It's something of a shocking question. Why would it be shocking that I am well informed about a particular subject? The answer is because this subject is particularly overlooked. For decades - no, centuries- no, forever - Africa has been regarded as the dark place. A place not worth its own histories. Its own rich heritage. Its own stories.
But, this is old news. Most of you already know just how much you don't know about Africa. Yes, it's an endemic issue in American (and otherwise) education systems. I know.
But what can we do about this? How do we proceed? For those of you out there who want to, what can you do to become informed individuals?
Several people have asked me this. Sometimes I'm asked how exactly it is I became so in-the-know about African culture, politics, geography, etc. And, I am always looking to learn more.
All of the information in the world is at your fingertips these days. Reach out and take it. Here's some suggestions!
Literature:
We Wish to Inform You Tomorrow We Will Be Killed With Our Families - Philip Gourevitch
This incredible book is a chronicle of the problems we are still facing in Central Africa. From British race scientists to Belgium's unbelievable decision to issue racial identification cards, Gourevitch walks the reader through the visceral tragedy of Rwanda in 1994. He starts at the beginning, and I mean the very beginning, and takes you right to the end. In the middle, he reads you a letter written by a group of Rwandans locked inside a church, awaiting their death at the hands of their countrymen. After reading his incredible account of Rwanda, constructed from historical facts, captivating descriptions and personal accounts in interviews, you are left full of a horrible discomfort. A discomfort knowing that human beings are capable of the incredible brutality and rampant racism that results in genocide. Best of all, after knowing exactly what became of the genocidaires, it's easy to see the root of many of the current problems that have spilled across the borders into DRC. You'll have a leg up on anyone trying to look at present-day African geopolitics without that important context. A must read.
The Stone Virgins - Yvonne Vera
The above recommendation came from my love of nonfiction, of the cold, hard truth that has built modern Africa. This book lies on the opposite end of the spectrum, but I think is equally important in discovering what Africa is all about. Vera writes in a prose that is dense. It is dripping with imagery, subtlety, grace. She places the reader on the outskirts of Bulawayo, Zimbabwe and sets the stage for the fight for independence. Her writing style is infectious and you are instantly submerged in her carefully painted world. She tells her story of Zimbabwe's struggle in a distinctly personal and stunningly dramatic way. All of the violence and tragedy of her country's story is packed into the lives of two sisters, one of whom falls under the vicious brutality of revolution, and the second who must continue on into the new Zimbabwe covered in scars and memories of her struggle. One of the most overlooked aspects of this great continent is the incredible artists who have contributed to their diverse and incredibly rich cultures. Vera proves that she deserves a spot among the great (white) European authors and gives her reader a story only she could tell, a tale that deserves to sit with the classics.
Ok there's two you can start with... What about movies?
The Constant Gardener
Hotel Rwanda
Long Walk to Freedom
The Last King of Scotland
Blood Diamond
Just a few very popular and easy to find favorites. I will most likely update on this again with some more African films about Africa - In the meantime, start with this!
- Rh
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