Culture Shock

The author of the article addresses things Americans would likely think is negative and haunting. The contrast between African and American culture can be seen through the authors diction and choice of examples. This article focuses on magic and witchcraft practiced in the sub-Saharan Africa. A gallup study was conducted in 18 different countries to measure the correlation between happiness and witchcraft. Within these 18 countries, 55% of people reported to believe in witchcraft. It was found that the older and less educated participants were more likely to believe in magic. A more critical feeling towards African culture witchcraft could be seen in the article when the author fails to mention anything positive or intriguing about believing in witchcraft. The article also mentioned that witchcraft was associated with the mutilation of albinos in Africa. In African culture, being born albino represents a curse. The author's conclusion states: "while personal belief in magic and witchcraft may seem harmless, the actions some people take based on those beliefs are clearly not" although witchcraft is associated with killings and of course this is immoral, we as American's have to consider the idea that perhaps these things happen because of the lack of education not so much because these individuals believe in witchcraft. In other words, maybe these people would have acted violently anyway. I would also like to know how happiness was measured because everyone has their own definition of happiness. In addition, like Ms Fitzgerald stated, Africans tend to expel what is not useful throughout history and keep what is useful. If witchcraft has persisted throughout the years into more modern times, that means it has to have some use to the African culture and has to benefit the lives of Africans in some ways. Perhaps citizens are too afraid to deviate away from witchcraft in fear that if they do, they will suffer. In conclusion, in order to avoid mis-judgement of Africa, it is always best to note the cultural differences and the effects of a lack of education.

http://www.livescience.com/8515-belief-witchcraft-widespread-africa.html

About the Khweta Circumcision Ceremony

The African Khweta Circumcision Ceremony is a South African tradition where boys are sent to a "circumcision lodge". The Xhosa boys reside in isolation for the winter months while they undergo difficult tests of stamina and get circumcised. In addition, the lodge master teaches the group of boys about the conduct, social duties, traditions, and political obligations. Because all knowledge comes from the lodge master, much of the lodge masters' character and knowledge resembles the lodge masters. The lodge boys/men keep details a close secret so it is difficult to know about exact details from the ceremony. It is concerning to think how much influence one man can have on a group of boys. It is even more concerning to think this man as corrupt. However, this ceremony is necessary in order to get married and in order to be respected as a man. Upon their arrival during the Spring, the men paint their bodies white, wear sheepskin as a coat, a reed skirt, a cone hat made out of reed, and lastly a mask made out of reed in order to keep evil spirits away. These costumes are worn while performing dances to the neighboring huts. Next, in the spring, the circumcision takes place. After, the costumes are burned and the young men are driven to a river by their initiators who thrash them ceremonially, they bath in the river where their white paint is washed off.



http://www.encounter.co.za/article/167.html

A Brief and Accurate Description of the Voodoo Relgion

http://www.ancient-origins.net/history-ancient-traditions/origins-voodoo-misunderstood-religion-002933


The Voodoo religion, also known as Voudon, is rather misunderstood and is not exactly what the media portrays it to be. While its roots are to still be determined, many believe it originates in West Africa. Voodoo in fact was the result of the 16th and 19th century slave trade and was brought to the Americas through the slave trade. However, a 1658 law prohibited the practice of African religions in order to spread Christianity. This is probably where rumors and Voodoo's bad reputation began. Instead of not practicing their religion or disregarding it, slaves decided to combine both Christianity and Voodoo. In addition, Voodoo is classified as a polygamous religion because Voudon practitioners worship many spirits which is also called Iwa or Ioa. For example, in Haitian Voodoo, "St. Peter is recognised as Papa Legba, the gatekeeper of the spirit world, whilst St. Patrick is associated with Dumballah, the snake lwa". Also, "loa can also manifest themselves by possessing the bodies of their worshipers". The practice of Iwa could be beneficial to Voudon practitioners because it gives the practitioner strength since they get to be a powerful spirit or superhuman for a second. Although they practice a polygamous religion, a supreme being, Bondye, overruled spirits and demigods, much like modern day Christianity's saints. 

The Use and Importance of the Lamba Garment

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lamba_(garment)

Sarongs in the western culture are mainly worn by women as skirts. In the African culture, a similar cloth that resembles a sarong is not only worn as a skirt but has integrated itself as a nifty and highly valued article of cloth amongst both men and women. Lambas are colorfully weaved in Madagascar and highly used in Madagascar and throughout different regions of Africa as a daily article of clothing. Perhaps this is why individuals wrap their Lamba's around a deceased individual before placing them in a family tomb as a respect to the deceased soul. Typically, Lambas are worn over the left shoulder but may be worn over the right shoulder if an individuals is in mourning. It seems that the Lamba has proven to be such an important part of everyday life that it has become a part of a person's personality. Furthermore, there are multiple ways to wear a Lamba and multiple types of Lambas. For instance, the Lamba that is placed in a deceased person's tomb is called a Lambamena. As a fashion statement, an individual may choose to wear it around their hip, as a shawl over shorts, as a slash, or headdress. In the winter, it is worn over a long sleeve tunic called a malabary. In addition to it being a fashion statement and a cultural tradition, one may see a Lamba being worn on an individual's head as extra cushion when transporting goods. Mothers will also use a Lamba as a means of transportation for their child. A mother will tie a Lamba to her back where a child could comfortably and securely rest. Although it may seem like a simple cloth, Lambas have proven to be a big part of the culture in Madagascar.