Why you’re probably thinking about “Africa” all wrong...
I am now creeping closer and closer to the 48 hour marker of when I board the plane to head to Ghana (finishing my Master’s in Public Health for those playing catch up). I have a list of things to still accomplish before I go, but as people continue to come talk to me, to wish me well and give their best, I realized I needed to give a background on the trip and where I’m going a bit better.
During one of my Master’s courses, I listened to what I have to believe is the best Ted talk I’ve heard to date (listen here). It talks about the idea and danger of a single story. What’s a single story? A single story is when you only know one story of something, apply it to the broad idea and miss out on a critical understanding. You miss the richness and depth that can be waiting in the details. This has proven to be very true for people about “Africa.”
What I’ve learned from telling people that I’m going to Ghana is most don’t even know where it is. So let’s start there:
Upon my explanation that it’s in Africa, people immediately jump to their single story of what an entire continent looks like, usually a combination of this:
Believe me when I say I’d love nothing more than to be in that safari truck with those people snapping photos of that beautiful elephant, but NONE of those things represent where I’ll be or what I’m doing. Mud huts, war, disease riddled-starving babies and exotic animals DO exist in parts of the CONTINENT (because let’s remember it’s NOT a country), to say otherwise would be unfair. And it’s likely I’ll cross paths with someone whose in worse health than me, maybe even a hungry or sick child, but this should not be representative of the entire population.
It breaks my heart that a land full of such diverse culture is generalized as “bad” because it’s different than our Western traditions. All of Africa gets jammed together by this single story of war and terrorism, and poverty, and animals we only know from zoos. But if we dare to challenge our pre-existing beliefs, maybe we’ll learn there’s more to the people there than initially meets the eye. Perhaps will be invited to learn their depth.
So back to Ghana. I’ve heard Ghana be called “Africa light,” as it’s one of the most Westernized nations with one of the most stable economies in all of Africa. I’ve used this comparison to ease the fears of many loved ones, though to little avail. The capital of Ghana is Accra, where I’ll fly into and home from, and where we’ll spend a portion of our time at. Many are surprised to learn they have a mall (that one person said was nicer than Meridian for those local Lansing folk), and even an Apple store (anyone need a Mac while I’m there?). Most of my time will be spent in Larteh (pronounced like your Starbucks order), where I’ll be doing research on water and sanitation. The village is situated in the mountains, and I’m hopeful I’ll get the chance to do some running and see a landscape different than what I’m used to here at home.
I am likely not to share many pictures while I’m gone, but with good reason. This trip is less about me standing, smiling in a picture in front of something showing I’ve been there. This trip is for me to learn and grow and develop my public health skills. I am not a super hero in a cape coming to save the people of Ghana, and so they shouldn’t be treated or represented as such. Here’s a good, quick article with more detail why our group won’t be posting selfie after selfie. Regardless, I still want to tell this story because it needs to be heard.
These ramblings all have a point, and it’s to worry less about me and more about your concerns and your single story. If you don’t know about an area, don’t generalize it. Ask questions. Google. Dig deeper. Challenge your beliefs.
Here’s an example. Think of how different cultures are in Jersey and Los Angeles. People live very different lives, with different ideals and different values. Their accents are different, and so are their fashion styles. The same is true for Africa. So why shove Ghana and other areas of Africa that are so different from one another into the same sphere, just because they all fall into the category of “Africa?”
Africa is BIG. Like, this big:
Think if we generalized all of these nations into one “idea” because they were geographically comparable. Imagine how much culture we would lose out on. Chinese food suddenly becomes the same as Spanish, Indian and Japanese. So why classify all of “Africa” this way?
Do I expect to be challenged while I’m abroad? Of course. Do I expect culture shock? Who wouldn’t? Will I be faced to deal with my own biases? Yes. Will I be greeted with some of the stereotypes regarding African culture? Perhaps.
But I am fairly well traveled for my age and I’ll be with a group of people, led by a woman who has been traveling to Ghana for over 30 years all under the advisement of Michigan State. What I have learned is to be vigilant, as any traveler should be, and be open, as Ghanians are warm and welcoming people. I know I will be just fine. Worry is natural when a loved one goes somewhere new, this I know. All I’m asking is for your worry to be informed.
If for no other reason, let my journey break you of your single story of “Africa.” Let me show you that what is often portrayed in the media isn’t representative of what the entire continent has to offer. Give me the chance to tell you that even though people live on the same land mass, their cultures aren’t necessarily the same. Learn with me.
I promise to do my best to be raw, if you promise to have an open mind...