Misconceptions About Africa

Of course, this blog is meant to hopefully break the misconceptions about Africa, but I found an interesting blog post on CNN International that discusses this particular issue. What is more interesting is not the article itself, but the responses.

One response that really caught my eye was that of someone who called themselves "Juan:"

"Africa is the best 1st world country and worst 3rd world country on the planet. There are industries that compete very well with the best there is, and some of the infrastructure is world class. The flip side is also true though, with some Africans living in the poorest of poor conditions with no access to even the most basic amenities.

"To the point about misperceptions – the biggest misperception is that the global economy often regard Africa as a "country" or a United State composition like the US where the reality is that most countries live and function in complete independence and isolation of its neighbours. This generalization fails to draw a distinction between the first world parts and the third world parts with debilitating consequences to both developed and undeveloped Africa.

"African people have a strong sense of cultural patriotism where respect for fellow pan plays a big role. Are Africans over sensitive about world perceptions…. Maybe, but then again maybe these “sensitivities” are nothing more than offenses caused by others who don’t value culture-engrained “respect for mankind” in quite the same way Africans do. The same way personalities differ from person to person, so do cultures. If one wants to “get along” with your neighbour, both of you better understand and respect his/her personality differences."

What is most bothersome is how this person began stating that Africa is a "country" but yet in the very next paragraph said the biggest misconception is that people see Africa as a "country." I don't know if that was a mistype or not, but certainly something does not jive. If it was a mistype, could that mean that this person subconsciously believes Africa is a country and is trying to make him/herself sound more educated? Or was this person trying to make a point, but sadly contradicted themselves?