The equation Africa = Dark Continent is not only crude but also disheartening. It is, however an equation that is generally accepted and acknowledged by many as if it were holy writ. To some considerable degree those who associate Africa with darkness are not to be blamed- at least not entirely. For a number of years now, the world media led by multinational broadcasting corporations have painted a consistently bleak picture of Africa. Hunger, wars, natural disaster and the numerous pestilences that plague Africa have been permanent features of their news reports.
Granted, the above-mentioned woes do plague Africa and as such they have to be dealt with. For instance, the millions of starving children in Somalia, Niger and even Kenya cannot simply disappear. They represent a problem to Africa and the world at large, a problem that has to be faced. To ignore the existence of such a grave matter would be to subject oneself to denial and self-deceit. By reporting such incidences the world media is in a sense, simply dong its job.
However, by reporting only the sad and horrific stories that abound in Africa, those of the media are in another sense not doing their job well. Sure, such stories may make the world gape in shock and cringe in disgust from the safety of their TV couches and that’s about it. They hardly ever move their viewers or readers to taking decisive actions. Instead they present a one-sided and limited view of African affairs.
Africa has got problems- true. But then so do all other continents and everyone alive for that matter. Africa has got problems- true. But then problems are not all Africa has got. Africa as a continent presents a bigger picture which is yet to be explore and appreciated by the world.
Africa is full of thrills and surprises that make it so much more than just a dark continent. It is full of outstanding natural phenomena that have baffled geographers and scientists alike. For instance, there is the geographical conundrum presented by the second highest mountain in Africa, Mt. Kenya. It has a cap of snow at its tip despite the fat that the equator just touches its southern tip. Not to be forgotten are the Great Rift Valley, the magnificent Nile and the mystery of Senegal’s Pink Lake. These marvels of nature along with countless species of flora and fauna endow Africa with unspeakable beauty.
The most remarkable thing about Africa is the people- a people with a rich and diverse culture that stretches back to the days when men slaved to build pyramids in Egypt’s valley of kings. A people who have learnt to endure trials and tribulations together and yet live each day after the next with a smile and an ever-cheerful disposition, celebrating life with dances, stories and poems.
When all is said and done, the logical conclusion is that Africa is not a dark continent but a land full of beauty and mystery, a land that is unique by virtue of the wonderful people who call it home.
