Ahmad’s most important comment in my opinion to Jameson’s Rhetoric of Otherness is his take on criticizing how Jameson wrote about the First and Second Worlds being defined by capitalism and socialism, while the Third World is characterized by their suffering. While reading Ahmad’s response, I was reminded of the very first video presentation we watched for this class with Adichie’s “The Danger of a Single Story” TEDx presentation. I think that it is super important that we remember that video when understanding Ahmad’s perspective; we should remember that there is more than just the struggles that are constantly on display by our media.
There is an Instagram account called “Everyday Africa” which helps destroy the concept of a single story, specifically for the continent of Africa. The photographers behind Everyday Africa had been covering the more stereotypical “African” content- photo series of “violence, refugees, rape victims, et cetera” for a while before they decided to start covering more typical, average day shots. The idea behind posting these photos was the audience a glimpse of normal in a world full of chaos and show how profound the impact of media has on people and what they perceive about a place, situation, etc. The now 18 photographers part of this digital experience shows everything and anything: “people eating, hanging out, doing laundry, playing with their children…” while also getting “the good alongside the bad”.
The best part of this project is that these photos are being integrated into children’s education, teaching them a more well-rounded depiction of what Third World countries such as all of the countries in Africa are like without the stereotypes that we have grown up with and are used to. In the Bronx, children were able to study these photos for eight weeks and learned about media, photography, and stereotypes, something I wish I was personally exposed to as a kid. Alongside Everyday Africa, there are spin-off accounts such as Everyday Asia, Everyday Middle East, and Everyday Eastern Europe, and even more country-specific accounts.
These accounts are helping break the barrier of stereotypes for places all around the world and we are able to get a better perspective on what other foreign places are truly like without the labels of “poor” or “third world” or “suffering” strictly and wholly defining the area. Check out Everyday Africa here: https://www.instagram.com/everydayafrica/?hl=en
Sources:
https://appusuryakiran.wordpress.com/2013/09/17/jamesons-rhetoric-of-otherness-and-the-national-allegory/
https://egyankosh.ac.in/bitstream/123456789/23222/1/Unit-2.pdf
https://www.nationalgeographic.com/photography/article/life-in-africa-unfiltered
Hello,
I definitely agree that we shouldn’t judge based on solely what media tells us. After reading the news, many people would generally conclude that Africa is land that is constantly in trouble. But Africa is just like every other nation, Africans still live normally like other nations. Africa is depicted by the nation’s crime and suffering. However, every other nation has crime and suffering as well. For example, Adichie said that Americans are depicted as violent when she references the book of American Psycho. Just because a third world country is different financially, different culturally, or have crimes as the major news, that doesn’t mean they are defined by their suffering. I checked out the “Everyday Africa” account and the pictures don’t depict Africans as suffering. The Africans in the pictures look like normal people and they are normal people. It seems that it is easy to focus on Africa negatively when the media paints Africa with negative news with little positive views. Hopefully, people and other media sources like “Everyday Africa” spread positive views to change this stereotype of Africa as a suffering nation.
Hi,
I completely agree with your stance that we should not be able to judge a society or country based on what the media tells you. I find it true that your average person would think that several countries in Africa or the Middle East are full of war and disaster; while in reality, the same activities of daily living exist, as well as a high level of crime and disaster. I believe that the key to your argument lies in the title of the first TEDx video we watched as a class “The Danger of a Single Story.” By simply observing the suffering of a country or area, it is so easy to apply that one story or observation to its entirety. What’s important is to take in several different aspects when understanding what really makes this country “Third World” compared to “First World.” While most third world countries are indeed still developing, that does not mean that a first world country does not contain the same suffering aspects often associated with third world countries.
Hello,
The media can be very deceiving and biased. This is why it is so important to know and understand an entire story and not just one viewpoint, which connects to the Ted talk you mentioned by Adichie. The instagram account you added here also connects very well to these ideas and shows the difference between stereotypes and truth, which there is certainly a blurry line between nowadays. A question I have for you is, how can someone stay correctly informed in todays day and age when differing and false information is spread so easily and globally? How does one know what news source are more trustworthy and unbiased than another?
Hello!
