CIMMY DLAMINI

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Exploring the Impact of Endogenous Teachings on My Worldview

21 May 2024, 12:40 Publicly Viewable

As I reflect on my upbringing, I realize how certain teachings, specific to my ethnic group, have played a crucial role in shaping my worldview. Here are two such teachings that have had a significant impact on how I perceive and interact with the world around me.

  1. Ubuntu (I am because we are): Originating from Southern African cultures, Ubuntu emphasizes the interconnectedness of humanity. It teaches that our existence is intrinsically linked to the existence of others, and our actions and decisions should always consider their impact on the community. This belief has fostered within me a deep sense of empathy, compassion, and responsibility towards others. It has taught me to value cooperation, respect, and the collective well-being of society. Ubuntu has shaped my worldview by enabling me to see the world as an interconnected web of relationships where the welfare of one person is linked to the welfare of others.

  2. Oral storytelling and ancestral wisdom: In my ethnic group, oral storytelling has been an essential part of our cultural heritage. The elders in our community often share stories, proverbs, and life lessons that carry the wisdom of our ancestors. This tradition has instilled in me an appreciation for intergenerational knowledge, history, and the importance of preserving cultural heritage. It has also nurtured my critical thinking and problem-solving skills, as each story often contains hidden meanings and moral lessons to be deciphered and applied to real-life situations. This teaching has shaped my worldview by fostering a deep respect for cultural traditions, the value of collective wisdom, and the importance of passing knowledge down through generations.

Reflecting on these endogenous teachings from my ethnic group, I recognize their profound influence on my worldview. They have not only shaped my values, beliefs, and understanding of the world but also continue to guide me in navigating my relationships and experiences in a more compassionate, mindful, and culturally-sensitive manner. By embracing the wisdom of my cultural heritage, I am reminded of the richness and diversity that different perspectives bring to our collective human experience.

Reflecting on my networks and exchanges

7 Apr 2024, 22:25 Publicly Viewable

In the intricate web of human connections, we weave our own tapestry of relationships. As I ponder the networks that envelop me, I find myself tracing invisible threads that bind me to family, friends, colleagues, and even strangers. These networks, like delicate ecosystems, sustain me, challenge me, and shape my daily existence.

 At the heart of my network lies my family a constellation of love, quirks, and shared memories. My parents, with their unwavering support, form the sturdy pillars. Siblings, cousins, and distant relatives add color and depth. We exchange laughter, advice, and sometimes heated debates around the dinner table. Our exchanges are not merely transactions; they are investments in emotional bonds that appreciate over time.

Beyond blood ties, friendships anchor me. Childhood pals, college buddies, and work companions each brings a unique flavor to my life. We exchange stories, secrets, and dreams. In our late-night conversations, we barter empathy for vulnerability. These networks are lifelines during storms and sunsets during calm seas.

 In the bustling marketplace of work, I navigate professional networks. Colleagues become allies, mentors, or occasional rivals. We exchange knowledge, skills, and favors. Coffee breaks transform into idea exchanges, and watercooler chats yield insights. The currency here is expertise, trust, and collaboration.

The digital age spins intricate webs. Social media platforms connect me to acquaintances across continents. Likes, comments, and emojis are our currency. We exchange glimpses of our lives, curated and filtered. Yet, amidst the noise, genuine connections emerge a shared article, a heartfelt message, or a virtual hug during tough times.

Sometimes, it’s the chance encounters that leave an indelible mark. The stranger who held the elevator door, the barista who remembered my order, or the fellow commuter who shared an umbrella during a sudden downpour all these fleeting exchanges ripple through my day. We trade small kindnesses, and in doing so, create a ripple effect of goodwill.

 In all these networks, time is our currency. We invest it, spend it, and sometimes squander it. A phone call to a friend, a family dinner, or a coffee date they all involve an exchange of precious minutes. Presence matters the act of showing up, listening, and being fully engaged.

 As I reflect on these networks, I realize that exchanges extend beyond material goods. They are emotional, intellectual, and spiritual transactions. In this intricate dance of give and take, I find purpose, growth, and a sense of belonging. So, let us continue weaving our networks, mindful of the threads we choose and the patterns we create. Reflecting on the networks that envelop me, I find purpose, growth, and a sense of belonging in the intricate dance of exchanges whether with family, friends, colleagues, or strangers.

 

Activity 1: Unit2

10 Mar 2024, 23:44 Publicly Viewable

stereotypes are ingrained in our culture, influencing the way we view and relate to various social groupings. These broad assumptions, which frequently have their origins in historical , social, or cultural context, can have a significant impact on both people and communities. Stereotypes can do harm even though they can seem harmless or even funny. 

People from diverse social and cultural groups, be evaluated or others should be judged solely on a single tale they have heard, since I think this can seriously undermine peoples self and cultural confidence. Individuals ought to begin examining other cultures and social groupings from several perspectives in order to fully understand the situation and avoid making snap decisions based on a single notion.

An different story about German inventiveness: Permit me to present an alternative viewpoint of the German people. In sharp contrast to the ideas of accuracy and precision, creativity frequently results from a certain amount of chaos and unpredictability. Germany has a long history of making significant contributions to art, including avantgarde movements, expressionist painting and modernist architecture.