KAMPALA INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY

COLLEGE OF HUMANITIES AND SOCIAL SCIENCES

NAME : ONYANGO PIUS

REG NO : 2023-04-15429

COURSE : BPA

COURSE UNIT : INTRODUCTION TO GOV’T AND POLITICS

YEAR : ONE

SEMESTER : ONE

SESSION : DAY

LECTURER : DR. BENJAMIN BELLA OLUKA

QUESTION

The African continent has been well documented by different scholars to be a dark
continent therefore under developed. Justify the statement
The African continent has been well documented by different scholars to be a
dark continent therefore under developed. Justify the statement

The term "Dark Continent" has been historically used to describe Africa, often
perpetuating stereotypes of the continent as mysterious, underdeveloped, and
unexplored. However, it is important to recognize that this label is both outdated and
inaccurate, and it does not do justice to the rich history, diverse cultures, and varied
landscapes that can be found across Africa. In this discussion, we'll shed light on some
misconceptions and highlight the progress made in various fields in Africa.

Historical context of the term "Dark Continent"

The term "Dark Continent" emerged during the 19th century, when European explorers,
traders, and colonizers began to venture into Africa. At that time, the continent was
largely uncharted in the eyes of Europeans, and this lack of knowledge led to a sense of
mystery and fear. The term was primarily a reflection of European ignorance and
ethnocentrism, rather than an accurate description of Africa.

They called Africa the Dark Continent, because of the mysteries and the savagery they
expected to find in the “Interior”.

Exploration: Creating Blank Spaces

It is true that up until the 19th century, Europeans had little direct knowledge of Africa
beyond the coast, but their maps were already filled with details about the continent.

African kingdoms had been trading with Middle Eastern and Asian states for over two
millennia, and initially Europeans drew on the maps and reports created by earlier
traders and explorers - like the famed Moroccan traveler Ibn Battuta who traveled
across the Sahara and along the North and East coasts of Africa in the 1300s.

During the Enlightenment, however, Europeans developed new standards and tools for
mapping, and since they weren’t sure precisely where the lakes, mountains, and cities
of Africa were, they began erasing them from popular maps. Many scholarly maps still
had more details, but due to the new standards, the European explorers who went to
Africa were credited with “discovering” the mountains, rivers, and kingdoms to which
African people guided them.

The maps these explorers created did add to what was known, but they also helped
create the myth of the Dark Continent. The phrase itself was actually popularized by the
explorer H. M. Stanley, who with an eye to boosting sales titled one of his accounts,
Through the Dark Continent, and another, In Darkest Africa.

Slaves and Missionaries

In the late 1700s, British abolitionists were campaigning hard against slavery. They
published pamphlets described the horrid brutality and inhumanity of plantation slavery.
One of the most famous images showed a black man in chains asking “Am I not a man
and a brother?”. Once the British Empire abolished slavery in 1833, however,
abolitionists turned their efforts against slavery within Africa. In the colonies, the British
were also frustrated that former slaves didn’t want to keep working on plantations for
very low wages. Soon the British were portraying African men not as brothers, but as
lazy idlers or evil slave traders.

At the same time, missionaries began traveling to Africa to bring the word of God. They
expected to have their work cut out for them, but when decades later they still had few
converts in many areas, they began saying that African people’s hearts were locked in
darkness. They were closed off from the saving light of Christianity.

The Heart of Darkness

By the 1870s and 1880s, European traders, officials, and adventurers were going to
Africa to seek their fame and fortune, and recent developments in guns gave these men
significant power in Africa. When they abused that power – especially in the Congo -
Europeans blamed the Dark Continent, rather than themselves. Africa, they said, was
theHeart of Darkness that supposedly brought out the savagery in man. 

The Myth Today

Over the years, people have given lots of reasons for why Africa was called the Dark
Continent. Many people think it's racist but can't say why, and the common belief that
the phrase just referred to Europe's lack of knowledge about Africa makes it seem out-
dated, but otherwise benign.

Race does lie at the heart of this myth, but it not about skin color. The myth of the
"Dark Continent" referred to the savagery Europeans said was endemic to Africa, and
even the idea that its lands were 'unknown' came from erasing centuries of pre-colonial
history, contact, and travel across Africa.

