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).
DJ's CORNER 
I hear you, Djebou! I’ve come to consider myself an ambassador of information after being pissed off for a long time. For me, it’s coming from being multiracial and creating multiracial children. I’ve spent my life having people asking me what my real name is when I told them Juanita (always assuming that I am translating my name for their benefit) nor could I possibly be of Puerto Rican decent because I look white. That started when I was in South America, continued in New Mexico, Washington and Idaho. In my case, the barrage of questions and disbelief come mainly from Latinos.
Then, Semira was born and she is “obviously Indian” and most definitely is adopted. Usually when they see Rabiou, they figure it out. But, one lady was even more convinced she was adopted when she saw him because that child is Indian and neither of us are.
Those are just a couple of examples. The stories go on and on.
I’ve come to feel like knowing both sides is a blessing and an obligation. It obligates me to educate the many who only know one side as they voice that to me; in an effort to break down stereotypes.
Hey sister, you have a point, I feel your pain, but I also believe that some Americans feel and act that way because they get derogatory comments from some Africans who are not proud of their roots. I have come accross some Africans who feel the need to put down Africa and/or Africans in order to gain some type of pity or help from Americans. Even though there is poverty in Africa and wars in some countries,we work hard with our heads up because we know our culture and most of us care about one another. Before blaming those Americans, we need to look at ourselves and see what we are doing wrong when representing our continent.