In recent years, an increasing number of students at my institution are either immigrants or children of immigrants from several different countries in Africa. \u00a0Some of them have discussed with me their concerns about what they perceive as an extreme lack of knowledge displayed not only by their fellow students but by staff and faculty about the continent of Africa and the 54 countries within that continent. \u00a0 It also appears to these students that none of these individuals are particularly interested in improving their knowledge.<\/p>\n

In large part, we can blame the educational system and the media which, intentionally or unintentionally, perpetuates the racism of the Colonial Era in which Africa was depicted, if depicted at all, as a place of exotic animals and backward, “uncivilized” humans. \u00a0\u00a0Far too many people in the United States view Africa as a country (not a continent) dominated by poverty rather than as the second-largest landmass in the world filled with dynamism and an entrepreneurial spirit. \u00a0Too many in the United States\u00a0do not care about Africa and do not see why they should care.<\/p>\n

In my classes, I attempt to change this perception, but it is difficult when it begins in\u00a0elementary school with students’ first exposure to world maps. \u00a0 Below are several world maps. \u00a0Study the maps and choose the one that seems to be the most useful and accurate.<\/p>\n

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