Module 4B - Activity 6: Medicine - Humanities in Class Online Courses Forum

Medicine, healing arts, & Africa

Mandy Rodgers-Gates — Sun, 10 Mar 2024 19:08:11 +0000

Biomedicine is what we usually think when we talk about Western medicine. Using the language of "sciences, knowledges, and medicines" helps us to recognize the ways bias comes into play when we speak about medicine and healing by acknowledging the plurality of streams and cultures of knowledge that have been present globally and throughout history, rather than placing Western medicine as the dominant or only approach to healing.

Western medicine has frequently been used to "legitimize the ends" of colonialism according to Karen Flint, setting up a hierarchy between "healthy" European bodies and African bodies that are viewed as carrying diseases. It has been used to justify segregation, to force people into camps, to force vaccination, and ultimately to improve the productivity of forced labor by Africans for the sake of European profit. Finally, while African healing cultures and biomedicine engaged each other freely in the early days of missionaries and others arriving, sharing knowledge, as biomedicine became more established and institutionalized and as more formal colonial efforts took root, a dichotomy was set up between Western medicine and traditional healing so that the colonial hierarchies and racism could be further reinforced. This led to accusations of African healing cultures being simply the product of "superstition," for example.

Health sovereignty means allowing those who are living in a place and know what the main health issues really are to set the agenda in terms of research and resources. It is important so that the time and money invested can address what the real issues are, not just what those in the Global North assume. It's also important for acknowledging and incorporating the knowledges and healing cultures that are already present in a place.

African Medicine

Jessica Friday — Mon, 26 Feb 2024 21:39:01 +0000

Why are sciences, knowledges, and medicines used in the plural in the beginning? The Western narrative presents some "knowledge" a legitimate and others as dubious. This terminology intentionally emphasizes epistemological variation. In short, it reflects the multiple ways of knowing the world and acknowledges ways in which Africa, its people, and its cultures tend to be misrepresented. For example, in the West, Africa is viewed as a source of disease. However, in reality, Africans have developed their own ways of coping with diseases.
What are healing cultures? This terminology is important because it highlights the knowledge and understanding necessary to maintain healthy communities. Further, "cultures" draws attention to the complex nature and many different ways to approach health and healing. Healing cultures largely come from indigenous knowledge that has been dismissed as 'superstition' the West. However, this knowledge is not static and is based on testing & observation. This terminology also recognizes that 'health' extends beyond the physical body and must also address the individual as a social being.
In which ways is medicine a tool of empire? Colonialism and imperialism not only exerted political and economic influence, they also reshaped our entire understanding of the world. For example, understandings of disease and claims to power were directly related. Further, this system identified western science and medicine as legitimate and others uncivilized. This system also prioritized European bodies and well-being over that of indigenous peoples and then, in turn, used this classification to justify segregation and oppression. Further, building practices and biomedical directives were utilized to coerce cooperation. In the post-colonial era, businesses have taken the place of governments and prioritize profit margins over well-being.

Environment, Arts and Stroytelling

ZoAnne DiFonzo — Mon, 26 Feb 2024 19:08:36 +0000

Recognizing the value of African ways of knowing in the fields of science and technology is paramount, as evidenced by the profound insights shared in the Ben Okri: "Storytelling and Science" video and the text "Under the Sun." These sources emphasize how storytelling, a fundamental aspect of African culture, is intricately linked to science and plays a transformative role in shaping perceptions and understanding reality. Additionally, the exhibition "Striking Iron: The Art of African Blacksmiths" showcases the cultural and spiritual significance of ironworking in African communities, highlighting the artistic expression and empowerment derived from this ancient craft.

Importance of Recognizing African Ways of Knowing:

Complementary Perspectives: African indigenous knowledge systems offer holistic perspectives that complement Western scientific approaches, as demonstrated in the narratives of storytelling and science.
Contributions to Science: The link between storytelling and science underscores how indigenous knowledge has contributed significantly to various fields, enriching global knowledge bases.
Cultural Relevance: Integrating African ways of knowing fosters cultural inclusivity, respect for diverse knowledge systems, and promotes sustainability, as exemplified by the exhibition on African blacksmiths.

Expanding Environmental Themes in Arts Education:

In an environmentally themed school, incorporating African ways of knowing can enhance arts education by:

Storytelling: Drawing inspiration from the power of storytelling highlighted in Ben Okri's work can engage students creatively in exploring environmental themes.
Artistic Expression: The exhibition "Striking Iron" showcases how African blacksmiths transform iron into objects of utility and artistic expression, offering students a unique perspective on materials and creativity related to environmental themes.
Cultural Context: By contextualizing arts education within African indigenous knowledge systems, students can gain a deeper understanding of environmental stewardship and interconnectedness with nature.

Embracing African ways of knowing in science, technology, and arts education not only promotes cultural diversity but also enriches interdisciplinary learning experiences for students, encouraging them to appreciate the profound connections between human societies and the environment.