L Rautenbach, 41009916

Acceptance or conviction that something exists or is true, frequently in the absence of concrete evidence, is what is referred to as a belief. The majority of these ideas stem from a person's past. As a child, my cultural heritage provided me with a solid basis upon which to build my sense of self. The rich tapestry of my cultural history has woven together every part of my upbringing, from the traditions that defined our everyday lives to the dietary habits, religious beliefs, and personal traits that have been passed down through the ages. My cultural identity is based on my close ties to my heritage, which are shaped by the traditions and rituals that permeate our daily life. The two most important lessons my parents instilled in me were respect and kindness. They also taught me the importance of knowing the right things to say to people and how to acknowledge and apologize to others when I have done something that offends them. These lessons have helped me to understand that I should be quiet if I have nothing nice to say or if I have offended someone, I should apologize without trying to gaslight them or justify my actions. However, I learned from all of that that I should also speak up for myself, but I should attempt to do so in a composed and courteous way.

L Rautenbach, 41009916

Two lessons or ideas that I was raised with in my ethnic group have had a significant impact on my worldview.

Stress on Family and Community:

I was raised with the conviction that family and community are the most important things in life. We emphasize connection and group responsibility a lot in our society. As a child, I experienced first-hand the value of extended family networks, wherein kin helped one another through good times and bad. My perspective of the world has been moulded by this emphasis on family ties, which has led me to value relationships and community connections in both my personal and professional life. I firmly think that teamwork and group support have great power since we are stronger when we work together than when we do it alone.

Respect for Elders and Tradition:

Honouring elders and traditional wisdom is another fundamental principle that has been imprinted in me. Within my ethnic community, seniors are revered for their wisdom and are thought to be archives of information. I was raised to respect the wisdom and counsel of the elderly and to listen to and learn from them. This reverence for customs encompasses not just individual elders but also our entire cultural legacy. I've learned to value and protect our traditions, rituals, and language since they are essential components of who we are and what makes us unique. This idea has greatly influenced my ability to traverse the world and engage with people by giving me a strong sense of rootedness and connection to my cultural background.

These lessons have affected my values, attitudes, and behaviours in addition to moulding my worldview. They have guided me on my path of self-discovery and comprehension of the world around me by teaching me the value of community, tradition, and intergenerational wisdom. These values serve as guiding principles for me as I move through life, keeping me rooted in my cultural identity while also encouraging an open mind and a sense of curiosity about different viewpoints and ways of being.

L Rautenbach, 41009916

As the sun gently filters through my curtains, the day begins with a symphony of sensory experiences. The soft chirping of birds outside my window merges with the soothing hum of the city awakening. Stretching languidly, I inhale deeply, greeted by the familiar scent of morning dew mingled with the aroma of freshly brewed coffee wafting from the kitchen. Stepping onto the cool wooden floor, I'm met with a sensation of comfort as my bare feet make contact. The morning ritual begins as I savor the first sip of coffee, its rich flavor dancing on my taste buds, awakening my senses. The warmth of the mug nestled between my palms contrasts with the coolness of the morning air, creating a delightful juxtaposition. As the day unfolds, each moment is punctuated by a kaleidoscope of sensory experiences. The bustling streets greet me with a cacophony of sounds – the rhythmic clatter of footsteps, the distant honking of cars, and snippets of lively conversation intermingling with the melodic strains of street musicians. Navigating through the urban landscape, I'm enveloped by a tapestry of sights and smells. Vibrant storefronts display their wares, their colorful displays enticing passersby. The aroma of freshly baked bread beckons from a nearby bakery, mingling with the earthy scent of rain-soaked pavement. Amidst the hustle and bustle, moments of serenity emerge. Sitting in a sunlit park, I close my eyes and bask in the warmth, the gentle rustle of leaves overhead a soothing lullaby. The tangy sweetness of a ripe peach bursts on my tongue as I take a blissful bite, the juice dribbling down my chin in a playful dance. As evening descends, the city takes on a different persona. Soft golden hues paint the sky as the sun dips below the horizon, casting long shadows across the landscape. The air is alive with the sound of laughter and chatter, as friends gather in cozy cafes and bars, sharing stories over glasses of wine and plates of tapas. Finally, as the day draws to a close, I retreat to the sanctuary of my home. The familiar scent of lavender fills the air as I sink into a warm bath, the steam enveloping me in a cocoon of tranquility. Wrapping myself in a soft, fluffy towel, I settle into bed, the crisp cotton sheets a comforting embrace. As I drift off to sleep, I reflect on the sensory tapestry of the day – a vibrant mosaic of sights, sounds, smells, and tastes that have woven together to create a rich and immersive experience. In embracing the sensory richness of everyday life, I find beauty in the mundane, and wonder in the ordinary.

L Rautenbach, 41009916

Discovering how language is used to create identities and portrayals of people in literature has been an intriguing trip that has illuminated the ease with which stereotypes, eroticization, and false information can permeate our perspectives. My personal prejudices and presumptions have been forced to the surface as a result of reading books like Binyavanga Wainana's "How to Write About Africa," Horace Miner's "Body Ritual Among the Nacirema," and TEDTalks by Taiye Selasi Bart-Williams and Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie. Wainana's satire has made me aware of how common and harmful it may be to depict Africa as a homogenous, foreign continent. It's evident from Miner's satirical depiction of American society in "Body Ritual Among the Nacirema" how readily we can misinterpret and misrepresent the customs of others. Ngozi and Bart-Williams' TEDTalks highlight the peril of sticking to one storyline and the necessity of a variety of storylines in order to prevent subjecting people to oversimplified, skewed portrayals. I've confronted my own stigmatizations and preconceptions through this investigation. Even though I consider myself to be inclusive and open-minded, I admit there have been times when I've let the one-sided narrative get the better of me. Positive stereotypes can be just as destructive as negative ones since they still confine people to a limited set of attributes. An example of this would be presuming someone's success based on their ethnicity or nationality. While uncomfortable, confronting these presumptions is essential. To combat the inclination to "other" those who are different from us, it is imperative that we actively question our deeply held views and look for new viewpoints. By recognizing and analyzing our prejudices, we can endeavor to build a more sympathetic and inclusive community where each person's experience is respected and given voice. The significance of language in influencing perceptions and the need to use it appropriately to foster empathy and understanding rather than reinforce prejudices and othering have been highlighted by this journey. Learning and unlearning is a lifelong process, yet it's vital for developing oneself and creating deep connections with other people.