Great Zimbabwe Thoughts and Perspectives of Americans Towards Africa
Step 1: What are the stereotypes? Work through two or more of the linked sources below. Jot down ideas as you read and watch the video if you have ever encountered any of the mentioned images of Africa. Write up a paragraph (100+ words) with internal citations referencing the sources below and potentially your textbook to explain several main misconceptions that most Americans have about Africa.
Step 2: What are the solutions? Then in about 100 words, address what challenges these stereotypes pose for scholars of African History and the general public. Assess one or more solution(s) offered in the linked readings. Do you think that the solution would help an American public better understand African History? Why or why not? Again, use internal citations and refer to authors by last name as you consider potential solutions.
Stereotypes and How They Challenge Our Studying of Africa
- Robert Pijipers, “Stereotyping Africa: an appeal for a normal people perspective,” (2016).
- Brenda Randolph, “I Didn’t Know There Were Cities in Africa! Challenging children’s -and adults’ – misperceptions about the African continent,” (2008).
- Jonathan Zimmerman, “Americans Think Africa is One Big Wild Animal Reserve,” (2014)
- Upfront, Aljazeera, “Reality Check: Africa is not a country,” (2015).
- BBC, “One of Africa’s Best Kept Secrets – Its History” (2017).
- Ihediwa Nkemjika Chimee, “African Historiography and the Challenges of European Periodization: A Historical Comment,” (2018).
- Nancy Schmidt, “African Curriculum Materials,” (1990).
- Paulin Hountondji, “Knowledge of Africa, Knowledge by Africans: Two Perspectives on African Studies,” (2009).