I enjoyed reading about the Instagram page “Everyday Africa” and looking into some of the pictures that the page has posted. I like how you made the connection between the reading for this week and the video we watched week one. It is important to think back to what we learned in the initial weeks and connect it with what we learn in the weeks to come! I think pages like this could help break those stereotypes many of us grew up with. These stereotypes clouded my judgement without any real beginning to them. I am not sure what shaped my views on countries and continents such as Africa as I was not raised in a home that imposed them however I had them until I reached an age that I was able to educate myself on the subject. I agree that the media can be dangerous in shaping our views on certain subjects however it can also help dismantle stereotypes or “single stories” we may have by using pages such as Everyday Africa and educating our children. Thanks for this insight, I will be sure to keep it in mind when working through this week’s module!
Hello,
I enjoyed your post about “Everyday Africa” and also how you tied in themes from Adichie’s TED talk video. Social media has been quick to further stereotypes like the ones that define “Third World” versus “First World” as Ahmad discusses. Media always portrays the worst, the tragedies, all the bad going on in the world, and rarely the good that is happening. Because of media’s one-sidedness, what they are saying isn’t necessarily untrue, just not the complete story, which is where the issue comes into play. Those reading, watching, etc. this media then aren’t getting the full story, but a one-sided perspective that doesn’t fully educate them on the reality. However, it is projects like “Everyday Africa” that use social media in a beneficial light to educate the public and break these stereotypes. With this in mind, it is our job as global citizens to be mindful of who and where the social media we intake is coming from and consider alternative angles that may not be as often broadcasted.
Hi!
I enjoyed reading your Context Presentation. I was unaware of this Instagram account, so I took a look at it! Thanks for sharing the resource and how helping to eliminate the single story about Africa. I liked how you tied in themes from this weeks material with the TedTalk from the first week about the danger of the single story. I think this shows the point of the class and how applicable it is to so many topics. Overall, really good job!
Hello,
I thought you made a really great point about how the media plays such a big role in how we perceive the world and other people, as Adiche pointed out in her TED talk. From my personal experience I know that the way in which I envision Africa is not the same as someone who has never been there. With all the things that are shown on the news from kidnappings, constant wars, extreme poverty, and corrupted governments, it makes sense as to why so many people view Africa this way. But sadly that isn’t the case, and with the instagram account that you mentioned, I see that there is a bigger movement towards changing these stereotypes that so many people have. It’s great to see not only the perception of Africa changing but among Asia, the Middle East and other areas where the news has made them seem like a dangerous place to live.
The example provided, “Everyday Africa”, is a significant example that can be utilized to illustrate how the media predominantly reveals only the distressing conflicts of the world. I strongly agree that media today highlights and influences an individual’s opinion/stance to judge the world for the worse. In most cases, the media portrays the stereotypical views of the world. The instgram account example that was used supports these ideas that the media simply cannot be viewed as the truth. On the other hand, this account provided a glimpse into the reality of African life, eliminating the stereotypical views on African life. The media negatively presents Africa as poor, lacking in innovation, unsafe, corrupt and swarming with deadly diseases. In order of these sterotypes to be broken, one must acknowledge different aspects of sources. Sources like “Everyday Africa” can aid us in breaking these sterotypes instead of negatively framing our views. Therefore, the media can both aid and negatively influence our views on the truth. I enjoyed reading and looking into “Everyday Africa” as well as the supporting ideas of Adichie’s single story. Adichie’s single story provided insight into how these stereotypes are formed and that one story can led to a exploitation of the truth of the world.
Hi! Thank you for this interesting read. I think it was really important to note how social media can change the perception of the Third World because we don’t see just one story. We have the opportunity to learn more about different individuals that live throughout those regions, and can see that in many ways, these people are just like us. I looked into the “Everyday Africa” Instagram webpage and it was so nice to see the reality of African life, albeit in brief posts. We often stereotype Africa because many of us have only learned one side of the story, and with pages like “Everyday Africa”, we can get a glimpse into a side that we do not get to see often.
Hello!
