Dear Africa: I apologize

Written on May 5, 2009 by Akhila in blogging, feature friday

Yesterday, I ran across this article: “How to Write about Africa.” It’s a great eye-opening article, which uses sarcasm to point out the most common stereotypes of Africa and how so much of the media about Africa is framed without a true understanding of the continent. But as I started reading it, I began feeling ashamed: because I’m guilty of writing in a way that perpetuates stereotypes of Africa as well. I’m not immune to this, as much as I wish I was. I’m guilty of referring to the continent almost like one country when talking about democracy in Africa, and of acting like so many Africans are “starving and dying and warring and emigrating.” I do keep away from most of the worst stereotypes described in the article — but still, I don’t do my part to help portray a positive picture of the continent on the whole. Most of my posts about African countries do talk about all the problems and conflicts occurring at the moment, and fail to mention the positive developments - because, truly, there is so much opportunity and growth alongside the poverty.

So, Africa: I apologize. And I’ll try my best to change the things I write about in response. I’ve decided to start a weekly “Feature Friday” post, in which I highlight a person or organization doing something inspiring to better the world – not only in Africa, but across the globe. Because it’s not just Africa that is seen in the West as a mass of poverty, violence and conflict – but the entire developing world. There are misconceptions about not just African nations but also countries like Panama, Afghanistan, Haiti, Myanmar, Iran, Cambodia – and the West views these countries without much hope. The media rarely portrays them in a positive light. I talk so much about the media not covering the real stories - the stories of the change that is actually occurring, the people who are working so passionately to make a difference – and it’s time I do something about it. My blog is not all that popular, but I still hope that at least a few people will read about all the positive change that is already happening out there.

I have a ton of ideas for this already, but if you know of a person or organization you think is doing great work, don’t hesitate to leave me a comment or send me an email telling me about them!

Edit: I recently watched Andrew Mwenda’s TED talk about exactly this topic – why the media has to stop portraying Africa as a hopeless continent in need of foreign aid. I highly recommend you watch this.

Feature Friday: HEAL Africa

41 Comments - Leave a comment!

http://rubyku.blogspot.com/ Ruby

Akhila, this is beautifully written. Simple, moving, and sincere. I woke up reading this post and it has made my day I love the idea of a Feature Friday and will be looking forward to it. I agree that our roles as bloggers are to tell the stories that mainstream media doesn’t find worthy enough to cover. We won’t reach thousands of people but it always starts with one. You’re already doing a great job – but I see the potential in you to do so much more.

http://akhilak.com/blog Akhila

Ruby, thank you so much I am so glad you liked this! I’m excited for the project to start and I’m sure it’ll be fun to feature all the great organizations I read about every day. I agree, I can only reach a few people but even that is an important first step – I have to start from somewhere!

Unfortunately you will be gone for the whole summer so we can’t talk but I am so excited to hear about your experience – I’m sure it’s going to be inspirational and eye-opening. So when you come back, I’d love to feature you and Somarelang Tikologo. Can’t wait to learn from your experiences!

http://rubyku.blogspot.com Ruby

Akhila, this is beautifully written. Simple, moving, and sincere. I woke up reading this post and it has made my day I love the idea of a Feature Friday and will be looking forward to it. I agree that our roles as bloggers are to tell the stories that mainstream media doesn’t find worthy enough to cover. We won’t reach thousands of people but it always starts with one. You’re already doing a great job – but I see the potential in you to do so much more.

http://akhilak.com/blog Akhila

Ruby, thank you so much I am so glad you liked this! I’m excited for the project to start and I’m sure it’ll be fun to feature all the great organizations I read about every day. I agree, I can only reach a few people but even that is an important first step – I have to start from somewhere!

