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In my journey through anthropology, I've come to appreciate the notion of "making the strange familiar, and the familiar strange." It's a concept that encourages us to question our own cultural norms and biases while seeking to understand those of others. As I reflect on my own upbringing and cultural background, I recognize two key teachings or beliefs that have profoundly shaped my worldview. 

Within my ethnic group, there's a deep-seated reverence for elders and the wisdom they impart. From a young age, I was taught to listen attentively to the stories and advice passed down through generations. This respect for elders extends beyond familial ties to encompass community leaders and spiritual guides who embody the collective wisdom of our ancestors. This belief instils humility and a recognition of the interconnectedness of past, present, and future. It reminds me to value the insights of those who have come before me and to approach life with a sense of gratitude for the lessons passed down through generations.

Another fundamental teaching within my ethnic group is the importance of our relationship with nature and our responsibility as stewards of the environment. From traditional rituals honouring the changing seasons to practices promoting sustainable living, there's a deep understanding of our interconnectedness with the natural world. This belief emphasizes the need to live in harmony with our surroundings, respecting the delicate balance of ecosystems and preserving resources for future generations. It informs my worldview by reminding me of the intrinsic value of nature and the imperative to protect and nurture the planet we call home.

These teachings have not only shaped my perspective on life but also serve as constant reminders to approach the world with an open mind and a willingness to learn from diverse cultural perspectives. Through anthropology, I continue to explore the richness of human experience, striving to make the strange familiar and the familiar strange as I navigate the complexities of our interconnected world.

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In Unit 4, we explored the fascinating concept of networks of kinship and exchange in a South African context. This got me thinking about the networks I move through every day, who is part of them, how I relate to these people, and what kinds of exchanges take place. Here’s a look at my daily networks and the different ways I connect and share with others.

Family: The Heart of My Network

My family is at the core of my network. This includes my parents, siblings, and even extended family like grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins. With my immediate family, the relationships are built on love, care, and support. We share a lot: from food and chores to emotional support and advice. For instance, my parents often help me with my studies and provide financial support, while my siblings and I help each other with schoolwork and share fun moments together.

In South African culture, family is also a central pillar, where extended families often live close to each other and share resources, much like we do in my family. This constant exchange helps everyone in the family feel supported and connected.

Friends: Emotional and Social Support

My friends form another crucial part of my network. These relationships are based on mutual interests, trust, and companionship. We exchange a lot of emotional support, share our thoughts, and help each other through tough times. For example, if I’m stressed about an exam, my friends are there to cheer me up or study together. We also share experiences, like going to movies or playing sports, which strengthens our bond.

This network is similar to the communal relationships in South Africa, where friends and community members support each other, sharing both good times and bad, which creates a strong sense of belonging and mutual care.

School and Academic Circles: Knowledge and Collaboration

At school, my network includes classmates, teachers, and school staff. These relationships are primarily based on learning and cooperation. With classmates, we exchange knowledge, help each other with homework, and collaborate on projects. Teachers, on the other hand, provide guidance, knowledge, and sometimes even mentorship.

This exchange of knowledge and support is essential for academic success. In South African communities, similar exchanges happen in educational settings where knowledge and skills are shared to help everyone progress and succeed.

Online and Social Media Networks: Information and Connection

In today’s digital age, online networks play a significant role too. Platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and WhatsApp connect me with friends, family, and even people across the world. Through these networks, I exchange information, keep up with trends, and maintain social connections. For example, sharing a funny meme or a supportive message can brighten someone’s day, just as much as receiving one can make me feel connected and supported.

These digital exchanges are a modern extension of traditional communication and exchange, allowing us to maintain relationships and share experiences even when we are physically apart.

Community Involvement: Broader Social Exchanges

Lastly, being involved in community activities, like volunteering or participating in local events, connects me with a wider network. These interactions allow me to contribute to the community and also benefit from the collective efforts of others. For instance, volunteering at a local shelter helps me meet new people and exchange ideas and experiences.

In South African culture, community involvement is also a key aspect, where communal activities and shared responsibilities strengthen social ties and support networks.

To conclude, reflecting on my daily networks of kinship and exchange, it’s clear that these connections are essential for my personal growth, emotional well-being, and overall development. Whether it’s through family, friends, school, online interactions, or community involvement, the exchanges I engage in every day enrich my life and help me navigate the world. Understanding these networks through the lens of South African kinship and exchange highlights the importance of interconnectedness and mutual support in building a strong, supportive social fabric.

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There is a slow beam of sunshine rising from my window seal and as it shines on my skin, my alarm goes off at 7am, signalling the start of yet another chaotic day. I usually hit the snooze button at least three times, but by 07:30, I am out of bed. A quick shower helps me wake up, and by 07:50, I am dressed and ready to face the day. I have been told numerous times that breakfast is crucial, so I grab something quick and yet healthy, like bran flakes. While eating, I review my schedule for the day and make sure that I have everything I need for the day's lectures. My backpack is packed with my laptop, textbooks, notebooks, pens and highlighters, and of course a few snacks. Usually, my first class at 9am and today we are discussing genders, sex and sexuality, as well as cultural norms in Sociology. I always try to sit near the front to stay engaged and minimize distractions. As the lecturer engages, I am intrigued by the topic and I start asking questions during the session, which is something I hardly ever do because from a young age, I have always been afraid that people would mock or insult my questions or opinions but being in university is coming in handy because it is helping me build my confidence. By 11am, I am in the next lecture room waiting for a different lecturer of a different module to present his topic or work for the day. By 12pm time, my brain is only able to encode a certain percentage of the information being taught to us and I am ready to grab lunch and refresh my myself for a study session in the school's library. I meet up with my friends who are already seated at our favourite spot in the cafeteria. It is a great time to catch up and take a mental break from studies. I am a huge fan of the sausage rolls at the cafeteria and so I opt for it and a bottle of water. After a great and fruitful session with my friends, we head to the library together but for different reasons of course. On a regular day, I spend about 2 hours at the library and also depending on how busy the library is on that day but today, I decided to spend 4 hours in there because the space was very quiet, and I managed to cover most of my Psychology content I was left behind with. By 5pm, I am ready to go home and, on my way back, I do a little self-introspection and appreciate the little things we have on this earth like the trees that give us oxygen and the sky that reminds me to always aim high in everything I do. When I get to my place, the room is silent and cold. I then remember that I live alone now, and I will not be coming back to a heart-warming homecooked meal for a while until schools so that I can go back home. Without wasting anymore time, I place my bag on my study table, and get ready to take my last shower of the day. Once I am done with that, I throw myself on my bed and take a power, to recharge for my evening study session which usually ends around 12am, depending on the amount of work I need to get covered. With that being, I am usually in bed by midnight, ready to get some rest and recharge for another day.