What is in a narrative that makes it so important? Why is a place’s narrative crucial to society’s growth and development?
The narrative of a society determines how other communities view society. It informs the world about what they go through, what is considered normal, and what is essential to every society.
What is the African Narrative?
The African Narrative is the image of Africa presented to the world. The African Narrative shows Africa’s strengths and weaknesses to the world.
The African story passed across generations and nations. Research conducted in the documentary “When I say Africa” shows that a class full of American students was asked what comes to mind when they hear the word, Africa?” Their answers ranged from poverty, Ebola, safari, Lion King, rape, third world, violence, and malnutrition.
To them, Africa is an ongoing disaster, a place of chaos and terror. Can you see the need for a change in the narrative?
Why do we need to change the African Narrative?
As an African living in Africa, I would boldly say that the African narrative sold to us through Western movies and stories is not entirely correct.
I grew up watching a lot of Western movies, and I would say there are a lot of grey areas and dark spots in the African Narrative and history portrayed to us.
African History doesn’t start with slavery. We (Africans) had a life before colonization, and not all of Africa was colonized.
Some African regions resisted colonization and were not colonized by the British government. The prevailing narrative, which portrays Africa as a continent plagued with disease, corruption, conflict, poor leadership, and slavery, is outdated and harmful, and we must correct this.
This narrative needs to be corrected and changed because it is harmful and affects Africa’s standing on the global map. This narrative has also exposed Africans to a lot of exploitation and discrimination.
It’s time to raise the narrative that supports our growth, talents, and development. It is time to tell stories that say, ‘I am African, and I am strong.’
The consequences of the narrative have not only affected non-Africans but also affected the African Narrative within Africa. This is a time for change and a time for development.
Changing the Africa Narrative is your responsibility1
I presume you would be thinking about how changing the African Narrative is your responsibility and what change you can make in the African narrative. You can change the African story by becoming the storyteller.
The power of the story lies with the storyteller. Whosoever holds the pen writes the story. The storyteller and the writer determine how the story will go. They choose the plot and the setting.
It’s time to start telling the African stories ourselves. The responsibility of telling the African story lies in your hands. We take our pens and write our stories. We listen to our voices telling our stories.
You can change the African Narrative by
Avoiding stereotypes
Do not join in the stereotyping of Africans. Consciously avoid stereotypes in your words and images.
Using your social media right
Everyone can contribute positively to the African Narrative by telling positive stories that the world doesn’t see. Please make a short video of an African in your vicinity doing something positive for himself and the community. That’s the stories we aim to share.
Be proud of your African heritage anytime and anywhere
Own up to your identity everywhere you go. Use your voice as an African and show your strength to the world.
Narratives are stories passed across generations until they become an identity. It’s time we come together to build the right narrative to pass to the coming generation so that identity will come from having the right narrative.