Unfortunately you will be gone for the whole summer so we can’t talk but I am so excited to hear about your experience – I’m sure it’s going to be inspirational and eye-opening. So when you come back, I’d love to feature you and Somarelang Tikologo. Can’t wait to learn from your experiences!

http://www.jenniemaria.com/ Jennie Maria

I agree with Ruby, Feature Friday sounds like a great idea. I mentioned in my last comment about Dr. Paul Farmer, and he’s done an incredible job all over the world with Partners in Health but specifically in Haiti by opening a clinic. Reading Mountains Beyond Mountains left me with the same impression, all I knew of Haiti was corruption and poverty. But reading about the work Dr. Farmer has done and the amazing improvement in health outcomes, how little money it takes to provide health care to see transforming results in health outcomes was incredibly inspiring. It also opened my eyes to Haiti, and the growing achievements in health.

http://akhilak.com/blog Akhila

Jennie thanks so much for all your comments! I’ve heard a LOT about Dr. Paul Farmer, and I really have to read that book! Hopefully I can get ahold of it sometime this summer and have a read. It sounds like a really inspirational book and I’d love to learn more! Have you read Muhammad Yunus’ books? They are also truly inspirational as you can see how he’s using innovative methods and social business in such a unique way. He has such a deep passion and a strong view of how the world should change and it’s really inspiring!

http://www.jenniemaria.com/ Jennie Maria

I agree with Ruby, Feature Friday sounds like a great idea. I mentioned in my last comment about Dr. Paul Farmer, and he’s done an incredible job all over the world with Partners in Health but specifically in Haiti by opening a clinic. Reading Mountains Beyond Mountains left me with the same impression, all I knew of Haiti was corruption and poverty. But reading about the work Dr. Farmer has done and the amazing improvement in health outcomes, how little money it takes to provide health care to see transforming results in health outcomes was incredibly inspiring. It also opened my eyes to Haiti, and the growing achievements in health.

http://akhilak.com/blog Akhila

Jennie thanks so much for all your comments! I’ve heard a LOT about Dr. Paul Farmer, and I really have to read that book! Hopefully I can get ahold of it sometime this summer and have a read. It sounds like a really inspirational book and I’d love to learn more! Have you read Muhammad Yunus’ books? They are also truly inspirational as you can see how he’s using innovative methods and social business in such a unique way. He has such a deep passion and a strong view of how the world should change and it’s really inspiring!

http://lightonbrokenglass.blogspot.com/ Amy Segreti

“I talk so much about the media not covering the real stories – the stories of the change that is actually occurring, the people who are working so passionately to make a difference – and it’s time I do something about it.”

I know what you’re saying. I mean, look at this swine flu thing and the way some areas of the media are blowing it out of proportion, when more important things should be getting that coverage time. But some of it can be attributed to having the resources, etc., plus the state that journalism is in right now…

I personally don’t really hold broadcast journalism in high regard, but of course, I’m sure people could give me examples that would make me eat my words.

But, if you want to feel inspired with stories where print journalists are trying to make a difference, browse through the recent Pulitzer winners: http://www.pulitzer.org/awards/2009

Love your writing, as always.

http://akhilak.com/blog Akhila

Amy, thanks for your comment! Totally true about the swine flu thing…sure it is a big deal but the only reason they are covering it to that extent is because it’s happened to people in America. I heard there was a spread of meningitis in Africa a while back and 5,000 people died — Western media didn’t report it at all. I feel like there are so many important issues – both positive and negative – that the news media doesn’t cover.

I am worried about the state of journalism because of one thing — is the quality of news going to go way down because of online media? I hope that does not happen, because if anything, reporting needs to get better, not worse.

Thanks for the link There are, of course, lots of positive stories. But there is always more negativity, it seems.

http://lightonbrokenglass.blogspot.com/ Amy Segreti

“I talk so much about the media not covering the real stories – the stories of the change that is actually occurring, the people who are working so passionately to make a difference – and it’s time I do something about it.”

I know what you’re saying. I mean, look at this swine flu thing and the way some areas of the media are blowing it out of proportion, when more important things should be getting that coverage time. But some of it can be attributed to having the resources, etc., plus the state that journalism is in right now…

I personally don’t really hold broadcast journalism in high regard, but of course, I’m sure people could give me examples that would make me eat my words.