Interestingly, the 'Dark Continent' is the richest continent on earth in terms of natural
resources. 

Furthermore;

1. The term "dark continent" to refer to Africa is problematic and rooted in colonial
attitudes. It perpetuates stereotypes of Africa being backward and uncivilized.

2. While parts of Africa do face significant development challenges, the continent is

diverse with pockets of growth and innovation. Africa is urbanizing rapidly and has a
youthful population.

3. Much of Africa's underdevelopment can be traced to historical factors like colonial

exploitation, unfavourable trade terms, debt burdens and weak institutions left behind
after independence. These structural impediments will take time to overcome.

4. Some African countries have experienced political instability, conflict and poor
governance that have hindered development. However, many African nations are now
more stable and well governed.
5. Africa has abundant natural resources and a growing middle class that offer
opportunities for future economic growth and development. The continent is
increasingly integrating trade and investment.

6. There are many developmental successes in Africa, especially in areas like mobile
technology, renewable energy, agriculture and financial inclusion. African nations are
striving for self-reliance through initiatives like the African Continental Free Trade Area.

7. African scholars have strongly objected to the "dark continent" narrative as

patronizing and Eurocentric. They point to Africa's long and rich history of cultural and
scientific achievements that were undermined by colonialism.

While not denying Africa's development challenges, we must move beyond simplistic
and outdated narratives that homogenize the continent. With good governance,
economic reforms and harnessing the potential of its youth, Africa has the ability to
grow and develop for the betterment of its people.

The term "dark continent" has been used historically to describe the African continent
as a whole, and it refers to the lack of knowledge and understanding about the
continent by people outside of Africa. The term was coined during the 19th century
when European explorers and colonial powers first began to expand their influence on
the continent. However, it has also been used to imply that Africa is underdeveloped
and backward compared to other regions of the world. In this sense, the term has
negative connotations and can be considered derogatory.

There are several reasons why Africa has been perceived as a dark continent,
including:

1. Colonialism:

Africa has a long history of colonization by European powers, which lasted for several
centuries. During this time, many African countries were exploited for their natural
resources, and their economies were geared towards serving the interests of the
colonizers. This led to a lack of industrialization and technological advancement in many
African countries, which has contributed to the perception of Africa as underdeveloped.

2. Conflict and instability:

Many African countries have experienced prolonged periods of conflict and instability,
which have hindered their development. Civil wars, genocide, and political instability
have led to the displacement of people, loss of life, and destruction of infrastructure.
This has made it difficult for these countries to recover and develop.

3. Poverty and inequality:

Africa is home to some of the poorest countries in the world, with high levels of poverty
and inequality. A lack of access to education, healthcare, and basic infrastructure has
contributed to the perception of Africa as underdeveloped.

4. Health challenges:

Africa has been hit hard by several health challenges, including HIV/AIDS, malaria, and
Ebola. These diseases have had a significant impact on the continent, leading to high
levels of mortality and morbidity, and hindering economic development.

However, it is important to note that the perception of Africa as a dark continent is not
entirely accurate. Africa has a rich cultural heritage, and there have been many notable
achievements in science, technology, and the arts by Africans. In recent years, there
has been significant progress in terms of economic development and poverty reduction
in many African countries.

Misconceptions about Africa:

1. Africa is a homogeneous entity:

Africa is the second-largest continent, home to 54 countries and an incredibly diverse

array of cultures, languages, landscapes, and resources. Treating Africa as a single,
monolithic entity overlooks the immense diversity that exists within its borders.
2. Africa is universally underdeveloped:

While it is true that many African nations face challenges related to poverty,
infrastructure, and governance, it is important to recognize that there are also many
examples of progress and development. Many African cities, such as Johannesburg,
Nairobi, and Lagos, have thriving economies, modern infrastructure, and growing tech
scenes.

3. Africa's history is insignificant:

Africa is the birthplace of humanity and has a rich history that spans thousands of
years. From ancient civilizations like Egypt, Nubia, and Carthage, to medieval empires
like Mali, Ethiopia, and Great Zimbabwe, Africa's history is diverse, complex, and
influential.

Progress and development in Africa:

1. Economic growth:

Many African countries have experienced significant economic growth in recent years,
with some nations even outpacing global averages. Sectors such as technology,
telecommunications, and renewable energy have seen rapid growth, attracting foreign
investment and creating jobs.

