The Africa We Don't see
I found this extremely interesting article written by a woman who directed a movie called, "Africa: Open for Business." She reveals the side of Africa that most people don't discuss. The majority of media coverage revolves around aids, genocide, and malnourished children. She states that, "The worst promote the extended-belly, flies-on-the-face cliche of Africa." Don't get me wrong, these are all newsworthy subjects. However, we seem to ignore all of the positive aspects of the region. As the author put it "Africa is also a land of stock markets, high rises, Internet cafes and a growing middle class. This is the part of Africa that functions. And this Africa also needs media attention, if it's to have any chance of fully joining the global economy." Business, entrepreneurship, and private enterprise are actually thriving in parts of Africa. Did you know that the Ghana Stock Exchange regularly tops the list of the world's highest-performing stock markets? Sounds strange right? Well, believe it or not, there are many success stories that go untold.I thought this was an interesting part...
"The first cameraman I called to film the documentary laughed and said, "Business and Africa, aren't those contradictory terms?" The second got excited imagining heart-warming images of women's co-ops and market stalls brimming with rustic crafts. Several friends simply assumed I was doing a documentary on AIDS. After all, what else does one film in Africa?"
There are so many stereotypes of the continent of Africa! I'm glad this author breaks the barriers to show us that Africa isn't just one dimensional.
Check out this fascinating site...seriously.
The Africa You Don't See
posted by Anonymous @ 3/22/2006 09:19:00 PM
1 Comments:
What a great story. It certainly paints a different picure of Africa. I would like to try to get a copy of this movie for class but it doesn't seem to be available yet.
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