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How We See Africa
ResumeIn 2005, Kenyan writer Binyavanga Wainaina published a satirical article in Granta, headlined, "How to Write about Africa." He wrote:
"Always use the word Africa, darkness or safari in your title. Treat Africa as if it were one country. It is hot and dusty. Tall thin people who are starving. Or hot and steamy, short people who eat primates. Never have a picture of a well-adjusted African on the cover of your book, or in it, unless that African has won a Nobel Peace Prize. An AK-47, prominent ribs, naked breasts: use these. And always end your book with Nelson Mandela saying something about rainbows or renaissances. because you care."
It was satire, but isn't that all we hear out of Africa-- and is the media to blame? Because the media is also criticized for not drawing attention to, say Somalia, now suffering a drought and civil war.
Scott Baldauf knows the frustration. He's just completed five years as the Christian Science Monitor's correspondent in South Africa, and reflects on some of the misconceptions about the continent in an essay headlined "Five Myths About Africa."
Guest:
- Scott Baldauf, former Africa correspondent for the Christian Science Monitor
This segment aired on September 19, 2011.