“Perceptions of Africa”
by Beyond Stereotypes: Chesna, Dominique, Mustapfa, Robert, Ricardo, & Samuel
Top 10 Stereotypes of Africans & African culture
by Beyond stereotypes
This list comprises of common stereotypes of continental Africans. None of the below statements have a factual basis nor are any of them true. The list is a snapshot to the cloud of ignorance that exist in some Americans that we have met minds.
1. They’re all good at spear-throwing.
2. They are uneducated.
3. You’ll find wild animals in their front yard
4. They’re all in tribes.
5. They live in trees and huts.
6. They hunt lions.
7. They are great runners because they are always running during hunts.
8. They are all living in unsanitary conditions.
9. Africa is a land filled with diseases.
10. All Africans look the same.
Many of these stereotypes are a result of media coverage and a lack of research on the part of individuals. Ignorance can only be cured through a pursuit of knowledge and until people begin to pursue facts, they will have closed minds and never know the true beauty of African culture and African people.
“African Symbols”
by Produced by Africa Rox: Ellis, Kaylla, Marilyn, Paula, Quiara, & Troy
The Facts on African Symbols!
by Africa Rox
Drums
-A form of communication.
-Expresses the mood of the people
-Evokes emotion
-Considered to be the “heartbeat of the community”
Animals
-Turtles represent wisdom
-Lions represent bravery
-Leopards represent royalty
Kente Cloth (mainly Ghana)
-Black: maturation, intensified spiritual energy
-Blue: peacefulness, harmony and love
-Green: vegetation, planting, harvesting, growth, spiritual renewal
-Gold: royalty, wealth, high status, glory, spiritual purity
-Grey: healing and cleansing rituals; associated with ash
-Maroon: the color of mother earth; associated with healing
-Pink: associated with the female essence of life; a mild, gentle aspect of red
-Purple: associated with feminine aspects of life; usually worn by women
-Red: associated with political and spiritual moods, sacrificial rites and death.
-Silver: associated with the serenity, purity, joy, sanctification rites and festive occasions
-Yellow: associated with preciousness, royalty, wealth, fertility
Masks
-Many represents a spirit. It is thought that the spirit possesses the dancer as they wear the mask.
Totems (in Zimbabwe)
-These Totems also know as Mitupos were used by the Mashona to identify the different clans that made up the ancient civilizations of the dynasties.
-The Zimbabweans uses the Mbira to govern the weather in times such as droughts and floods. It also chases away harmful spirits and cures sickness. The Mbira is used in all celebrations, such as weddings and the installation of new chiefs, as well as death ceremonies.
-A totem is anything serving as a distinctive, venerated, symbol (like a totem pole)
Some Nigerian symbols
-Initiation masks of the Mende - Women considered “foundation” of society
-Large Benin Ivory tusks were a sign of power, reserved only for the royalty
-Coral Beads - represented power and wealth
“African Influences in the U.S.”
by Africa in U.S.: Crystal, Ellis, Fanta, JaQwan, Nick, Paula, & Tiana
How is Africa represented in the Americas?
by Africa in U.S.
In our Music…
Music is a big part of our culture here in America and many of our music has been influenced by African culture in some way or another. Here in America, some of the most famous artist are from many different countries around the world. For example, Akon whose family is from Senegal has taken the Hip-Hop world by storm. With more than 35 Billboard Hot 100 songs, he is a prime example of an African artist bringing some his cultural influence into America.
There are also many other artist who are from Africa that have been very influential in American music, such as French Montana, Lola Monroe, Wale and Tyler the Creator. Many artists have celebrated African culture like, Kayne West in his “Love Lockdown” video, Akon ft. Keri Hilson in “Oh Africa!” and Shakira’s tribute to the World Cup in the song “ Waka, Waka.” Many other forms of music have had their origins in Africa like, Soca, Reggae Thon and Samba because of some of the drums and other instruments represented.
In our Fashion…
This year, there have been many African design inspired prints represented in American and European fashion. There are still many people who wear the traditional African lapa, whether they are originally from Africa or they just love the patterns. But, today we see African inspired clothing being sold in Urban Outfitters, Forever 21, H&M and many other popular clothing stores. There are even African print shoes.
