The true African Reality!

 

Africa has been portrayed as a continent of the poor, countries with hungry children, visible ribs and bloated stomachs, war torn countries. Our countries have been written off as some of the most corrupted in the world.

Though there's always truth in it all, that's about everything we are to international media and bulk of the international entertainment media who sees us as  the major destination for any portrayal of hut-and-bush inhabiting black people. Unrefined and impoverished is what Africa is constantly portrayed as in foreign movies and music videos.

Funny! we find ourselves warming up to these notions, in fact we get comfortable at the thought of us been poor and primitive Africa, easily accepting to be at the receiving end of medical aids, relief funds, and donations.

Although nothing is inherently wrong with all these,the problem is constantly finding ourselves as the victims, and been comfortable,if not happily remaining in that status.

It's so bad that it seems instead of doing our best to be better and improve the world's view of Africa and Africans, we become worse, strife, religious and ethnic violence, injustice and political instability is still the everyday news, our countries plunging deeper into darkness.

To the average African, struggling to pay bills, and make a decent living, be it business or education wise in foreign countries.The negative perception of Africans as terrorists, scammers, criminals and more, leaves a bad impression and God knows the numerous opportunities denied to African individuals because of these.

Africa's portrayal by the international community might not really matter to most Africans but to those in diaspora, the constant portrayal of Africa in a bad light has given and is still giving us a bad name everywhere, You can't believe the negative impact on living, working or studying this has given and is still giving Africans in diaspora.

In Remi Adekoya's article Why Africans worry about how Africa is portrayed in western media he says;

But Africans, especially those living abroad, fret about the perception of their continent and its inhabitants because their future often depends on the opinions of those in whose country they reside. For instance, I know British passport holders in the UK who keep secret their Nigerian roots at work because of the negative perceptions created by the country's notorious e-scammers. Also, many African professionals in Europe I have spoken to get exhausted by constantly being underestimated in their workplaces because it is assumed that since they grew up and went to school in a poor, backward environment (as many presume all of Africa is), they can't know terribly much after all. A Nigerian, Kenyan or Zambian university graduate working in Europe will likely have to overperform in their job before they are accorded the same respect. Each major news item presenting Africa in a negative light is viewed by these folk as something that will make their working lives that bit harder.'' 

-Courtesy of Guardian News & Media Ltd.

What then is Africa's true reality? Africa and Africans should be known as a country and people of more than just beautiful tourists sites, rich cultures and traditions, as well as  backward people and hostile environments but more, we should be known for what we are, and what we can be, a country of great minds, fast developing nations, peaceful coexistence, and at the top in all things economic, infrastructural and political development.

Let's begin to see and bring out the great aspects of being an African, cheers to those who despite the persistent horrors in Africa still take time to find and nurture the light that is in Africa, through various media, and good deeds both large and small, seen and unseen, have kept on showing the world the true portrayal of the African Reality.

So for a better African reality, let's play our parts, let's uphold the true African image, and like we always say, it starts with you!