ninehillsRAMBLE in the JUNGLE
AMBA+AFRICA Problem is Proof of AUTHENTICITY
By Wanaku Verdzekov · · Africa & the Gulf of Guinea
Tags: authenticity, representation, leadership
When dealing with humans, there always comes a point where each one measures up the other: sizing up the opponent, scheming how best to take them down, win a duel or conclude a deal. Often this happens unconsciously (hunter-gatherer instincts?). But that's not even the point.
The real crux of post-colonial Africa's problems is the LOSS, or LACK, of AUTHENTICITY. Those who "represent" Africa in Western institutions (or anywhere) have not yet mastered the skill of representing an AUTHENTIC Africa in their words and actions.
The RESULT: anyone in the West with even an average knowledge of social psychology will take one look at the words or actions of a "supposed" African leader and quickly recognize an act that is not authentic.
Do not take my word for it. Use your own judgement, if you can.
Questions: Should Africa and Africans be "authentic"? How? Is that possible? Is "authentic" even a thing worth spending time on?
Questions…
TM
— Wanaku Verdzekov
Reading & grammar
Reading level: Gr 9–11
Understand
- What does the author mean by "authenticity"?
- How does the author say Westerners react to an inauthentic African leader?
- What questions does the author leave open?
Grammar focus: abstract nouns. Authenticity, competence, dignity are abstract nouns: they name ideas, not things. Arguments built on abstract nouns need examples to be convincing.
Try it: Choose one abstract noun from the text and give two concrete examples that show it.
Discuss: Should leaders who represent a country abroad show their own culture, or adopt international norms? Argue.