As I reflect on the teachings and beliefs ingrained within my ethnic group, I find myself on a voyage of self-discovery, unraveling the threads that have woven my worldview. In this learning log, I delve into two such teachings that have shaped my perceptions and interactions with the world around me.Teaching 1: The Importance of Family and Community Harmony Within my cultural heritage, the concept of family extends far beyond the nuclear unit. It encompasses not only blood relatives but also an intricate web of relationships within the community. The emphasis on maintaining harmony and cohesion within this extended network is paramount. From a young age, I was taught the value of collective responsibility and the interconnectedness of our actions. Decisions were rarely made in isolation; rather, they were weighed against their potential impact on the wider familial and communal fabric. This belief instilled in me a profound sense of belonging and obligation to contribute positively to the collective welfare.Teaching 2: Respect for Elders and Ancestral Wisdom Another foundational belief embedded in my cultural ethos is the reverence for elders and the wisdom they impart. Elders are not merely repositories of knowledge but living embodiments of our ancestral heritage. Their experiences and teachings serve as guiding beacons, illuminating our path through life's complexities. From childhood, I was taught to listen attentively to the narratives of the past, to glean insights and lessons that transcend generations. This reverence for ancestral wisdom instilled in me a deep respect for tradition, while also fostering a curiosity to critically examine and adapt inherited knowledge in the context of contemporary challenges.As I share these teachings with my classmates, I am struck by the interplay of familiarity and strangeness that unfolds. While some aspects resonate deeply with their own experiences and cultural backgrounds, others elicit curiosity and introspection. Through open dialogue and critical reflection, we confront our biases and preconceptions, recognizing the limitations of our individual perspectives. By engaging in this collaborative journey of understanding, we not only broaden our intellectual horizons but also cultivate empathy and appreciation for the diverse tapestry of human existence.In conclusion, our cultural heritage serves as both a foundation and a lens through which we perceive the world. By acknowledging and interrogating the teachings that shape our worldview, we embark on a transformative journey of self-discovery and mutual understanding. As we navigate the complexities of modernity, may we draw strength from the wisdom of our ancestors while embracing the richness of cultural diversity that surrounds us.

 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.