Africa has had a long history of being patronised in various forms of the media and literature. Most of us have come to expect it all. Cringeworthy distortions of the continent in movies, newspaper articles, novels, and even documentaries. Ironically, non-Africans are often at the forefront when it comes to dictating how Africa and her people are portrayed. Make no mistake – one reason why the African agenda has been hijacked is down to our failure as Africans to accurately tell our own story.
It is with this backdrop that I consider Binyavanga Wainaina’s essay, How to Write About Africa, as being right on target. It is a wry piece of satire challenging the hypocrisy, subjectivity, and catalogue of inaccuracies about Africa prevalent in today’s literature. I personally believe this essay has wider applications. Published in Granta, Wainaina’s article appears to go as far as taking a swipe at liberals portraying themselves as having Africa’s best interests at heart. Absolutely essential reading!
Wainaina’s essay can be read in full here.
