Regarding the explanation and the meaning of the spirit of Ubuntu, I do not think this spirit is alive and well today in the African American culture. Ubuntu, as defined based on the readings and the video, refers to openness as a way of life in a society where people celebrate win-win situations, and a person becomes a person because of another person. It is based on giving out without expecting any return; that is the spirit of trust, caring, respect, sharing, and community. Even though people in the African American culture still share and embrace togetherness, it is a faded spirit of Ubuntu. For instance, unlike in the actual spirit of Ubuntu, in which one would walk to a neighbor’s home at any time, this aspect is very limited in African American culture. I have also chosen this position because in the current African American culture, someone, not even a neighbor, cannot just walk into a home and just be there. They must have something like an appointment, such as calling the host before going to the home, probably to confirm their agenda.  

Compare and contrast in detail and provide examples of any parallels/similarities that you have been able to identify between African cultures and African American culture. Has this concept of Ubuntu changed your worldview at all? Explain.

One of the similarities is the essence of collectivism. Even though collectivism is less seriously held in the African American culture than in the African culture, the aspect of collectivism exists. For instance, sharing is a significant aspect embraced across both cultures. Another similarity lies in the concept of time and rhythm. In both African American and African cultures, time is considered fluid because time is not strictly followed. For instance, when people from these cultures are invited to a party and asked to attend at a particular time, let us say, 3 O’clock, the attendants may come after the scheduled time, maybe one hour later.

The concept of Ubuntu has immensely changed my worldview. What has contributed to the tremendous change in the concept of togetherness as outlined in Ubuntu? Why do African Americans show less of the spirit of Ubuntu than Africans? The spirit of Ubuntu has made me view the world from a capitalistic point of view in which people are gradually becoming more self-centered than before. This limits the sense of sharing.

The concept I feel most present in the African American community is Maafa. Maafa is a term for the African enslavement by powerful races such as the Europeans. It is also related to the humiliation and destruction of Africans, which is presently evident in the inherent discrimination against African Americans. For instance, I have been a victim of segregation at my workplace, in which I could not be granted promotion opportunities. At the same time, my White colleagues could easily access the opportunities and be promoted.

Then, define and provide an example of the concept you feel is least present in the African American community. Also, provide an example.

The inclusive metaphysical epistemology is the least present concept in the African American community. This refers to the notion that reality is beyond the meaning provided by the five senses. For example, knowledge is an abstract aspect that one does not have to develop a particular formula to acquire it.

One of the seven principles of Nguzo Saba that resonates with me is Kujichagulia. This term means self-determination in which people define themselves, create for themselves, freely name themselves, and even speak and have their voices be heard. This principle resonates because it is the real experience that the oppressed communities are realizing. For instance, the African American communities, who had undergone oppression and slavery, can nowadays enjoy the freedom of self-naming, define who they are, and even speak and their voices be heard.