Is Africa this bad?
I was thinking maybe of having a vacation to Africa, but I don't know any "safe" African countries.
Don't cry for Africa
For quite a few years now, Africa has been the West's flavour of the month. Whether it's in Making Poverty History, or adopting wide-eyed babies from one of the continent's 53 countries, it is very hip to talk aid. And to talk Africa.
Darfur is finally getting some attention in the mainstream press, but as always, there looms that danger of the entire continent paying a price for one tragedy. The image of Africa has always been one of doom, gloom and despondency.
Celebrities and their causes, which are accessorised by over-the-top concerts have resulted in a definite increase in the number of words in the newspapers and air-time on TV.
But, more often than not, the news is bad. And Africa continues to suffer as a consequence of this repeated portrayal of its negative side.
Treated as a monolith instead of realising the potential within 53 countries, Africa is being "Darfurdised" in the mainstream media. The genocide in one part, leads to a negative perception of other parts that not only have enormous potential, but are also fairly prosperous.
The African continent has more than 900 million people and it is true that there are a few unnecessary deaths. However, it is the same in countries such as India and China.
As an example, malnutrition in children under five in India, is at about 46 per cent, making it worse off than sub-Saharan Africa. And yet, it is being endlessly courted as a yummy economy, with investment pouring in.
Of the 47 countries in sub-Saharan Africa, how many have active conflicts? At last count it was Sudan, Chad, Uganda, the DR Congo and Somalia.
According to economists, last year, Africa recorded its highest GDP in 20 years. Also, 16 African countries have positive sovereign credit ratings. It is reported - not widely of course - that Botswana's is higher than Japan's, but it still fails to realise its potential of foreign investment.
Change direction
For far too long, the voices of celebrities such as Bono and Bob Geldof have spat out figures of deaths by malaria, HIV and malnutrition.
It is, of course, thanks to them that the continent received some of TV's lights. However, it is high time that their rants changed direction and started talking of Africa's potential instead of its poverty.
Africa is not a continent of war-torn refugees, infected with HIV and living under a dollar a day.
Africa in the 21st century, is a continent that has doubled its mobile phone and internet use every year - for the last seven years. The amount of foreign capital entering it is higher than the amount of foreign aid.
While the intentions of aid are noble, the results have shown the creation of lazy governance and bad bureaucracies that are neither responsible nor accountable.
Like India and China, whose people immigrated westward but returned, the same trend is observed in Africa. Africans are now returning to what they see and believe as a land and time of opportunity. Brimming with ideas and enthusiasm, they're singing the same song as Bono and Geldof. But, the lyrics are different.
They don't want to Make Poverty History. They want to Make Africans Rich.
The people of Africa are slowly gaining a voice on the international stage. For quite a while, there has been a growing distaste at the manner in which their people have been represented. It has generated charitable donations.
However, at a recent African conference, Ugandan journalist Andrew Mwenda, best summed it up when he asked: "What man or nation has ever become rich by holding out a begging bowl?"
Africa today, needs trade. Fair trade. Why not for instance, campaign for letting African cotton farmers compete fairly in Western markets instead of asking for aid?
As another example, the African film industry is at an interesting crossroads. Young filmmakers and talent are desperate and bursting to tell stories that aren't about starvation and genital mutilation.
Their stories are set in real Africa and are told in an honest way without stereotyping and showing the promise of a people that want to move on. And away from the poverty tag.
However, when it comes to financing from Western powerhouses, it is the films that conform to a pre-determined notion of what Africa is about that are smiled at and blessed with capital.
The Other Africa is quite different from the one we're used to reading about and seeing on TV. Its children are sprightly and not sick with flies sticking to their faces. Its men and women are resourceful and not refugees. And its landscapes are quite simply, stunning.
It is this Africa that needs to be celebrated. Not the way we want to. But the way it really is.
By Vinita Bharadwaj, Special to Gulf News
Published: August 02, 2007, 23:15. Vinita Bharadwaj is an independent writer based in Dubai.
http://archive.gulfnews.com/articles/07/08/03/10143722.html
Excellent, Balanced view of Africa. Thanks.
shareYES! Thank u for ur refreshing and honest take on Africa. Just lovely!!
shareSorry to say, as much as I've agreed with some of the things you said - which is quite moving and on certain levels, quite astute - Africa is the current equivalent of the post-modern "Sick Man of Asia"(Please look this up before "reminding" me that Africa is not Asia).
