THABI DITSWALO

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THABI DITSWALO

Learning activity 2

22 May 2024, 11:00 Publicly Viewable

Title: A day I my life

As I wake up, the warm sunlight coming through my window tickles my skin, enticing me to start my day. The sweet aroma of freshly brewed coffee fills the air, drawing me to the kitchen. I savor the rich flavors and textures of my morning coffee, feeling invigorated and ready to tackle the day.

 

As I head out the door, the crisp morning air carries the sounds of birds chirping and leaves rustling, creating a symphony of nature. The vibrant colors of the flowers and trees along my route add a pop of vibrancy to my commute.

 

At work, the hum of the computer and the soft murmur of colleagues create a background melody. The scent of freshly printed paper and the feel of keyboard keys beneath my fingers immerse me in my tasks.

 

Later, the savory aromas of lunch waft through the air, enticing my taste buds. The flavors and textures of my food dance on my tongue, satisfying my hunger.

 

As the day dawns, the soft glow of the setting sun casts a warm glow around me. The fragrance of blooming flowers in the evening air and the beautiful sounds of nature relax my mind and body. The softness of the blanket and the comfort of the pillow relax me when I lie in bed. Hugs I am in a deep sleep.

Learning activity 1

22 May 2024, 10:29 Publicly Viewable

Title: Unpacking My Assumptions: A Journey of Self-Reflection

 

As I delved into the works of Wainana, Miner, Ngozi, and Bart-Williams, I was struck by the power of language in shaping our perceptions and creating "otherness". Through parodic examples, I realized how easily we can fall into the trap of stereotypes, exoticization, and misinformation. Reflecting on my own assumptions, I uncovered both positive and negative stereotypes that have influenced my understanding of others.

 

One positive stereotype I held was the notion that all individuals from a particular culture are warm and welcoming. While this may be true for some, it's a gross oversimplification that neglects individual complexities. On the other hand, I harbored negative assumptions about certain groups, perpetuating harmful stereotypes and stigmatizations.

 

Through this self-reflection, I've come to understand how my language and thoughts contribute to "othering". I've learned to question my assumptions and seek diverse perspectives to combat misinformation and distortion. I realize now that a single story or experience can never fully capture the richness and diversity of a culture or individual.

 

Moving forward, I strive to be more mindful of my language and thoughts, recognizing the power they hold in shaping my understanding of others. By actively seeking out diverse voices and experiences, I hope to break down the barriers of "otherness" and foster a more inclusive and empathetic world.

Learning activity 1

22 May 2024, 10:29 Publicly Viewable

Title: Unpacking My Assumptions: A Journey of Self-Reflection

 

As I delved into the works of Wainana, Miner, Ngozi, and Bart-Williams, I was struck by the power of language in shaping our perceptions and creating "otherness". Through parodic examples, I realized how easily we can fall into the trap of stereotypes, exoticization, and misinformation. Reflecting on my own assumptions, I uncovered both positive and negative stereotypes that have influenced my understanding of others.

 

One positive stereotype I held was the notion that all individuals from a particular culture are warm and welcoming. While this may be true for some, it's a gross oversimplification that neglects individual complexities. On the other hand, I harbored negative assumptions about certain groups, perpetuating harmful stereotypes and stigmatizations.

 

Through this self-reflection, I've come to understand how my language and thoughts contribute to "othering". I've learned to question my assumptions and seek diverse perspectives to combat misinformation and distortion. I realize now that a single story or experience can never fully capture the richness and diversity of a culture or individual.

 

Moving forward, I strive to be more mindful of my language and thoughts, recognizing the power they hold in shaping my understanding of others. By actively seeking out diverse voices and experiences, I hope to break down the barriers of "otherness" and foster a more inclusive and empathetic world.

Unpacking my experience

22 May 2024, 10:23 Publicly Viewable

 

 

As I reflect on my ethnic background and upbringing, I realize that two teachings have profoundly influenced my worldview. Firstly, the importance of community and interconnectedness is deeply ingrained in my culture. I was taught that an individual's success is not solely their own, but also a reflection of their family and community's support and efforts. This belief has shaped my understanding of success and failure, leading me to prioritize collaboration and mutual support.

 

Secondly, respect for elders and tradition is deeply rooted in my ethnic group. I was taught to value the wisdom and experiences of those who came before me, and to honor customs and practices passed down through generations. This teaching has influenced my approach to decision-making and problem-solving, often seeking guidance from those with more life experience.

 

Sharing this with my classmate, I realized that the emphasis on community resonated with them, as they came from a similar collectivist culture. However, the importance placed on respecting elders and tradition was foreign to them, as their culture values individual autonomy and modernity. Our discussion revealed biases and prejudices, such as assuming that one approach is superior to the other. We critically reflected on how these teachings shape our worldviews and acknowledged the value in understanding diverse perspectives.

 

Through this exercise, I gained a deeper understanding of how my ethnic background influences my beliefs and biases. I recognize the importance of questioning and challenging my assumptions to foster empathy and inclusivity. By engaging in open discussions and actively listening to the experiences of others, I hope to broaden my worldview and embrace the complexities of human understanding.