Emma Brunst

IA Reflection #2

On Wednesday, October 24th, several of my fellow International Affairs students and I were able to comprehend societal norms in Zambia through the eyes of Shula in the movie “I Am Not A Witch.” About 8 people from my floor were able to fulfill our academic requirement while bonding and learning about a true aspect of life in Zambia at the Gateway Film Center. In the movie, Shula, an alienated and lost little girl, is accused of witchcraft which is unusual for how young she is. Members of her community say strange things have been occurring ever since Shula appeared in their small village. She was forced to carry around a spool of string to keep her from flying away. At first, she was scolded for it, but she soon could use her “witchcraft” to determine who stole, lied, cheated, etc. out of a group of people. She was taken under the wing of Mr. Banda, a government official, to use her powers to decide when it is going to rain. The entire story follows Shula and her struggle from being avoided to being praised for her “gift.” At the end of the movie, Shula eventually freed herself from the bounds of the societal norm and her supposed witchcraft by cutting the string herself. During Shula’s funeral, the rain finally came to the village. The last and final scene of the movie captured the empty spools of string of all the other accused witches, showing all of them are finally free.

Although this may seem to be just a movie, it is a telling story based on true events of the societal norms and typical life in Zambia, East Africa. This activity did not change any perspectives I had because I was unaware of these circumstances to being with. Following the movie, Angie & I were extremely curious as if this is was based on a true story of circumstances for the people in Zambia. We researched the topic and some information came up that caused us to believe this is a real part in the life of Zambia. I have only previously learned about witchcraft in the United States in the late 1800s and didn’t realize it this was a part of everyday life in modern Zambia. Although others were unaware of the current existence of supposed witchcraft, it still made me feel somewhat uncultured as this is a huge part of life in Zambia. This relates to the topic of International Affairs because this is common part of their culture that I was previously unaware of. This has not related to any specific, previous coursework, but it is still extremely relevant to the countries experiencing it and other people understanding this phenomenon that is occurring. Because of this eye-opening experience, I am going to look more into the topic. In addition to witchcraft in Zambia, I am also interested in and going to research taboo occurrences that are currently going on in a specific country. There include but are not limited to: eating a specific way, dressing with a certain set of clothing, speaking to someone a certain way, etc. Although these may be particular to one country, it can still alter the way they live their lives and how it affects others. Because I have watched the movie “I Am Not A Witch,” I am more aware of aspects of a certain culture and how it affect theirs lives compared to my own!

In my short time here at Ohio State, I have learned that extracurricular activities are just as important as academics. A majority of the time and memories are outside of the classroom while going to social events and volunteering. On September 25, 2018, students from International Affairs wrote and decorated letters for the children at Columbus Global Academy. We met with Jeremy from CRIS to participate in their Tree of Hope project in room 163 of Smith-Steeb. Before this experience, I did not know anything about this school. However, I learned that this school was founded for students that immigrated to the United States and are still deciphering the American schooling system. Jeremy from CRIS told us that there are about 90 languages and dialects being spoken at this school from 55 different countries. Our purpose for the letters and cards were to try to make the students feel more welcomed with words of encouragement and kindness. The cards are going to be posted on an inspiration board for the students and they can take a card off if they are having a bad day, have a big test, or just want some encouragement. Personally, I think that this is an amazing idea and act of kindness for these students. I was able to make 4 card with welcoming words and wishing them good luck for their upcoming school year. We have not learned about this in the seminar class, but it relates directly to the topic of immigration and the effects it has. This experience opened my eyes to the struggles and challenges that these students have to face every day in school and in life. Because they are away from their homeland, they are being immersed in an entirely new culture, way of life, and societal norms. From my own experience of traveling abroad, being in a new country can be extremely confusing and intimidating. However, I did not have to go to a new school, learn a new language, or learn a new way of living because I was only in another country for 1-2 weeks at a time.

After I complete any volunteer work I do, I always ask myself, “what did I gain from this?” Following this Tree of Hope project, I gained knowledge about this school and how many cultures/countries are represented there. Even though this was a small project, it can still have a tremendous impact on the students and their family. They may gain a sense of security and hope knowing that someone is thinking about them and wants them to succeed in whatever they do. If I was in their position, I was have peace of mind knowing that someone cares, even if we haven’t met. They can keep that card as a constant reminder that, even though being in a new place with new people may be difficult, they are loved and worthy. I will keep this little service experience in my heart and I will think about this in the future when a bright child is reading my card and smiles because of it.

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