America has always had an appreciation for animal prints and this is seen through the popular zebra and cheetah prints that have not gone out of style. We are not really sure why or how African prints have become so popular, but we do know that it has become very trendy. Iman, a very famous African international supermodel and business entrepreneur has had a big influence in American fashion. Models like Alek Wek have been a part of New York fashion week for years. From the contributions of these models, America has had many touches of the African culture.
In our Religion…
America, “the land of the free” has made it a part of its Constitution to accept all religions. This is seen through the first Amendment. There are many religions represented in America, some of which are inspired by Africa. For example, the Pentecostal religion which is under Christianity represents the African culture through the use of such instruments as drums. This is also seen through the Rastafarian religion which has the belief in Haile Selassie I, Emperor of Ethiopia as God incarnate. Islam is also represented in America as well as in Africa, in particular, in Guinea, a country in West Africa where 85% of its people are Muslim.
“Remember Important Events”
by The A-Team: Alisha, Chris, Elaine, Malik, & Sohrab
How do we remember important events? How we remember those important events that we cherish? What things help influence this? A photo album? A celebration? Or as simple as keep in mind. Watch as The A-Team goes on the streets and ask how they remember important event.
Some Traditions of Africa
by The A-Team
Africa is a huge continent…like seriously HUGE! Like 2 AND A HALF UNITED STATES HUGE! Don’t believe us? Look it up for yourself…or look at our write up on facts about Africa. Due to the fact that the continent is huge,there are many diverse traditions. Here are just 3 some of them:
Sports
While not all African residents play the same sport,the sports that are mostly played are Rugby, Football (i.e. Soccer) and also Cricket.
Music
African drums and rhythms are important parts in various music of the continent because it, among many things, expresses their culture in addition teaching lessons to others.
Some Initiation Rites of Africa (Rites of Passage)
Rites of Birth: During this time rituals are done as it is believed that every child is born for a reason and a mission.
Rites of Adulthood: This is when youth are taught by elders, how to be a good member of the society and get taught necessary survival skills. People have confused this as the only part of the Rites of Passage, but its just one of many parts of it.
Rites of Marriage: This part is mainly about building families, building the communities and combining the expectations roles in the marriage.
Rites of Eldership: To gain the Right of Eldership is different from just being “older”,you must have lived a life with purpose to be considered a elder.For example being a thief and just getting drunk all the time would not be a reason they would gain elder status
Rites of Ancestorship: It is believed that dead relatives are still a part of the community even after they’re dead. Virtually all African societies believe that life doesn’t end after death.
Our Visit to the Brooklyn Museum
On July 27, 2012, we visited the Brooklyn Museum and met their interns. We first played a little ice breaker to get to know each other a little more. Afterwards we went to the Egyptian exhibit and heard a story from 2 interns at the museum. They showed us a sarcophagus, which is what Egyptian mummies were buried in. And they told us that on the back of the sarcophagus. there was a story, which was surprising!
Afterwards we went to an African exhibit in its new space and we got another tour from the curator of the African exhibit, Kevin D. Dumouchelle and gained even more information on the African pieces and how they are how they separated to show the different connects to different countries in Africa. This visit was fun, and it showed us how we need to work, when its our turn to give tours as Youth Ambassadors for the Museum for African Art!
Africa Rox went out to interview people about the controversial topic of the “N” word. We were interested in finding out what people’s opinions were about the word. We learned about Baba Atiba’s opinion of the word and we wanted to see how the meaning of the word has changed. We also wanted to find more opinions about it and compare them to Baba Atiba’s opinion. Some said it was just a natural word that they use with their friends. While others tied it back to their slave roots. Some defined it as a word that describes an ignorant or hateful person, yet people still used it to describe themselves. Others think that the word means a “color” or black or brown skinned person and that there is no problem with anyone of any race using the word.
The N-word has different meanings towards different people. People were surrounded by the word and have been adapted to use the word. People use it to classify themselves and others. It wouldn’t bother them to be called that word by an African American because they feel that it is their word, but if a white person did it they would feel offended due to the history of the word. It is just like any other word within the African American community. Baba felt that people should understand the true meaning of the word before accepting it, he felt people are putting themselves down when using such a “derogatory” word. He feels that using the word is dehumanizing ourselves.
by Africa in U.S.
The most challenging part was…?
