Re-Envision Africa?

Ever since I moved to the United States, I have been dealt my fair share of ignorant/naive questions and statements concerning Africa.

So, I have used my position, experience and knowledge to try to help people get to a point whereby they can RE-ENVISION AFRICA?. Most people have a one sided and narrow view of what Africa "is", based on media coverage. I would like to share that, that is only part of her story, if at all. There is indeed "the Africa they do not show you", I know this because I have lived it (born and raised in Botswana, originate from Ghana). There is definitely more to Africa's story.

Poverty, hunger, war, famine – that’s what she’s known for. Her beauty has been overshadowed by a thick heavy cloud of despair created by the oblivious imaginations of others. At the mention of her name, I am pitied. Why? Because in their mind I should embody every fibre of poverty, war, hunger and famine – that is what an African “should be”, to them.

STEREOTYPES! I am unlike the typical expectation of what an African "should be". Yes! Poverty and famine have invaded parts of Africa – and so starts the single story. You see, what most of the world has done is succumb to the stereotypes of what Africa "should be" than to see her for her entirety. Although the stereotypes are not untrue, they do, however, render her story incomplete...

INTERRUPTED! She wants to grow but with the narrow minds of others unable to see her for the developmental beauty that she is, is an oppression; unseen!

DETRIMENTAL! That is what the future may seem for Africa as people limit her and label her incapable of becoming a true oasis of something more than the “home of hunger and suffering”. But, she has overcome! Although she suffers pain from losing her offspring; young and old – to death from war, starvation, thirst and disease – she prides herself in resources; diamonds, gold, oil.

TWO SIDED! It is imperative that we see both sides to every story. She is injured – yes. Her offspring are perishing – yes. But, she has developed!

UNEXPECTED GROWTH! Her offspring are educated, well-driven, hard-working. Her countries? Emerging! You see what many fail to realize is that while they remain narrow minded – she is blooming!

ERADICATE! The view you may have of a diseased, impoverished, underdeveloped Africa – should not be her soul story. When we see that not one place or thing has a soul story, we enjoy a sense of bliss as we become open minded.

RE-ENVISION HER!

Picture and a synopsis also published at The Journey Magazine p. 12-13