Structural biases in Western media have resulted in reports of more emotional and human-based stories on Africa rather than the larger political, social, or economic events taking place (Mheta). This typically results from journalists desiring a more interesting story for their own personal gain. The stories are often exaggerated and isolated from the bigger picture of how the events affect Africa as a whole (Elizabeth). One of the most common misconceptions, stemming from media biases, concerning Africa is the grouping of all its countries as one homogenous entity. We fail to recognize the distinctness of each country and therefore put everyone in the same basket. We come to believe that every African country is facing the same economic challenges and every single person lives under extreme poverty with no access to clean water and efficient healthcare. Specific examples of this would be: “Everyone in Africa has AIDS,” “all Africans are poor and hungry” and “Africa is war stricken and conflict ridden.” The list goes on and on. Africa, however, is a continent with 54 countries, each with their own languages, history, geography, cultural customs, and challenges.
In addition to the homogeneous label attributed to the continent, we have poverty, famine and war. However, statistics show that Africa has not led the world in famine since at least 1990, but has consistently come second to Asia with less than half of Asia’s number of people in famine (FAO). In addition, only 15 of the 54 countries in Africa are involved in war currently (Africa Sun).
By viewing Africa as a country, as opposed to a diverse continent, many consequences can arise. Harmful stereotypes are formed and skewed, single-sided perceptions are instilled. Furthermore, negative images are brought to mind at the mention of any African country regardless of its economic or political status. Just as Batman is slapping sense into Robin, we must slap some sense into ourselves by memes of research and stop the spread of stereotypes.
Works Cited
"Africa Sun News - Africa Wars & Conflicts." Africa Sun News - Africa Wars & Conflicts. Africa Sun News, 12 Jan. 2017. Web. 12 Jan. 2017.
Elizabeth, Victoria. "Bias, It's Not Political." Running While Screaming. WordPress, 22 Mar. 2008. Web. 11 Jan. 2017.
FAO. "Number of People Undernourished Worldwide between 1990 to 2016, by Region (in Millions)." Statista - The Statistics Portal. Statista. May 2015. Web. 11 Jan 2017
Mheta, Ahmed. “Why Western Media Focuses on Negative Coverage of Africa.” Pan African Visions. 2015. Web. 10 January 2017.
"memes of research"
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