Anthropology is about “making the strange familiar, and the familiar strange”

We all come from different backgrounds and have experienced different realities, which means we all have different worldviews. Our conceptions of the world and our lives are shaped by how we are socialized and our daily lived experiences. The readings in Unit 6 encourage us to question the systems we know and to make meaning from understanding the world we exist in. These scholarly texts further propel us to be aware of our prejudices, preconceptions, and assumptions.

Two Teachings/Beliefs from My Ethnic Group

Respect for Elders

One of the core teachings in my ethnic group is the deep respect for elders. This belief is not just about politeness but extends to how decisions are made within families and communities. Elders are seen as the keepers of wisdom and experience. From a young age, we are taught to listen to and value the advice of older people. This respect manifests in various aspects of life:

-Family Decisions: Major decisions, such as career choices, marriage, and financial matters, are often made in consultation with elders. Their opinions are given significant weight because they are believed to have accumulated knowledge and foresight through their life experiences.

Cultural Practices: During cultural and religious ceremonies, elders play a central role. They lead rituals and provide guidance to ensure traditions are upheld correctly.

Daily Interactions: In everyday life, speaking to elders with a tone of respect, using appropriate titles, and prioritizing their comfort and needs are common practices.

This respect influences how we interact with others, emphasizing humility and deference. It shapes my worldview by making me more inclined to consider historical and experiential perspectives in my decision-making process. Understanding that my elders have seen and experienced more, I tend to value tradition and continuity, which helps me navigate modern challenges with a grounded perspective.

Community Over Individualism

Another significant belief is the emphasis on community over individualism. In my culture, the well-being of the group is often placed above personal success. This collective approach is evident in various aspects of life:

Celebrations and Mourning: During festivals, weddings, and funerals, the entire community comes together. These events are not just for the immediate family but for everyone, reflecting the interconnectedness of our lives.

Problem-Solving: When someone faces a problem, be it financial difficulties, health issues, or personal crises, the community rallies around to provide support. This can include pooling resources, offering emotional support, or providing practical help like cooking meals or helping with chores.

Daily Support : The concept of “it takes a village” is alive and well. Child-rearing, for example, is a communal effort where neighbors and extended family members play active roles in the upbringing of children.

This communal approach has taught me the importance of cooperation and mutual aid, shaping my view that individual actions should benefit the broader community. It instills a sense of responsibility towards others and encourages a lifestyle where success is measured not just by personal achievements but by the well-being of those around me.

 Classroom Discussion

In class, we will share our written texts with a classmate next to us and discuss what information from our texts is strange or familiar to each other. This exercise will serve multiple purposes:

Highlighting Differences: By discussing our beliefs and teachings, we can see how different cultural backgrounds shape our worldviews in unique ways. What is normal and obvious to one person might be completely foreign to another.

Identifying Biases: As we talk about our beliefs, we might discover biases or assumptions we hold. Recognizing these biases is the first step towards understanding and overcoming them.

Reflecting on Prejudices: Through honest conversation, we can reflect on any prejudices we might have. For example, if a classmate’s belief seems strange, we can question why we find it strange and whether our reaction is based on a lack of understanding or a preconceived notion.

Fostering Empathy: By learning about the values and experiences of others, we can develop greater empathy and appreciation for different perspectives.

During our discussion, we will note our biases and prejudices and critically reflect upon these points with our classmates. This exercise will help us better understand how our unique backgrounds influence our perspectives and how anthropology helps us see the familiar in new ways and understand the strange more deeply. Ultimately, this will enhance our ability to think critically about our own beliefs and those of others, fostering a more inclusive and informed worldview.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

After learning about kinship and exchange in study unit 4, I took a moment to think about the networks I make in my daily life. These networks are like webs that connect me to different people and experiences each and every day of my life. These connections are very important because they shape my experiences and interactions. They contribute to my character as a person, they help me feel supported and understood. these connections make my life easier and more meaningful. ​​​

​​​​​​In all my daily networks, my family networks are the most important, they make up the main part of my daily connections, starting from my dad and mom's teachings and advices to the fun time I have with my siblings, each member plays an important role in shaping my daily experiences. We often help each other with daily activities like chores such as cleaning, washing the dishes and cooking. They also offer emotional support. Being with my family makes me feel safe, it gives me a sense of belonging especially when things are tough. Through these interactions with my family I am reminded of the importance of family connections. But the most important exchange with our family network is the emotionally support we offer each other through words of encouragement, hugs and just being available emotionally. I find venting to my family easy because I know that we are tied they will never forsake me as we are blood related so that kind of bond can't easily be broken. My family always offers confort and strength during difficult times. The love we share for each other makes our bond stronger. 