But, if you want to feel inspired with stories where print journalists are trying to make a difference, browse through the recent Pulitzer winners: http://www.pulitzer.org/awards/2009

Love your writing, as always.

http://akhilak.com/blog Akhila

Amy, thanks for your comment! Totally true about the swine flu thing…sure it is a big deal but the only reason they are covering it to that extent is because it’s happened to people in America. I heard there was a spread of meningitis in Africa a while back and 5,000 people died — Western media didn’t report it at all. I feel like there are so many important issues – both positive and negative – that the news media doesn’t cover.

I am worried about the state of journalism because of one thing — is the quality of news going to go way down because of online media? I hope that does not happen, because if anything, reporting needs to get better, not worse.

Thanks for the link There are, of course, lots of positive stories. But there is always more negativity, it seems.

http://www.smallhandsbigideas.com Grace Boyle

Akhila, I love this idea. It will help bring to light organizations that deserve more credit/recognition and will also be very interesting for us, your readers!

I have many ideas and organizations that I particularly love (can’t think of them all now) but here are a few that you might be interested in: http://www.womenforwomen.org/ and http://www.seventhgeneration.com. Both of which are different. Women for Women is a non-profit helping women survivors of war and Seventh Generation is doing good by offering all environmentally friendly house hold products. I worked for Seventh Gen and love their ethics and protecting our environment (even in a business setting). Hope that helps

http://akhilak.com/blog Akhila

Grace, great suggestions! I’ll definitely read up more about them and try to post them at some point! At first glance they look really great and I am sure they’re doing really good work. Organizations like these really need to be brought to attention.

http://www.smallhandsbigideas.com/ Grace Boyle

Akhila, I love this idea. It will help bring to light organizations that deserve more credit/recognition and will also be very interesting for us, your readers!

I have many ideas and organizations that I particularly love (can’t think of them all now) but here are a few that you might be interested in: http://www.womenforwomen.org/ and http://www.seventhgeneration.com. Both of which are different. Women for Women is a non-profit helping women survivors of war and Seventh Generation is doing good by offering all environmentally friendly house hold products. I worked for Seventh Gen and love their ethics and protecting our environment (even in a business setting). Hope that helps

http://akhilak.com/blog Akhila

Grace, great suggestions! I’ll definitely read up more about them and try to post them at some point! At first glance they look really great and I am sure they’re doing really good work. Organizations like these really need to be brought to attention.

http://projectdiaspora.org/ tms ruge

Thanks so much for this. Thanks for not pandering the “poverty porn.” I just finished reading Vijay Mahajan’s Africa Rising. In the concluding chapter, he quotes Uzodinma Iweala, celebrated author of Beasts of No Nations, who says: You want the world to be sympathetic about the challenges facing Africa, but seeing the continent as a basket case undermines interest in building businesses and making investments here.”

So thanks so much for switching to highlighting the positives about our continent. One little gesture CAN turn the tide for an entire generation of people!

http://akhilak.com/blog Akhila

Africa Rising sounds like a great book and a worthwhile read; I should try to get ahold of it as well. This is true about seeing the continent as such a mess decreases interest in direct foreign investment, and prevents countries being seen as viable investment opportunities. But at the same time, there are so many problems: what do you think about that? Shouldn’t we still be talking about those issues even if it gives some African countries a bad rap?

By the way, your organization, Project Diaspora looks amazing! I just checked it out and I’m definitely going to keep reading up on it to understand more. It sounds like you are doing great work!

http://projectdiaspora.org tms ruge

Thanks so much for this. Thanks for not pandering the “poverty porn.” I just finished reading Vijay Mahajan’s Africa Rising. In the concluding chapter, he quotes Uzodinma Iweala, celebrated author of Beasts of No Nations, who says: You want the world to be sympathetic about the challenges facing Africa, but seeing the continent as a basket case undermines interest in building businesses and making investments here.”

