefs and most importantly to respect myself because you can't expect something from people that you cannot give yourself. We grew up going to church, praying God that's what shaped me into the kind of person that I am today. We grew up well me I grew knowing that when it hits 07:00 I must be awake because I'm a girl or a girl talks or wears a certain way because that's how I grew up even today I'm still following and will teach my kids in future.

Each of us is shaped by our upbringing, our culture, our traditions, and our experiences. These backgrounds influence how we see the world, how we interact with others, and how we navigate the complexities of life.

Just as our backgrounds shape us, so too do our worldviews. Our worldview is the lens through which we interpret the world around us, the framework that guides our beliefs, values, and decisions. Whether shaped by religion, philosophy, or personal experience, our worldview influences how we perceive truth, morality, and meaning in life.

A day in my life, Every morning when I wake before everything else I take a quick prayer before engaging with other people just to thank the Lord for waking me up and then I read one bible verse just to get ready for the day. While I'm still preparing myself I'm listening to some gospel music. 

Then after that I brush my teeth and take a quick shower then I eat breakfast while I'm having a conversation with my roommate. Then I make sure that I go through the notes that I compiled so that I don't forget. Then after that I'm going down the stairs to go and wait for the bus that is going to take us to campus along with my friends. Then after arriving at campus I stop by at the vendor shops to buy some chicken feet and snacks then off to attending my first lecture of the day which is SANL. 

My lecturer is super she's kind of like a Gen Z we enjoy her classes and after that I attend other classes. Finally I'm going back to res went back to the bus gate, got into the bus and arrived, then took a quick shower after that I ate and talked to my res mates then before going to sleep I called my son just to check up on him then read bible again took a quick prayer then slept.

Stereotype- An often and untrue belief that many people have about all people

 ‘How to Write about Africa’. This piece exposes the Western narrative on the continent and it highlights the neo-colonial tendency to reinforce structural stereotypes and prejudices. Westerns view Africa as a country full of illiterate and that is full of danger, darkness, violence, poverty and hopelessness .

Many Westerners view Africa as primarily a jungle where the people speak unintelligible languages. pointless battles against each other. Nacirema is American but spelled backwards. Horace Miner wrote it to outline the criticism anthropologist had to hype up the perceived cultures. belief underlying the whole system appears to be that the human body is ugly and that its natural tendency is to debility and disease. Incarcerated in such a body, man’s only hope is to avert these characteristics through the use of ritual and ceremony. Every household has one or more shrines devoted to this purpose. 

Adichie's single story is most destructive in creating a negative stereotype about a minority group, and how the danger of a single story by chimamanda says about how African people were robbed of their dignity. Bart-Williams "change your channel' sheds light on the wealth and potential of Africa and critics the prevailing a narrative as a needy continent.

After reading about "How to write about Africa" by Wanaina and "Body and Ritual among Nacirema" by Horace Miner and both TED talks videos by Chimamanda Ngozi and Bart-Williams it has come to my attention that western countries view African continent as a primitive society.