I have been living here for a long time and I still get some of the weirdest and disrespectful questions about Africa. I am not angry at the people who ask the questions but I have to set the record straight. So, let’s go…
You don’t have to be college educated to know that Africa is a continent. There is more than 50 countries on the continent so please and please, stop saying that Africa is a country.
Also, do not automatically assume that ALL Africans know each other. I have gotten that so many times. Someone would ask me where I am from, and when I say Mali, the person says ” Oh, I know a guy from Nigeria. He is tall, Black and a true survivor etc… “. Please, stop generalizing… It’s getting offending. A 45 year-old lady from Sandpoint, Idaho doesn’t have to know a 32 year-old guy from Albany, NY although they are all Americans! Get my point?
I know that most of the images shown by the media are about bloated African children with a runny nose dying of hunger or AIDS… But please, do your research if you truly care about us… For the people who have the opportunity, dig in your purses/pockets and go visit… Oh I forgot, it costs a LOT of money, huh? Then, stop asking me how I got here or telling me that you’ve seen on TV that we are all poor, dying from hunger, running naked 24/7, having wars, or living with lions and elephants…. One thing is sure, if the ambassador of the U.S. in my country is not living with giraffes and tigers, be sure that I am not either!
Some parts of the continent are poor. We are all aware of it, and thanks to all the developed countries trying to “help us”. But, it is just like in the U.S. Some people sleep in a million dollar house while others live in projects, killing one another like chickens!
So, the next time you see an African, instead of being rude or judgmental… look at him/her and have a decent conversation ( just like you would if that person was a German or Australian).
Thanks!
DJ's CORNER 