Apart from my family, I have a network of friends who also play a vital role in my life. These friendships provide me with companionship and a sense of belonging. Some of these friends have been with me since high school, while others are fellow classmates and roommates that I found here when I got to university and have become close with. What brings us closer with my friends is the shared experiences we've been having and the natural understanding we've developed since we are peers. 

Through laughter filled with conversations and heartfelt discussions we exchange feelings and emotional support for each other. It may be a funny story or just a joke that brings smiles to our faces. These serve as my pillar of strength providing me with support and words of encouragement I need. 

 

I also engage with neighbors and random people that I meet on a daily basis. In South Africa we believe in the spirit of Ubuntu.  when we meet people  we greet them as sign of respect. We share food and news especially with neighbors these kind of interactions makes us feel like we're a part of a friendly community. 

Reflecting these interactions that I have on a daily  makes me me feel like I belong and have a purpose. Together we create a beautiful web of connections that make life meaningful. 

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As the gentle light of sunrise enters my room thorough the curtains, I wake up from my sleep, reluctantly letting go of the corforting embrace of my bed while yawning and stretching I greet the new day, feeling excited as I embrace what the day has in store for me. 

After a quick cold shower to completely wake me up and bring me to my senses. I make my way to the kitchen to myself some cereal and tea. A student I hardly get time to make English breakfast therefore my breakfast is simple and fair, with a mark of steaming tea in my hand I sit down to review my schedule for the day. Mentally preparing myself for my classes and task that lies ahead.

On my way to campus, the bus is filled with the chatter of fellow students. Arriving on campus I see a lot of different faces everyday. I find it very interesting that I never see the same face twice unless we share a module. Being in an academic place where there is so much diversity will always be my favorite part of being a university student.

Classes on fold like chapters in a book as I learn different things everyday, Each class offering new understanding and perspective of the world around me. From studying about different cultures, how the human mind works, each lesson makes me even more eager to learn more about the world we live in.

During lunch time, I always chill outside with my newly found friends as we enjoy the view of nature and also get a to unwind and connect as friends. Afternoons are usually filled with hectic activities as I always go to the library to catch up on everything I learnt in class. As I try my best to excel in very one of my  modules.

As the sun goes down, alerting me that it is the end of another day, I gather my belongings and leave campus to go to my now second home which is my res, for me evenings are a time of relaxation and cooking, I always cherish this moments because I get to unwind and call my family because they help me forget about the pressure and stress that comes with being a student.

As bed time approaches, I reflect on the day's events filled with opportunities and growth, before I sleep I pray and thank God for the experiences that shaped me into the person I am today. As I get inside my covers and close my eyes drifting into a peaceful sleep. 

Kimberly Khumalo 

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THE WORKS OF WAINAINA : HOW TO WRITE ABOUT AFRICA (2005)

The satirical analysis Was written in (2005) by Wainaina Binyavanga. It talks about how often western people write about Africa in a stereotypical way. It also talks about the way western people depict African people and only focusing on poverty and exoticism.

The aim of this article Is to challenge the stereotypical and negative depiction of Africa mostly in literature and media. 

Different ways in which Wainaina explained how the Westerners write about Africa include :

 

OTHERING 

in the article "how to write about Africa" Binyavanga Wainaina talks about how often western people involve in "othering" when depicting African

STEREOTYPES

In the first paragraph of "how to write about Africa" mentions words like "Congo", "Nile", "Timeless" primordial and tribal these words are stereotypic and create false ideas about African cultures and society.

EXOTICISATION 

Westerne writers exoticize African cuisine By highlighting that they eat worms, monkey brain and other bizarre food that, they also exoticize Africa by highlighting that the place is hot dusty and filled with darkness rather than it being a natural place. 

MISINFORMATION AND DISTORTION 

Westerners make it seem as if Africa is country rather than a continent and that it is a hot and dusty place  filled with hunger striken people. Wainaina says when you write about Africa make it seem like the only food they eat and enjoy is bizarre food like monkey brain and worms.

CONCLUSION 

This article highlights the challenging nature of western depiction of Africa, mostly in literature and media it, it shows how writers rely on stereotypes, generalization and exotisation. Western writers should rather talk about diversity in various tribes and ethnic groups.