Africa The Danger Of A Single Story Analysis

New ideas. One encounters millions upon millions of new ideas that challenge one’s current lifestyle throughout a lifetime. The challenge presented to a person comes with the decision to change one’s way of life or reject the new ideas. When new ideas are presented to an entire society or culture, many people must come together and choose how they will react to the new ideas. Different reactions from different people may result in increased conflict. When people come into a new culture, a society becomes divided over what ‘side’ to take, their traditional culture or the new ideas and traditions. Many stereotypes become prevalent when a culture encounters new ideas and members. Certain cultures take the position of superiority, taking advantage

When people are introduced to a society they know little about, it is likely that falsely-rooted judgement and assumptions arise. Stereotypes are highlighted in the text, ‘Africa: The Danger of a Single Story’. “The single story creates stereotypes, and the problem with stereotypes is not that they aren’t true, but they are incomplete. They make the one story become the only story” (Amizade). Over exaggerated judgements lead to actions taken in a false manner. Stereotypes limit one’s understanding of another way of life. Stereotypes are spread as the social “norm” about a group of people, and often lead to disruption and tension. Stereotypes about the barbaristic nature of the African people eventuated their demise under the control of the Europeans, who spread the stereotypes. “A single story becomes that which we judge all other people from; it is a one-dimensional perspective of something that is actually quite complex. It is a misinterpretation of reality” (Amizade). The single story of Africans became that they were not technologically advanced, and their way of life was inferior to that of the Europeans. This allowed for the overthrow of African power, all because of the spread of a twisted opinion. People’s natural instincts are to relate any situation back to their own. In any society this may create intense conflict between its members and outside spectators. People should experiment with newly presented ideas in their lives. It is important to move away from a self-centered mindset into and open