So thanks so much for switching to highlighting the positives about our continent. One little gesture CAN turn the tide for an entire generation of people!

http://akhilak.com/blog Akhila

Africa Rising sounds like a great book and a worthwhile read; I should try to get ahold of it as well. This is true about seeing the continent as such a mess decreases interest in direct foreign investment, and prevents countries being seen as viable investment opportunities. But at the same time, there are so many problems: what do you think about that? Shouldn’t we still be talking about those issues even if it gives some African countries a bad rap?

By the way, your organization, Project Diaspora looks amazing! I just checked it out and I’m definitely going to keep reading up on it to understand more. It sounds like you are doing great work!

http://leagaldunki.wordpress.com/ Kristina

awesome post. It is so easy to focus on and write about negatives. We point out flaw and mistakes but forget to give compliments. I will be looking forward to your Feature Friday posts.

http://akhilak.com/blog Akhila

Thanks so much! And if there are any organizations or people you know who could be featured don’t hesitate to send them along.

And I agree. It is so easy to criticize and that’s what we hear a lot of. But often people don’t offer solutions or offer the positive side of things. I’m totally guilty of that too so hopefully this will help give me a more optimistic outlook on the world!

http://leagaldunki.wordpress.com Kristina

awesome post. It is so easy to focus on and write about negatives. We point out flaw and mistakes but forget to give compliments. I will be looking forward to your Feature Friday posts.

http://akhilak.com/blog Akhila

Thanks so much! And if there are any organizations or people you know who could be featured don’t hesitate to send them along.

And I agree. It is so easy to criticize and that’s what we hear a lot of. But often people don’t offer solutions or offer the positive side of things. I’m totally guilty of that too so hopefully this will help give me a more optimistic outlook on the world!

http://targetstars.blogspot.com/ LaTosha Johnson

Akhila,

Awesome post! I have two friends that are from Africa and they often share with me how upset they are with people’s misconceptions of Africa. One of my friends started a newsletter that highlights the accomplishments of those who moved to Chicago from the Congo (It is really good!).

It’s so great to see that people are finally acknowledging the fact that Africa is a complex society and not just the bleak pictures people are often shown on television.

http://akhilak.com/blog Akhila

That sounds like a really cool newsletter! I agree with your friends even though I am sure they know so much more about issues in Africa than I do. The thing is, I have so much to learn too, and I hope that this project will keep reminding me to stay positive and to realize that there really is so much more out there than the “bleak” pictures we see, like you say.

http://targetstars.blogspot.com LaTosha Johnson

Akhila,

Awesome post! I have two friends that are from Africa and they often share with me how upset they are with people’s misconceptions of Africa. One of my friends started a newsletter that highlights the accomplishments of those who moved to Chicago from the Congo (It is really good!).

It’s so great to see that people are finally acknowledging the fact that Africa is a complex society and not just the bleak pictures people are often shown on television.

http://akhilak.com/blog Akhila

That sounds like a really cool newsletter! I agree with your friends even though I am sure they know so much more about issues in Africa than I do. The thing is, I have so much to learn too, and I hope that this project will keep reminding me to stay positive and to realize that there really is so much more out there than the “bleak” pictures we see, like you say.

http://onepeacefulworld.blogspot.com/ Nathalie

Great post! I guess we’re all a little guilty of seeing at times Africa as a land of poverty, violence and misery while it certainly is a misrepresentation of the major part of it. Mainstream media feeds us with these images, so it’s great initiative that you feature positive contributions made in across the globe.

Looking forward to your Feature Fridays!

http://akhilak.com/blog Akhila

Thanks Nathalie! It’s true – mainstream media does portray the African continent almost like one big country of misery – and there are a lot of business opportunities sprouting up there now. Actually my friend has been working on the Africa Outsourcing Summit. Have you checked that out? A great example of the growth happening now!

http://onepeacefulworld.blogspot.com/ Nathalie

Great post! I guess we’re all a little guilty of seeing at times Africa as a land of poverty, violence and misery while it certainly is a misrepresentation of the major part of it. Mainstream media feeds us with these images, so it’s great initiative that you feature positive contributions made in across the globe.