This has much to do with the evil inherent in EVERY man - brown, pink or otherwise. This has even more to do with the so-called "white" man's portrayal of the so-called "black" man in any and every respect.(re: Forrest Whitaker's Academy Award - I guess Denzel Washington should have been awarded an Oscar for "American Gangster" as well, and Wesley Snipes for "New Jack City"...)
Yet, "whites" constantly rob from the "blacks", and hold the riches for their own. The "flies in the eyes" of the children we have seen, is not totally the brown man's fault, and could have easily been avoided, had they been given back even some meager portion of what they've TRULY had taken. Have you not seen "Blood Diamond", "Sarafina" or "Catch a Fire"? You think this is all a fiction that's been created for entertainment?
80% or more of the world's riches(Oil & Diamonds) come from AFRICA, yet it's totally under the radar in terms of development and prosperity. You have some nerve thinking that cell-phone and/or internet use even begins to constitute prosperity.
They call Africa part of the "Third World" - because it is LAST in their consideration. Africa is a VICTIM, and you're a fool to ever downplay that, in any sense, or for any reason.
A balance will be issued - in this world or the next.
~K
He who fights with monsters should look to it that he himself does not become a monster. -Nietzsche
You say racism is bad then use terms like "Whites do X things to Blacks"
If you weren't racist, you wouldn't be noting people's race. Now gb2 tumblr and take that faux social justice *beep* with you
---
Fokin Prawns.
White American here.
I really like this thread and think that you are straight on about the Western media's portrayal of Africa. I would like to read more Africans' point of view on subjects regarding their issues and countries, versus the West's POV, which will always be biased.
It's a bit hard to talk about what white people have done to black people without referring to race. Simply stating facts does not make someone racist. Learn the difference, you moron.
Time wounds all heels.
Umm just to your one comment "few unnecessary deaths" I wouldnt call the massive genocide that happens without fail every 10 or so years a few unnecessary deaths.
Even the relativly recent events in Europe (WW2, Kosovo) and South America (Chile) do not come near to it with only Asia in the running "for most likely to engage in sectarian genocide and kill everyone" award.
QUOTE: "Umm just to your one comment "few unnecessary deaths" I wouldnt call the massive genocide that happens without fail every 10 or so years a few unnecessary deaths.
Even the relativly recent events in Europe (WW2, Kosovo) and South America (Chile) do not come near to it with only Asia in the running "for most likely to engage in sectarian genocide and kill everyone" award. "
Very well put, Frog2077.
And if I may humbly add two words: "BLACKHAWK DOWN". An EXCELLENT portrayal of African socio-economic politics, and what happens when an American Democrat tries to help out.
Refusal to believe does not negate the truth.
Thanks JuniorUDLT. I've been to Africa twice and I'm frankly disgusted and appalled by the way the western media treats the entire continent. Never once have I seen a news report discussing competent leaders, educators, or medical workers. Barely anyone has discussed how government and humanitarian efforts have improved communities and how more people have access to medicine and education. Yes, there have been on-running issues with various dictatorships, but that doesn't represent the entire continent!
I'll share a story: I had a co-worker from Senegal. When asked where he was from, people would say "We're so sorry about Darfur". He felt downright patronized and annoyed by it. Is anyone aware that there are various groups in Africa that are helping Darfur refugees? (There are a number in Ghana, to name one)
All the media wants to do is lick the feet of celebrity "humanitarians" who are far worse than the imperialists before them.
As for places to see on the continent, I've heard South Africa is a good place to visit (just use common sense in the cities) Malawi is a very safe country. Kenya has some good sights too. If you can handle the humidity, Ghana is a good place too.
I had a co-worker from Senegal. When asked where he was from, people would say "We're so sorry about Darfur". He felt downright patronized and annoyed by it.
Well that's not surprising, considering it's half a continent away. That would be like people coming up to me (a Dutchman), and telling me they're so sorry about the Balkan war. share