I like how this context presentation brought some materials we’ve analyzed so far all together. Jameson’s Rhetoric of Otherness and the ‘National Allegory’ brought up ideas found in Adichie’s “The Danger of a Single Story” TEDx presentation. Adichie’s message to the audience was that single stories of a group of people are dangerous because they are typically based off of stereotypes. In Jameson’s Rhetoric of Otherness, Third World countries are classified as poor, suffering countries. This is an example of a single story. On a more positive note, I liked how this presentation used the instagram page “Everyday Africa” as an example to show that this single story of Africa is NOT true. The account shows Africa in a positive light. Most of the time, the media displays the stereotypical views of the world, which brainwashes humanity. We need more media sources like “Everyday Africa” because it represents the country in a true manner.
This is a very true statement as many media aspects do have single stories and when being the audience it needs to be taken into consideration. When watching the news, one thing I try to do is watch several different news channels and understand which view points each is presenting. I think like you said that social media is an aspect where stereotypes are more so exploited versus other forms. More social media accounts that shows true events should be available for the audience as it seems today that more and more stories being to be twisted to show alternative view points.
I can say I did not know about this Instagram account and will be sure to check it out. When I was younger I had met some people from South Africa and this past year I worked a little bit with people from Tanzania and so often I feel that we tend to just believe into the stereotypes and we forget about the people that live there and how they live on a daily basis.
Hi!
I found what you wrote very intriguing and interesting to follow. I feel as though these accounts are significant to the growth of our society, as we base reality on what we think we are fully exposed to, which we are not. There is so much out there that goes unnoticed or unwritten. Every life has a story but not every life has been exposed. There will always be another side to every story. I felt it was important where you said the photos are integrated into children education. This is where it is needed the most, as this is where our assumptions initially start and grow.
Hi! Your context presentation was very interesting to read about. I did not know about this instagram account and now that I do, I think it is very important for people to know about it. People often only know what they see on social media which can be very one sided, when there is often a whole other side we are not aware of.
Hi,
Before reading Aijaz Ahmad’s, I had no knowledge of how the World Theory ranked different countries. I assumed it was based on how developed the country was but I was supprised but was surprised when reading Ahmad’s Critique. I found it really interesting that by definition, there is no way for a third world country to become a First world country. Just from this classification, I believe that it can cast a single story as you said. When I think of Third World country, I think of famine, suffering, and low sanitation, when in fact, several Third World countries are more similar to First World countries. I believe that the World Theory is flawed and shouldn’t be used to cast a Single story on a group of people.
Wow, what a wonderful post with great content! Thank you so much for sharing that Instagram page.. I had never heard of it up until reading your entry.
I 100% agree that the media is flawed in the sense they are often adding more to untrue/unrealistic stereotypes. Like Adichie’s video talk, it is so important for us to not fall into these “single stories”, and instead further educate ourselves and see the real, factual, reality that is instead out there. There is always more than one perspective and for us to be well rounded individuals- we must seek to see the various perspectives out there, even if they aren’t aligned with our own.
I like how you gave a real-world example of how the media is helping alter the single stores that we have of different countries around the world, in particular Africa. Although the media has both negative and positive effects on American society, this is an example of how the media has spread awareness of different countries, cultures, and what everyday life looks like to each of them. In addition, I like how you stated that these Instagram accounts are “helping break the barrier of stereotypes for places all around the world.” The Media is working in a positive way to break the single story of different countries, but also educating people at the same time about the danger of a single story.
I love this context presentation! I love how you discussed that Instagram account and gave us more information about it. I had no idea that those accounts existed, but it is amazing how they attempt to kill those stereotypes in Africa, Asia, etc. I do agree that the media has a huge impact on the way we view other cultures and countries, so it is very important to look into things ourselves, instead of falling for these “single stories” that Adichie discusses. Before learning more about these topics, I viewed Third World countries as places with extreme poverty, not much food or water, etc., but I have come to realize that these places can actually be very similar to First World countries.
Hello!
I love the link to the Instagram that you provided. The things we have gone over in class have really helped open my eyes to the fact that not everybody living in a ‘Third World’ country is suffering. Many people that live in these areas lead lives that are very similar to my own. The Media definitely does have a huge affect on the view of many people living in so-called ‘First World’ countries. Many people, including myself, believe the stereotypes that Adichie discussed: all people living in ‘Third World’ countries are starving and in need of great help. I really like how you connected the Media with these two things we learned in class.