Looking forward to your Feature Fridays!

http://akhilak.com/blog Akhila

Thanks Nathalie! It’s true – mainstream media does portray the African continent almost like one big country of misery – and there are a lot of business opportunities sprouting up there now. Actually my friend has been working on the Africa Outsourcing Summit. Have you checked that out? A great example of the growth happening now!

http://www.lifeschocolates.com/ Sam

Akhila, this is so interesting. Although the article was about Africa, I think we can easily fall into perpetuating stereotypes when we’re writing about almost anything. I’m sure Africa will accept your apology, because although you may generalize at times, you don’t do it intentionally, and at least you write about the important issues that are going on there. You’re taking this as an opportunity to turn over a new leaf, and that’s pretty awesome! Props to you, and great post!

http://akhilak.com/blog Akhila

Thanks Sam, and I agree wholeheartedly. As bloggers, we definitely need to be careful when we take a certain angle on our blog in order to avoid stereotyping things.

And as for your second comment — whether I did it intentionally or not, it does not matter. It’s my fault equally for doing it unintentionally because it’s such a critical thing to be aware of. I don’t exempt myself at all for doing it, albeit unintentionally, and so I’m definitely taking the opportunity to try and remedy that!

http://www.lifeschocolates.com Sam

Akhila, this is so interesting. Although the article was about Africa, I think we can easily fall into perpetuating stereotypes when we’re writing about almost anything. I’m sure Africa will accept your apology, because although you may generalize at times, you don’t do it intentionally, and at least you write about the important issues that are going on there. You’re taking this as an opportunity to turn over a new leaf, and that’s pretty awesome! Props to you, and great post!

http://akhilak.com/blog Akhila

Thanks Sam, and I agree wholeheartedly. As bloggers, we definitely need to be careful when we take a certain angle on our blog in order to avoid stereotyping things.

And as for your second comment — whether I did it intentionally or not, it does not matter. It’s my fault equally for doing it unintentionally because it’s such a critical thing to be aware of. I don’t exempt myself at all for doing it, albeit unintentionally, and so I’m definitely taking the opportunity to try and remedy that!

http://pointlessly.org/ Rosalind

Hey Akhila! Thank you for visiting my site. I can see that we share a lot of the same interests and aspirations, and that makes me happy – I can feel like I’m not one of the only ones that I know of now!

Your post here was very interesting to read – it’s true that many tend to generalize about Africa and also about many other developing countries, and at least you recognize that you do so too at times; we are not perfect people but it’s great that you can become aware of stereotyping and are making an effort of not doing so!

As for organizations doing good things, I have one suggestion: Invisible Children is a nonprofit that works to bring awareness about Joseph Kony’s child soldiers in Uganda into the international media. Most recently, they held the event “The Rescue” worldwide as a ‘campaign’ to bring media coverage on this issue through media moguls and politicians. They even got Oprah to support Invisible Children as one of their “big media moguls.” The website is here: http://invisiblechildren.com
http://pointlessly.org Rosalind

Hey Akhila! Thank you for visiting my site. I can see that we share a lot of the same interests and aspirations, and that makes me happy – I can feel like I’m not one of the only ones that I know of now!

Your post here was very interesting to read – it’s true that many tend to generalize about Africa and also about many other developing countries, and at least you recognize that you do so too at times; we are not perfect people but it’s great that you can become aware of stereotyping and are making an effort of not doing so!

As for organizations doing good things, I have one suggestion: Invisible Children is a nonprofit that works to bring awareness about Joseph Kony’s child soldiers in Uganda into the international media. Most recently, they held the event “The Rescue” worldwide as a ‘campaign’ to bring media coverage on this issue through media moguls and politicians. They even got Oprah to support Invisible Children as one of their “big media moguls.” The website is here: http://invisiblechildren.com
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