Africa is a continent blessed with a rich diversity and history. However, more often than not, Africa is stereotyped as a desert continent plagued with problems, where everyone there is like a bag of bones, diseased and starving. The media attention is constantly drawn to the savannahs, highlands, jungles, and deserts where the usual giraffes and elephants complete the typical African scene. All the documentaries, National Geographic Magazines, and news are all about the poverty or wildlife in Africa. People have developed a twisted perception of Africa, and fail to see that there is more to Africa than the savannahs and animals, the diseases and starvation that we so commonly see. In our writing it is important to step away from the stereotypes and generalizations of Africa, and there are many things that should and shouldn’t be overused.
When writing about Africa, it is important not to make stereotypes and generalizations about the continent and its people. Even in the title and introduction, don’t overuse ‘safari’, ‘darkness’, or use generalized terms such as ‘Zambezi’, ‘Masai’, ‘The People’, and ‘Tribal’. In the cover of many films, and magazines based on Africa, we often see a skinny African man dressed in traditional Masai robes and holding a spear, with his back to a famous African sunset. The media’s common portrayal of an African has led many people to believe that all Africans either hold AK-47’s, or are scrawny and wear no clothes, when in reality, most Africans are well-adjusted, cultured and sophisticated. It is important not to stereotypically portray African society in your title and cover, and to show the reality of Africa through your work.
On no account should you refer to Africa as a single country in your writing. Treat Africa like the unique continent filled with stories, history, and culture that it is. The wildlife and natural wonders of Africa are definitely something that is worth mentioning, however, you must always remember that Africa is more than just a herd of zebras and lions, or built on grasslands and safaris. Describe her wonders vividly with great detail, a technique that never fail to amuse the readers, but also move on to the rich culture and diversity amongst her people. There are fifty-fo
ur countries that are each unique with their own culture and history, and together, they make up a continent that has much to offer to the world.
Africa’s people are what make her such a unique continent. With her over-billion population, be sure to mention and describe the people in your writing. However, many people believe that Africans eat things no other people eat, and that they eat only snake, worm, rhino, or lion meat. Though it is part of some cultures that such meat is eaten, it is fallacious to believe that all Africans are uncivilized and primitive. Many of the things that people outside of Africa see as strange or uncivil, are simply part of their culture and traditions, which we must respect. In your writing, you must write respectfully about their culture and practices, and try to understand their culture before writing about what you experience and have seen in Africa.
There are many things that you should avoid and be cautious about in your writing, and other things that you should describe with great detail. The most important thing to remember is not to stereotype Africa as a continent with only grasslands and safaris, filled with herds of animals and starving, warring, and diseased people.
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