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| The list of misconceptions westerners have of Africa is endless. The media and our historians have painted a gloomy picture in the minds of most Americans as to what Africa is like. Below is a list of misconceptions that I have come across in my travels, usually at home. » Check out the FAQs too. |
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- There are no toilets in Africa, except out houses and pit latrines
- People live in trees
- There is a war in every country, no place is safe
- Accommodations are sub-standard and hotels are few and far between
- The bugs in Africa are huge, there are so many, they swarm, gross, oh my!
- Africans eat worms
- The food is prepared differently, dishes are not recognizable, ingredients are strange
- African are starving everywhere you go
- No one speaks English
- Africans grunt, click, and spit as part of their languages?
- Sammy Davis, Jr.
- She’s Dark & Lovely
- Different species don’t do it for one another
- No confederate flags in Africa.
- Have one of your own? Please tell us...
- Is Africa really the Dark Continent?
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"There are no toilets in Africa, except out houses and pit latrines"
Well at least this picture will put your mind to rest about whether or not there are toilets in Africa.
"Does anyone have a newspaper?"
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Rockey's, Johannesburg |
"People live in trees"
The funniest one that I have heard is from a Nigerian friend of mine who moved to the United States. More than a couple of people have asked her, "Do Africans really live in trees?" This is a friend's house in Jo'burg. He is looking out the window, while we are looking in.
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"There is a war in every country, no place is safe"
This is not only flat out wrong and completely inaccurate, but is probably the most common completely ignorant concept that Western media and culture (and Asian) has forced into the hearts and minds of it's people. |
Private chalet East Africa
less $50 USD |
"Accommodations are sub-standard and hotels are few and far between"
This is one of the most ridiculous given the exact opposite reality that actually exists. Hotels, B&Bs, hostels, guest houses, lodges, etc are so much better in Africa than they are in the the West. The amount you pay compared to the room, food and service that you get is unbelievable. You will actually be insulted at how sub-par accommodations are on your next hotel visit in the States after traveling in Africa. » Check out our favorite accommodation page for some examples. |
Waterberg Plateau, Namibia |
"Africans eat worms and lots of bugs, right?"
As I have never actually seen anyone eat worms or bugs I can't say that I know for sure, but I would guess that less than 1% of the population eats worms or bugs on a regular basis or even at all. But that hasn't stopped me from sampling local trail mix. |
Fried Tilapia, Rice w/Tomato
Gravy, Fries, Coleslaw,
Garnished with Lime |
"The food is prepared differently, dishes are not recognizable, ingredients are strange"
If you really want to go to McDonald's all the time you don't really want to travel anyway. That said, food is prepared differently. For example with charcoal stoves, beer bottles for rolling pins, less butter more oil for frying, and processed or hormone/pesticide treated food makes up about 5% of the meal.
But what is presented to you is not abnormal. Food is very recognizable for two reasons: 1) The ingredients and dishes are very similar because Africans eat dishes similar to ours. 2) Africans are smart and know that a freaked out foreigner is less like to give a nice tip or recommend Africa to a friend. Don't worry, they are going to be sure that you have milk and sugar for your coffee and that you have tomato sauce (ketchup to us). |
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"African are starving everywhere you go"
The fact is that there are starving people in Africa, but the amount of food available is not the problem. In fact, there is an overabundance of food in Africa. The problem is 99% political. Those in positions of power use food to their advantage, directly and indirectly. (If you would like to delve further into this topic, email Ryan (Master's in political African affairs), some other expert on the political and economic situation in Africa, or consult some non-racist journals and books.) There are droughts, but there are also many, many stockpiles of grains (like in the USA) in many countries. Few Africans are homeless and many either have a plot of land or a relative who does. Many Africans are subsistence farmers (i.e. have at least a small plot of land for personal use), even if they have an office job. So, many Africans may not have lots of money, but can grow a few bananas, beans, and corn to feed themselves. Anyway, the almost all tourists see are plump well fed Africans who work in regions of Africa that are stable and fertile. |
Bushmanland, Namibia |
"How are you going to communicate with people when you get there [Africa]?"
English, almost everywhere! Geesh, that question gets annoying. Doesn't everyone know Americans speak English (or Spanish).
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Maasailand, East Africa |
"Africans grunt, click, and spit as part of their languages?"
This was the nice way of phrasing how this misconception is often asked. Usually, some rude knucklehead says something like, "How are you going to talk to 'em? Are you going to go ooogh-oogh?" One time a jerk actually asked just like that when I was at a café with an African friend of mine. My friend either didn't notice or chose to ignore the individual and I did as well from that point by simply turning my face from them mid conversation.
In fact, the oldest (as in linguistic root origin and family) languages in the world as well as the most complex linguistically exist today in Africa. For example, so called "Click" languages contain many more syllables than English and there are at least 7 different click sounds, none of which the average westerner can reproduce. |
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From what I heard Sammy Davis Junior Died in 1990. I wonder who spread that lie, because I saw him in a small frontier type town bar wearing a gray hat, pink shirt, purple jacket, and blue pants; He even had a cane. He was even trying to conceal himself from the camera. |
Dar es Salaam, Tanzania |
Dark & Lovely?
Now, the funny thing about the picture of this woman is actually the misconception on the part of the advertiser. They are trying to advertise a product called "Dark & Lovely" (Not Dark, but lovely, with locals for comparison). |
Ngorongoro Crater, Tanzania |
The only misconception between the elephant and the buffalo is one that they can sort out...and I hope won't be on the discovery channel. |
Swakupmond, Namibia |
No confederate flags in Africa.
Americans are under the misconception that no black person would ever be proud of his confederate flag. This guy is so proud he has it strapped across the back of his taxi and was more than happy to take a picture with me. I am sure he has no idea what is represents.
Something told me this van wasn't going to Pasadina in a hurry either. |
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The world at night |
"Is Africa really the Dark Continent?"
Well, actually, it is dark, AT NIGHT!
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