2. Infrastructure development:

Large-scale infrastructure projects, such as the African Continental Free Trade Area
(AfCFTA) and regional transportation networks, are helping to improve connectivity,
reduce trade barriers, and promote economic integration.

3. Education and innovation:

African nations are investing in education and innovation, with an increasing number of
universities, research institutions, and tech hubs appearing across the continent. This
has led to a surge in African entrepreneurs, scientists, and innovators making their
mark on the global stage.

In conclusion, the term "Dark Continent" is an outdated and inaccurate

representation of Africa. Instead of perpetuating stereotypes and misconceptions, it is
important to recognize the rich history, diversity, and progress that can be found across
the African continent. While challenges remain, Africa is a continent of immense
potential, and its future is one of growth, development, and opportunity. Therefore
while Africa has faced many challenges in the past that have contributed to the
perception of the continent as a dark continent, it is important to recognize the
progress that has been made and the potential for further development and growth.
The use of the term "dark continent" is outdated and derogatory, and it is important to
move away from this narrative and acknowledge the diversity and potential of the
African continent.
References

" Brantlinger, Patrick. (1985) "Victorians and Africans: The Genealogy of the Myth of the
Dark Continent," Critical Inquiry. Vol. 12, No. 1, "Race," Writing, and Difference
(Autumn, 1985):166-203.

Shepard, Alicia. (2008) "Should NPR have apologized for "Dark Continent?", NPR

Ombudsman. February 27, 2008.

World Population Prospects 2022: Demographic indicators by region, subregion and

country, annually for 1950-2100" (XSLX). population.un.org ("Total Population, as of 1
July (thousands)"). United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs,
Population Division. Retrieved 17 July 2022.

 "GDP PPP, current prices". International Monetary Fund. 2022. Archived from the

original on 22 January 2021. Retrieved 16 January 2022.

 "GDP Nominal, current prices". International Monetary Fund. 2022. Archived from the

original on 25 February 2017. Retrieved 16 January 2022.

 "Nominal GDP per capita". International Monetary Fund. 2022. Archived from the

original on 11 January 2020. Retrieved 16 January 2022.

 "Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary, African Christianity, 2020". 18 March

2020. Archived from the original on 3 May 2021. Retrieved 1 July 2021.

Sayre, April Pulley (1999), Africa, Twenty-First Century Books. ISBN 0-7613-1367-2.

Swanson, Ana (17 August 2015). "5 ways the world will look dramatically different in
2100". The Washington Post. Archived from the original on 26 September 2017.
Retrieved 26 September 2017.

Upton, Roger D. (1881). Travels in the Arabian Desert: With Special Reference to the Arabian Horse and
Its Pedigree. C.K. Paul & Company. Archived from the original on 24 September 2019. Retrieved 30
July 2018.

Modified from Wilhelm Sturmfels and Heinz Bischof: Unsere Ortsnamen im ABC erklärt nach Herkunft
und Bedeutung, Bonn, 1961, Ferdinand Dümmlers Verlag.

Serge Losique: Dictionnaire étymologique des noms de pays et de peuples, Paris, 1971, Éditions
Klincksieck.

Herrera, Rene J.; Garcia-Bertrand, Ralph (2018). Ancestral DNA, Human Origins, and Migrations.
Elsevier Science. pp. 61–. ISBN 978-0-12-804128-4. Archived from the original on 30 March 2021.
Retrieved 18 October 2020.
 Kimbel, William H. and Yoel Rak and Donald C. Johanson. (2004) The Skull of Australopithecus
Afarensis, Oxford University Press US. ISBN 0-19-515706-0

Tudge, Colin. (2002) The Variety of Life., Oxford University Press. ISBN 0-19-860426-2

Mokhtar, G. (1990) UNESCO General History of Africa, Vol. II, Abridged Edition: Ancient Africa, University
of California Press. ISBN 0-85255-092-8

 Eyma, A.K. and C.J. Bennett. (2003) Delts-Man in Yebu: Occasional Volume of the Egyptologists'
Electronic Forum No. 1, Universal Publishers. p. 210. ISBN 1-58112-564-X

Wells, Spencer (December 2002) The Journey of Man Archived 27 April 2011 at the Wayback

Machine. National Geographic