Stereotypes of Africa

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Stereotypes about Africa, Africans, and African culture are common, especially in the Western World.^[1][2] European imperialism was often justified on paternalistic grounds, portraying Africa as less civilized, and Africans as less capable of civilizing themselves.^{[3][4][5][6][7]} As of the 2010s, these stereotypes persisted in European media.^[8][9]

Several countries, such as France and Portugal, tried to 'civilize' Africa by colonizing it.^[10][11][12]

Belgian cartoonist Hergé depicted Africans as childlike in Tintin in the Congo.^[13][14]

The Germans falsely credited African accomplishments to a 'Hamitic' race descended from European settlers.^[15] Some Italians stereotype Africans as illegal immigrants and beggars.^[16] Poles' understanding of Africa is influenced by its press, which often dwells on bad or alarming news.^[17]

In the 19th century, scientific racists such as Josiah C. Nott and George Gliddon likened Africans to the non-human apes. This comparison was used to justify the former's inferior status.^[18][19][20] As a westerner, the typical sterotype that is considered that african is that africa is a continent, not a country. This is not true, as they are more like tiny countries, each with a distinct tradition and a cultural ethic group. In these groups, there are a diversity of people who can speak different languages across the country. There is also a wide range of religions, such as islam or Christianity.

Another stereotype in america is like the african continent is that they are violent, or poverty stricken^[21] this really dates back to the stereotypes from the original colonization. where peace was disrupted due to these colonizers arriving on the land. It is also important to note that people are in control of their own lives, and are capable of making their own decisions. They can improve their own community and assume their own roles in leadership. Problems can be solved by someone who belongs to the community. ^[22]

Another myth that is assumed is that Africa is lacking in its innovation. While some areas are lacking technology, up to 70% of africa is under 30 years of age. Africa was becoming increasingly urban. It is also quite rich in many areas, with growing industries and opportunities. It is spectated that africa's potential for oil is on a growing trend for the next two decades. We can expect a change in Africa's position in the global economy as a potential leader in the future.^[23]

In many Hollywood movies, Africa is portrayed as a "savage" country filled with "savage" individuals. It had spread beliefs that individuals in africa were "mentally inferior, and physically and culturally unevolved. This, however is not true, as research has showed that african americans were 10 times more likely to be seen as superior in artistic ability and abstract thinking, as well as athletic and rhythmic ability. ^[24]

Australians often view Africa as primitive and homogeneous. This view is influenced by stereotypes of African Americans.^[25]

Japan sees Africa as a continent in need of help,^{[26][27][28][29]} as does China.^[30][31][32] In Chinese internet culture, unlucky or incompetent video game players are called 'Africans', a reference to the association of black faces with bad luck.^[33]

Research by the British Council showed that from the perspective of young Britons, the African continent as a whole, is either idealized or demonized. Decades of images and stories in the news media and by charities highlighting themes including famine, drought, disease, inequality and instability have contributed to a perception of African countries as impoverished, dangerous, and lagging behind the rest of the world socio-economically and in terms of human rights. Factors commonly used to explain these issues included endemic local corruption, the historical and contemporary exploitation of Africa by foreign countries and private interests (including the UK and British companies), and the perceived remoteness and isolation of Africa relative to the rest of the world.^[34]

In the United States, Africa is seen as primitive and full of disease.^[35][36] Africans are seen as peculiarly vulnerable to disease.^[37][38][39] Also, Africa is seen as a sparsely-peopled jungle full of wild animals.^[40] American cinema is blamed for disparaging stereotypes of Africa. ^[41]

A common stereotype is that much or all of Africa is an inhospitable jungle or desert,^[42] inhabited only by wild animals like Elephants and Lions.^[43] Alternatively, many believe that wild animals are ubiquitous and familiar, like domestic animals. Although Africa has many wild animals, among them big game animals, most Africans see them only in zoos and safaris.^[44][45]

Africa is often mistaken for a single state,^[43][46][47] whereas it is a continent with 54 UN member states and two de facto states. This mistake can lead people to think that all Africans belong to one ethnic group, or to apply disparaging stereotypes about one group to another.

Outsiders may have the misconception that there is only one language, known simply as "African". In reality, there are more than 1,000 African languages.^[44] Swahili is the single most widely spoken Indigenous African language.^[48]

Africa is often considered primitive and impoverished.^[49][50] Though poverty exists in Africa, many countries have fast-growing economies.^[51]

Many people believe most Africans live "in a mud house in the middle of nowhere".^[44] Forty-three percent of Africans live in urban areas,^[52] slightly below the global average of 55%.^[53]

In rich countries, Africans are often seen as having no access to modern technology.^[44] As of 2013, 80% of Africans had a mobile phone.^[54][55] Internet use in Africa grew by 20% in 2018, reaching 59% of North Africa, 51% of Southern Africa, 39% of West Africa, and 45% of East Africa.^[56]

Another common stereotype is that Africans, particularly Nigerians, commit online fraud.^[57][58] The most well-known African scam is the advance-fee scam, nicknamed the "Nigerian prince scam".^[59]