#thesinglestoryofafrica

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The West’s Single Story of Africa in Media

In some cases, the west has even created a single stories through an afro-positivist lens. The latter seeks to counterbalance afro-pessimism while recognizing the challenges and the range of realities faced by actors across all African societies. In addition, afro-positivism attempts to challenge the simplistic neo-colonial nature of afro-pessimism. Nevertheless, both angles present extreme perspectives which can result in problematic outcomes and incomplete stories. 

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The West’s Single Story of Africa in Social Media

Social media is a key form of expression in our globalized world. However, in an attempt to counter the west’s single story of Africa and support afro-positivism, social media can reinforce the westernized approach to development and the extremity of single stories such as the tiktok shown above.

[discoverafricanmedia]

The West’s Single Story of Africa

The cartoon above demonstrates the one-sided story of Africa from the western perspective and media exacerbating afro-pessimism while reinforcing an incomplete story and stereotypes.

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The Danger of A Single Story by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie (2009)

After watching Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s The Danger of A Single Story, do you believe is she creating a new single story? Let us know using our submission box!

[discoverafricanmedia]

The West’s Single Story of Africa  

This video, produced by Al Jazeera, attempts to fight against the single story of Africa from the western perspective by exposing stereotypes through the use of evidence. 

The UNICEF Fly

In the video above, Trevor Noah presents a textbook (comedic) example as to how the single story of Africa from the western perspective is portrayed.