How Not to Write About Africa - Binyavanga Wainaina

The video "How Not to Write About Africa" by Binyavanga Wainaina critiques common stereotypes and clichés used in writing about Africa. Wainaina humorously outlines a series of misguided artistic techniques and concepts that perpetuate a narrow and often negative view of the continent.

Key Artistic Techniques and Concepts:

• Clichéd Language: Use of terms like "Africa," "Darkness," and "Safari" in titles.
• Stereotypical Imagery: Avoid positive depictions of Africans unless they are highly celebrated figures (e.g., Nobel Prize winners).
• Exoticization: Emphasis on violence and poverty, with imagery of AK-47s, nakedness, and starvation.
• Simplistic Narratives: Portrayal of Africans as either tragic victims or exotic characters, lacking depth or history.
• Western Savior Complex: Implicit suggestion that Africa requires Western intervention to thrive.
• Animal Anthropomorphism: Treat animals as complex characters while depicting humans in a degrading manner.
• Clichéd Settings: Inclusion of stereotypical locations like nightclubs with a mix of negative elements (mercenaries, prostitutes).
• Ending with Hope: Conclude narratives with uplifting quotes from figures like Nelson Mandela to suggest redemption.

Steps and Advice:

• Always include negative stereotypes about African life.
• Describe African characters in a way that emphasizes their suffering or exoticism.
• Ensure animals are portrayed positively and as relatable characters.
• Use a tone that implies the need for Western intervention in Africa.
• Include vivid and often grotesque descriptions of violence and poverty.

Contributors:

• Binyavanga Wainaina