The Mirror and The Camera

IN THE EYES OF THE WESTERNWORLD, Africa is seen as a third world country. We have always been looked on as some kind of backward and underdeveloped region filled with diseases and poverty. Sadly, that is not the worst of it all. Ever since the years of colonial reign and colonization, Africa has been stereotyped and generalized in a certain way, and a peculiar kind of image is registered in the minds of people when they think of Africa. Sad to say, but the negative images and stereotypes that people have about Africa, Africans and our way of life are all from the westerners. Their ideas and theories about us come from the previous interactions they must have had, long before the present century, and as a result, those ideas have etched itself permanently in their heads.

It would require much more than a media representation to correct that impression, but we can at least try. The ideas and common theories about us Africans are dependent on different views. For this reason, several countries and continents have attempted to ‘develop’ us by means of colonization. Sadly, the negative sides and dramatic aspects of Africa seem to be the centre of attention, even more than the riches and positive heritage. Other continents like Asia, Europe and even America see themselves as superiors, and in some cases, benefactors to Africa.

There are specific areas or situations in Africa, that faces major stereotype than others. Whilst we take a look at some of these areas, we would also be enlightening you on the reality of things and situations in Africa.

Common Misconceptions And Unfavourable Myths About Africa Continental stereotype

It is sad to note that some individuals in some countries and continents believe that Africa is just a country and not a continent. This means that such people believe that every African is from the same place, without even considering the fact that Africa has about 54 separate countries, each with its own language, culture and tradition. They fail to acknowledge the fact that each country has several languages, culture and vast abundance of history. In Africa alone, there are over 2,000 different languages, all from different countries, contrary to the belief that everyone in Africa speaks just one language.

We are not all the same in Africa. From Ghana, to Nigeria, Kenya, Egypt and several other countries, we have different languages, culture, beliefs and religion.

Environmental stereotype

Several people tend to believe that Africa and its environment are not hospital or habitable. It is sad to note that there are individuals that still have the notion that Africa is a deep jungle populated by wild animals, and even rabid people. Despite the fact that Africa still has several wild animals, it is unfair to assume that everyone and everything in it is wild. Truthfully, there are still some unexplored and uninhabited area of the continent like the Amazon, but still, the areas we are exposed to, are a beauty to behold and are populated with people. It is crucial to note that Africa is blessed with what is perceived to be the best climate and environmental condition. The lush, tropical and rich vegetation makes it a favourable place for the growth and survival of most natural elements, including living and non-living. It is a wonder why Africa is also seen and regarded as the hub of nature or mother nature itself.

Lifestyle stereotype

This is perhaps the most popular stereotype that Africa and its inhabitants face. When people from other continents think of Africa, they see it as the centre of poverty and the distinct image of suffering and primitiveness. In fact, some African countries see each others as inferior and not up to standard, while some other African countries see themselves as better than others. Yes, it is true that several areas, countries and regions are impoverished, some even more than others. However, we are well beyond the state of total and complete poverty. In fact, some African countries are seriously making waves and headlines in technology, infrastructural development and in other major areas.

AFRICA IN THE EYES OF SOCIAL MEDIA

People failed to realise that Africa is one the continents that has its own civilization rooted in its origin. On its own, Africa has evolved, develop and improved from what it used to be without interference from other continents, with the exception of a number of African countries that were colonized. Unfortunately, social media has seen to the portrayal of Africa as a backward and incapable continent that has depended on other countries especially the westerns, English and French for its validation and acceptance. The truth remains that African countries remain a force to be reckoned with on their own. We as Africans have faced a lot of backlash and scrutiny as a result of what social media has made us look like. Because of the flaws noticed in one or two areas or people, we have all been labelled as such, and it has served as a major identification for everyone who is African.

The impact of fraud on the African image

The few black sheeps from Africa who have involved themselves in fraudulent activities may not even know that impact of their activities on the African image yet. Even till date, everyone who migrates from Africa is somehow seen as a fraud. It has become quite serious to the point that innocent immigrants face the impact in form of deportation or social denial. To be fair, not every African is a fraud. There are people from different countries of Africa that are well to do, and are doing honest businesses from anywhere. In fact, with the current growth in technology, several Africans and moving with the trend by being tech experts, apps and software developers, website and graphic designers etc. These are individuals who are making an honest living and not indulging in fraudulent activities like everyone seems to think we do.

AFRICA IN VIEW: MYTH VERSUS REALITY

Before now, Africa was majorly seen as being inferior to the other continents and its inhabitants impoverished, uncultured and crude. Far from the social media image is the true image of Africa and the reality of things. One of the most important things to note is that Africa is no longer a third-world continent relying heavily on others for scraps of benefits and validation.

Right now, Africa can boast of the basic needs of life in abundance, ranging from food, clean water, habitation, security, power supply and the rest of them.

Additionally, Africa is not the hub of diseases as most people seem to think. We may not be where we are supposed to be when it comes to fighting disease, but we are certainly not where we used to be. Major improvements in health have seen to the successful eradication of most diseases that were life threatening in the past. Presently, other diseases that are still present are under serious check and scrutiny with the development of immunization, vaccinations and health programs. Significantly, most diseases are be ing cured the natural way, with the help of herbs and leaves.

Furthermore, the poverty that other countries use in labelling Africa can be attributed to the lack of obvious infrastructural elements like big buildings common in the western region, but in reality, Africa is one of the richest continent, if not the richest itself. An abundance of natural resources like gold, cola, crude oil, and other cash crops has placed countries like Nigeria, Morocco and Algeria among the top countries rich in natural resources. Finally, although Africa is viewed as one country, we are different but unique in our differences. The truth remains that each African has it in him or her to be the best version of themselves. We are a strong and proud people with a vast, rich cultural heritage. Despite what anyone or what any country thinks about us, we will always come out to prove that we are the original, strong, resilient and beautiful creation of God.