Africa as told by Africans
One of the first blog posts I ever wrote was about my frustration at how the west continues to perpetuate stereotypes of Africa. I admit that I haven’t written as much about Africa as I’d like to since.
However, the criticism that has been levelled at economist Dambisa Moyo over her recent book Dead Aid – in which she writes that aid to Africa hurts rather than helps – has renewed my passion for writing about Africa.
Those who have been vocally anti-Ms Moyo are generally not African. They are people and organizations like Bob Geldof’s One aid organization (who are on some kind of anti-Dambisa Moyo crusade at the moment going as far as to try to mobilize Africans to speak out against her) who seem to be unable and/or unwilling to welcome new information and perspectives about Africa from Africans.
The controversy over Dead Aid is symptomatic of a deeper issue – one in which the narrative about Africa (whether it’s in how to get Africa up to its full potential or just general perceptions of the continent) is shaped by people who are not African and who have a vested interested in continuing to perpetuate the idea that Africa and Africans are helpless unless supported by westerners.
There’s little balance or nuance in how Africa is looked at or treated which is hugely frustrating. Even if people don’t agree with Dambisa Moyo or others who giver alternative views and perspectives, at the very least it opens up a very worthwhile and necessary dialogue.
Those of us with a voice have to use it so that we can have some say over our own continent’s image and future.
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Comments
Hi Lola,
Interesting post, I’ve also written a story about Moyo. So thanks for the idea.
The whole story of biased writing about Africa, reminds of author Binyavanga Wainaina, who wrote the story ‘How to Write about Africa’. I’ am sure you know it. I think it should be on compulsory reading list in European and US schools. Maybe then we can break through that stereotype view on Africa.
http://www.granta.com/Magazine/92/How-to-Write-about-Africa/Page-1
But on the other hand, it can’t be all lies? There is poverty, there is war and some folks do live and act as kings while the rest of the people live in poverty.
I consider myself informed! I am glad to know of this writer and this book!