No, it isn't full of dangerous, wild animals on the loose. It also isn't just a vast expanse of arid land. Africa – our planet's second largest continent, has been battling misconceptions like these since ages.
"I've never really wanted to go to Japan. Simply because I don’t like eating fish. And I know that's very popular out there in
Britney, Britney, Britney, dear Britney!
It is impossible to determine where this thought came from. But considering the
person it came from, it hardly comes as a surprise, since many inhabitants of the
'developed' corners of our world seem
blissfully clueless about a continent that
is second largest in size and population.
Yes, Africa - Home to a billion people. Supposedly the oldest inhabited territory in the world, which also saw the origin of the human species.
Despite all of this, there are several among us who remain ignorant about this vast continent that is brimming with diversity in every aspect. This is just a small attempt to diss the most outrageous misconceptions about Africa.
10 Biggest Myths About Africa
1. Africa Is A Country...
Africa is as much a continent as Asia or
Europe. It is a vast continent , second in
size only to Asia. Africa comprises 55 recognized states(countries), with other territories being de facto independent states with
limited recognition. The multicolored
regions visible within the borders of the map are separate countries.
2... Which Is Full Of Villages
Being an expansive continent with diverse climatic conditions, Africa has dense settlements in some areas, and sparse in others. However, to say that Africans only reside in villages would be a gross lapse of judgment. Pictured above are Cairo, Johannesburg, and Nairobi, all of which are sprawling, busy cities, home to millions of people. They have brick-and-mortar buildings, public transport, and every other conceivable modern amenity. And of course, all of these and more are found in Africa.
U-n-d-e-r-s-t- a-n-d?
3. Africa is a Huge Desert/Rainforest
Another sorry misconception people hold about Africa is about its geography.
Africa is not just the Sahara desert or the rainforests. It certainly isn't searing hot everywhere, neither does it perpetually rain all year round.
Geographically speaking, the African continent has the unique distinction of stretching from the northern temperate
zone to the southern, with the Equator
running through it. The geographic diversity of Africa is simply breathtaking. As an example, we've got you the Victoria Falls, the Blyde River Canyon, Mt. Kilimanjaro, and a view of the Indian Ocean as seen from Cape Town.
4... Where animals roam the streets...
No they don't! A significant part of Africa's wildlife lies safely ensconced in its many game reserves. Now, these parks and reserves could be located a few minutes outside the cities, but this does not mean that citizens have regular encounters with lions and giraffes in their backyard. Yes,
occasional incidents of animals wandering into the city limits are reported – but they are far and few in between. Wild animals are not too pro- urbanization, you see.
5... Which Is Why People carry spears
and shields Everywhere
As ridiculous as it sounds, this misconception seems to have stemmed
from a wide-eyed tourist's overactive
imagination. To think that the Maasai people are a precise representation of all Africans is mirthful, to say the least.
Various ethnic groups inhabit Africa, and
keeping in terms with their lifestyle,
they may carry weapons as a safeguard.
But to extend this assumption to all Africans is definitely a long shot.
African is not a language full of click-
clicks and kluck-klucks. Hell, African
isn't even a language! And if you're
confusing it with Afrikaans, then open
your eyes to this fact. Afrikaans is one
among the eleven official languages
spoken in South Africa. Across the continent, however, you'll hear around 2,000 different languages and dialects.
Among these are the Afro-Asiatic, the
Nilo-Saharan, the Niger-Congo, the Yoruba,Hausa and Igbo speakers of Nigeria in West Africa, and the
Khoisan language families, besides
French, German, and English being
spoken in several former colonies.
10... And survive on charities
On paper, Africa seems to have it all- abundant natural resources, diamond mines, oil reserves, tourist attractions,
and cultural history. But a closer inspection reveals the appalling state of affairs brought upon by greedy government officials, hand in glove with vested interests from non-African countries. Africa is not the pet project
of UNICEF, or even Angelina Jolie, for
that matter. It is a continent with a few
of its own citizens trying to devour it from within.
Of course, misconceptions about Africa
do not end here, as long as people like
Britney Spears keep dishing out gems of
ignorance - like the one mentioned at the
beginning.
But as far as you are concerned, yes you, please ensure that you educate yourself about the world in general, before shooting from the hip!.
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