Stereotype about Africa, I came in the US ten years ago for my studies. Over the years, I have been asked interesting questions about Africa. Questions like; do we live on trees, do we dance in the nude around fire and do we have wild animals in our backyards?
First, I would like to talk about the belief that we live on trees. I know for a fact that everybody has a roof over their head. It can be hut, brick, or mansion. Generally, people who live in huts are away from civilization in villages. The rest of the population would have a regular modern brick house. About twenty years ago, my dad was surprised when asked the question during a business seminar in Boston. An executive asked him if he still lived on trees. My dad was speechless. And then he explained to him that nobody lived on trees, not even the poorest Congolese.
Secondly, do we dance in the nude around fire? The answer to that is no. I have seen pictures of people dancing around fire, but they were never nude. Dancing plays a big part of our culture. We express our emotions through music and dancing. Sometimes for different occasions, people would wear costumes such as raffia or traditional clothing to dance. In the village, people wear traditional clothing versus modern clothing in the city.
Finally, do we have wild animals in our backyards? Africa has lots of Safari’s and Exotic Animals. This is a true fact but not to the extent that people outside of Africa perceive. We do not have wild animals in our backyards. The only time we see wild animals is at zoos and national parks.
So in summary, many of the Stereotypes of Africa are simply wrong. Others are just exaggerations of situations that exist in some areas. Africans do not live on trees or hunt game with spears. Nor do they all walk around in the nude among lions and zebras. The best way to find out about Africa is to study the facts and to become knowledgeable about its rich culture.