Injustices in African History and Contemporary Portrayals of Africa : Mischaracterization, Inequality, and Globalization

Examining the history of injustice that African nations and communities have faced, this book highlights ways to address these injustices.

Examining the history of injustice that African nations and communities have faced, this book highlights ways to address these injustices. Part 1 examines the slave trade’s connection to the diaspora, shows its connection to racial prejudice and economic exploitation, and argues that reparations should be a global responsibility, borne by all historical stakeholders. In Part 2 contributors highlight mischaracterizations of Africa in the health sector. They break down Eurocentric approaches to mental and physical health and discuss the Africanization of the Ebola crisis, emphasizing the monetization of vulnerability through philanthro-journalism. Part 3 analyzes culture and gender inequality in African societies, looking at ethnic disputes, and historical and political roles of women, and how global perspectives on gender have changed. Part 4 analyzes colonial injustices with an emphasis on political and social disputes stemming from colonial rule as well as the rise of African nationalism and leadership. Part 5 examines neocolonialism and the continuing inequity in Africa. The contributors discuss media presentation of contemporary Africa, memory and how colonial harms are or aren’t addressed, and the effects of future globalization of Africa. This collection unpacks historical injustices that Africa and Africans have faced and presents approaches for ending this inequitable treatment.