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friday, february 16, 1979
Africans, Americans
mutually stereotyped
By Doreen Charles
Americans still receive distorted images of Africa cre
ated by outdated books and stereotypes presented in the
media, according to David Anthony, African Studies Pro
gram assistant. Anthony was part of a two-day workshop
in which communication problems between Africans and
black Americans were discussed.
"We have been conditioned to fear each other," An
thony said. "We should try to improve relations with our
African brothers and sisters."
The stereotype of Africa as a place of wild animals and
exotic jungle people still exists in the minds of most
Americans, he said. The African Studies Program represen
tatives travel to different areas of the country to educate
people about the true nature of Africa.
At grade school level, students arc given a negative view
of Africa as a jungle or desert land where people live in
grass huts and few of the comforts of western civilization,
Anthony said. Little attempt is made to emphasize its cul
tural diversity or political and economic structures, he
said.
Both ways
Africans have stereotypes about Americans, too, ac
cording to ASP Curriculum Consultant Kofi Mensah.
"It is believed that all Americans are rich," he said.
Mensah, a Ghana native, has been in the United States
for four years and is completing a doctorate degree in
literature.
Films of African life and customs depicting Africa's di
verse lifestyles were shown and literature on Africa was
distributed.
During a discussion on African-American relations it
was noted that the conscious level of American blacks was
a major problem.
Blacks, many of whom still hold distorted views of
Africa, cannot see the tie between black Americans and
Black Africans, Anthony said.
Historically, he said, there is a definite similarity in the
situation of blacks in South Africa and that of the Native
America. Both were invaded by explorers and later
colonized.
Liberation movements
The liberation movement of the sixties affected blacks
on both continents, Anthony said. While blacks were
fighting for civil rights in America, nations were becoming
independent in Africa. This had an effect on American
blacks, who began reverting to traditional lifestyles (Afro
hairstyles, etc.)
Western investments in South Africa also were dis
cussed. It was noted that though the United States
might not directly influence South African oppression,
economically it still is a factor in perpetuating that op
pression. Blacks must be aware that they are aiding the oppres
sion of South Africans by supporting companies such
as General Motors who have South Africa investments,
Anthony said.
Sense of superiority
The role of religion in Africa is seldom understood by
Westerners, he noted. The common conception is that
whites helped to "civilize" Africans by their invasions of
Africa.
In reference to Africa, the terms "becoming modern"
or "making progress" suggest a sense of superiority and
even racism in American thinking, Anthony said, adding
that there is little attempt to understand the Africans'
concept of modern society, their form of government or
social relationships.
"The word tribe' has a negative connotation in the
minds of most Americans," Anthony said.
"There is usually an oversimplification of Africa." The
ancient history of Africa is seldom taught, only the view
of Africa as seen by European explorers.
"People in the media have never really taken the time
to understand the culture," he said.
Distorted views
Europeans tend to look jt things differently from
Africans. Mensah noted.
"They take statues and carvings out of Africa and put
them in museums to look at. They were meant to be used
in ceremonies and to be enjoyed by all the people." he
said.
Americans could get a distorted view from basing their
ideas of Africans solely on the ones they come into
contact with, Mensah said.
"They make assumptions that all Africans are alike."
he said. "Each of us is different, each has a different back
ground. It is important to see people as individuals."
Because of recent attempts to educate American
people, there has been an improvement in understanding
of African culture, Mensah said.
Receptive audiences
Audiences have been very receptive, though black au
diences have been even more so. he said, probably be
cause they have closer ties with Africa. Still, whites need
to learn more about Africa, because most still believe the
common stereotypes. he added.
"There are some whites who have done reading, but
most are totally ignorant." he said. "They say. 'We were
expecting Taran and wc didn't find him.' Afterwards,
they had a deeper apprec jon for Africa."
The African Studies Program plans to continue its pur
pose of educating others about Africa. The group lns
spoken to prison audiences and will travel to various col
lege campuses around the country.