I'm posting on behalf of Sue:
“How to Write about Africa” by Wainaina was interesting to read. Throughout his short essay, Wainaina was obviously mocking western authors (Caucasians) for their constant stereotyping of Africa and its people. For I know for sure that Chinua Achebe would agree with Wainaina when he sarcastically states that “She can have no pass, no history; such diversions ruin the dramatic moment.” Wainaina believes that many tend to follow this predictable format when writing about Africa and Africans. Most of which is not true of course, but it’s okay (hint of my own sarcasm), that’s why these writers have to also throw in the obvious… You know, the beautiful sunsets, lush green forests, big sky and even Nelson Mandela… Why, “because you care.” It’s to balance out the lies and preconceptions which in turn influence the readers.
Yet, what is most interesting about this essay, even though it mocks the ignorance of western authors of their preconceptions, Wainaina does suggest that there is truth to some of his mocking points on how to write about Africa. Such points do include that there are “corrupt politicians,” and there is a high percentage of the population that do live in poverty, but readers must question why? And is it the fault of the Africans or some other reason? Is Africa the only country that has corruption and poverty? Is Africa the only country that has different cultures and beliefs? So why must authors be ignorant?
Basically, if you wanted to influence your readers, even convince them that anything other than ‘White’ was bad and inferior, without “looking bad” or have others question your character or your ability to write…. You would then follow this format on “How to Write about Africa.” Thus, no one would be able to tell if you’re a racist or not, the friend or foe, the wise/ comprehensive writer or the ignorant fool.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteA common mistake that we all make is to say that Africa is a country. It is a continent and is composed of several countries that are diverse and have different cultures. The article says "treat Africa as if it were one country," and that is something that we all fall into at one point or another (Wainaina). Africa is fact is treated as a country. This had been the picture that the media has depicted of Africa, since they never refer to a country but always Africa as a whole, and that is one of the things that Wainaina is pointing out to us.
ReplyDeleteThe second point I would like to addresses is who is to blame for the poverty in Africa. From the movie "Bamako", it seems to suggest that although Africa had been under colonial rule, currently the debt that the African countries have to pay back to the world bank has left the African nations even poorer since they have been forced to privatize schools, health care and other basic institutions that are essential for Africans. So in part the world bank is to blame.
Colonialism must not be disregarded though, because the film “Bamako” also states that colonialism is what helped the other nations become the super powers that they are today. Had that not been the case, nations in Africa might not be suffering from extreme poverty the way they are today.