Module 4B - Activity 6: Medicine
1
Posts
1
Users
0
Likes
26
Views
Topic starter
26/02/2024 5:39 pm
- 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.