Our assignment, which was to go to the streets of Harlem to collect profiles and information on our topic. Our topic was to show how the culture of Africa has its influence in the Americas. As JaQwan, Tiana and I took to the streets of Harlem searching for profiles we soon understood that this job would be more difficult then we realized. Many people were apprehensive about being on camera or getting interviewed. With more people fearful than eager to do the interviews and a time limit, we knew we had to move fast and make the interview count.
The best thing about being apart of “Africa in U.S.” is?
The best part of being in my group “Africa in U.S” is how each individual of the group has a different personality. Tiana the confident loud interviewer, Crystal the intelligent opinionated writer, Fanta the creative fashionista editor, JaQwan the laid back videographer and Nick (me) the charismatic photographer. Each of these personalities may be different, but together it worked.
Our favorite moment was?
One of our many favorite moments during this project was the interaction with the public. This was one of our favorite moments because during our interactions we heard many stories and learned about many different cultures. This made the experience very fun but educational as well.
by The A-Team
The best thing about being apart of “The A-Team” is…?
That we get along well, and we are always laughing. Also ,as being apart of the A-Team we all know that work comes before play.We all love to joke around and make sure each of us is always smiling.
Our favorite moments were…?
When Elaine makes a joke that isn’t funny, and she laughs alone, we all laugh. We have funny or random moments all the time. The funniest thing is that we laugh at each other’s faults, but never in a harmful way because we all like each other.
The most challenging part was…?
Signing into google docs and interviewing people. It was hard to sign into Google Docs sometimes because there was bad internet connection. Also, interviewing strangers was hard because there are a lot of people who choose not to talk.
by Africa Rox
The best thing about being apart of “Africa Rox” is?
The best part of being in Africa Rox is that the people in my group are very funny and flexible when it comes to work. Because there are moments when we have fun and start laughing, but when given an assignment we stop and get back to work . Also, the people in my group have interesting personalities that makes time pass very fast.
Our favorite moment was…?
Our favorite moments was when we are trying to edit all the clips to make them perfect. Because you can see in everyone’s face that they’re working very hard and it’s clear that time is precious. Also, this was our favorite moment because we were helping each other to finish the project.
The most challenging part was….?
There were many different moments we struggled, but the most challenging part was to find the videos and link them together. Also, it was a challenge to edit the video because it takes time to find the interview, that relates to the project, and be the best interview that relates back to the question. We need to do edits because not everything a person says is needed for the video. Sometimes, the person does not answer the question directly.
by Beyond Stereotypes
The best thing about being apart of “Beyond Stereotypes” is?
“Beyond Stereotypes” loved working together! We were all very cooperative and hard working as we collaborated on projects. Chesna was a writer, Ricardo was a writer, Samuel was the videographer, Dominique was the photographer, Mustafa was the video editor, and Rob was the audio editor. We were open to learning how to use different programs on the computers, which is a significant skill because technology played an enormous role in our tasks. We were able to be extremely productive and serious when it came to getting our work done, which were the most important and influential factors of our progress.
Our favorite moment was?
The trips we went on taught us how to be professional and attentive in various situations. We agree that our favorite trip was when we went to Macy’s because we received gift cards, coupons, and free food, as well as an entertaining show that was put on by a couple personal shoppers that work for the company. Through this presentation, we learned about different ways to dress for interviews, the workplace, and other professional venues. What we learned from this experience is that the right attire for professional events and locations is extremely important if we want to convey the right image and demonstrate that we are serious about our futures. We also learned that through specific pieces of clothing, we can also add a touch of personality or a hint of ourselves and who we are. However, things like accessories and jewelry should never be excessive because that would be distracting and inappropriate.
The most challenging part was?
The most challenging part about this internship was interviewing people on the street. We were taught how to approach people in a professional way and how to receive their consent for an informative session. Our specific topic was about the different stereotypes of Africa and Africans. We were very interested to hear what people think about Africans, their culture, and the continent itself because some people we met did not know some of the simplest things, such as the fact that Africa is a continent, not a country. We were eager and happy to enlighten them and let the people who had the wrong ideas know that Africa is not at all what the media and what the educational system portrays it to be. Our job was mainly to inform people about the truths while gathering their unique perspectives about this continent.
How many African countries can you name?
-Collaborative Piece / Edited by Ellis of Africa Rox
