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The Increased Misinterpretations of Africa
585 Words2 Pages
Recommended: European views of native Americans
Africa, compared to other continents, is probably the most misrepresented of them all. Little is known about Africa which results to stereotypical descriptions of the continent. Due to the lack of knowledge of Africa, research done by scholars may be illegitimate or seen as offensive to indigenous Africans. These stereotypes are often inaccurate and fallacious representations of Africa.
A general stereotype of Africa is that the whole continent is represented or labeled as the dark continent who face poverty, violence and despair. Since Africa is comprised of a desert or jungle like terrain, most Westerners view Africans as primitive beings who are uneducated. Africans are thought to live in rural areas, practice strange customs, and fight pointless battles against each other (Harth). The people of Africa are perceived as uncivilized pagans with no traces of history due to their illiteracy. The obscure stereotype of Africa are supported by myths that advocate these stereotypes.
A myth prevalent in Africa is the belief that Africans are exotic tribes who are primitive. Africa...
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