DON’T PAINT AFRICA WITH SAME BRUSH

Sir,
 
Too often our African continent is represented in a one-sided way that misleads the world.  It’s hardly surprising that this ‘miserable, outdated, violent, hungry and corrupt’ image of Africa continues to thrive since the platforms that promote it have mass appeal and it is generally in their best interest to paint us in this light. As a child of this land, I will be the first to admit that Africa is far from perfect but it is funny, actually it is mischievous, how the western media consistently ignores our triumphs and opts to portray the ills that plague this great land.

History

Our entire history has been reduced to about 50 years and we don’t get to hear about the great kingdoms that commanded vast lands and incredible riches. We don’t hear about the great kings and queens who ruled over Africa before missionaries came in with sinister ideologies and deadly gunpowder. Africa is more than a famine riddled land with a population that is hanging on for dear life. We may have challenges in food security, but on the flip side, we have, and we are making, great advances in agriculture, manufacturing and food science. Africa is more than a rural world where people have no concept on infrastructure, technology and innovation. I could spend the entire day discussing cities in all corners of the continent that defy the image of what people think they know about Africa.

Image

Are these cities perfect? Certainly not. Do they offer an image of Africa that is contrary to what the west portrays? Definitely! Africa is more than the arrogant pitch black rebel leader wearing military fatigues, and gripping a machine gun in the back of a 90s van. Our challenges with security and conflict are real, but they cannot be used to paint the continent with a single brush. For those who are not aware, it is very possible to walk in many parts of Africa without catching a stray bullet.  Africa is more than the submissive, uneducated and docile woman.

Role

Over the last few decades, the role of women and their well-deserved rights have been highlighted and addressed.

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