O Maboya,54043867

UNPACKING ASSUMPTIONS: A JOURNEY OF SELF REFLECTION

As I go abroad on this journey of self-refection, inspired by authors such as like Binyavanga Wainaina, Chimanda Ngozi Adichie, Bart Williams, and anthropological work of Miner and Horace Miner, I find myself confronting my own biases and assumptions about different cultures and communities. I have been challenged to examine how my prejudge ideas contribute to the creation of otherness and keep going stereotypes and stigmatizations. Wainaina’s essay on “How to write about Africa “resonated deeply with me, as it highlighted the danger of portraying an entire continent through a single narrative .it made me realize how often I have fallen into a trap of exoticization when thinking about Africa. Similarly, Ngozi TEDtalk on the danger of a single story, underscored the importance of recognizing the complexity and richness of individual experiences. I have been exposed to and to seek out diverse perspectives that offer a more significant understanding of the world. Bart Williams ‘ concept of” changing your channel “encouraged me actively challenge the media and cultural influences that reinforce stereotypes and stigmatizations .And it remind me of the power of representations an the need to amplify marginalized voices in order to counteract harmful narratives .As I reflected on Miner’s exploration of the body ritual among the Nacirema , I could not help but draw parallels to the ways in which we often exoticize and misinterpret unfamiliar cultural practices It made me realize how easily we can project our own biases onto others ,falling to see the humanity and complexity beneath the surface In confronting my own stereotypes and stigmatizations, I have come up with the ways in which my assumptions create otherness and preserve divisions between us and them. whether it is the positive stereotype of the “model minority” or the negative stigma attached to certain mental health conditions, I have learned that all stereotypes are harmful in their own way. Through this process of self-reflection, I have gained a deeper understanding of the importance of empathy, curiosity, and critical self-awareness in pulling apart the barriers that separate us from others. By challenging my own assumptions and seeking out diverse perspectives, I hope to contribute to a more inclusive and equitable world where all voices are valued and respected.