Good Evening!
I really appreciate the comment in your presentation, “we should remember that there is more than just the struggles that are constantly on display by our media,” as it really hammers home an idea that I have been trying to show family and friends around me. So many people in this day and age, especially at the hands of social media, decide to believe everything they read on the internet or watch on tv without doing any research themselves, whether the source is supposedly “credible” or whether they saw some celebrity’s tweet online. It is truly a battle of knowledge on the internet as to what is true and is not true and I believe people need to recognize that nothing they read is inherently true unless objectively proven otherwise. If this is not the case, it is merely an opinion and must be delved into more. I am very glad you have resources that more fluidly express the African daily life as it is untrue to only assume it is a country of crime, starvation, and corruption, great read!
The Instagram account that you mentioned was great and I believe it is a great example of showing more than just the “single story” like we heard Adichie talk about in her TEDxTalk. Showing everyday African life to a broader audience is extremely important in that it can help break the stereotypes that Africa is a continent full of crime, violence, and starvation. I visited Africa about 4 years ago and was able to experience every side of the spectrum. I saw those who do live in poverty, those who could be considered “middle class” for the area, and those who lived in rather wealthy areas. Growing up, I was provided with one story of Africa, that being that it was a scary place to be, and I wish I had been exposed to the true Africa. I feel that Jameson was not able to provide statements regarding the “Third World” based on his past as a white, male, with Ivy League education, as well as having no experiences within the “Third World.”
I really enjoyed your connection between Jameson’s Rhetoric of Otherness and Adichie’s “The Danger of a Single Story” because I believe one of the largest segments of power in our world today is media control. Television and the internet can arguably be viewed as Pandora’s box because technology allows one style of nationalism to dominate the world, not just within a single nation or continent. The “Everyday Africa” photographers remind me of the BBC reporters who captured what was first happening on the ground in Kabul when U.S. troops were beginning to leave Afghanistan. Both the photographers and reporters are really brave people who care about eliminating the single narrative idea. The world should value the fact that different regions of every country are different and should actively make an effort to preserve the complexities of a universal history and of the truth. Who knows how many more amazing artifacts we would have in 2021 if there was no competition or wars between nations.
Thank you for sharing the Instagram account, I did not know they had accounts like this and I am looking forward to finding out more about these accounts who try and show more than what the media portrays. The connection between these accounts and Adichie’s speech is a perfect example about not falling into the trap of a single story. Americans have gotten very comfortable with stereotyping based off what the media has constantly shown us. Over time and through this class I have learned a new perspective on trusting the media. I originally thought that all third world countries were poor and helpless but it is not until someone steps up and goes against stereotypes that you realize it is not all bad, you realize their are beautiful traditions and cultures to be discovered and many successes stories.
Accounts like Everyday Africa will bring us closer to an America that moves away from rude stereotypes. We rely heavily on media for any news stories which does create stereotypes. We are not truly exposed to every aspect of a culture, but accounts like Everyday Africa are starting to show more about a single culture. This account will teach people of the value from each culture, instead of believing the single story we are all taught.
Hello!
With regards to your main points, I definitely agree with you that the media blinds us to the real truth and therefore, we as a society should not be basing our decisions off of purely what the media tells us. According to the general media, Africa is generally conveyed as a place of disorganization, poverty, and human suffering. This is perfectly connected to Adiche’s story of a single story, as the story of the condition of Africa is defined by the single story told be the media. The images seen in “Everyday Africa” tell an entirely different story as the media. It depicts a “normal,” thriving, society with a focus on displaying the positive normalcy that is Africa. Resources such as this allow for more positive and accurate stories to be spread, which should be highlighted and explored in order to prevent single stories.
Hi!
I first wanted to mention that i also loved how the photos were being integrated with children education. Society today is so media based, and the how Africa stereotypes are portrayed so poorly, and only focused on the negative things happening. I actually watched Archies ted talk in a previous class, and was so moved by it. I love the way she incorporates humor with such a validity. This really teaches all stories, not just a single one. All cultures have there ups and downs. Citing the instagram page was a very good outside source, because pictures and the currency of our “social media” society one picture could mean a 1000 words.