The Dark Continent... But Why?

Africa is called the "Dark Continent." This unfortunate label shrouds Africa with a depressing connotation - a place of starvation, poverty, instability, and corruption. Western aid organizations come to Africa in droves, seeking to make a positive impact. They come under names such as Save the Children, Food for the Hungry, Hope International, World Food Program, USAID, etc etc. While altruistic, these aid agencies have historically sent a sub-conscious message to Africans that they are incapable and lack the ability to develop on their own.

Generally speaking, most aid agencies are headquartered in the West (Europe or USA). These countries are able to support such organizations because of the great wealth that is on both continents. If we look back, we see that this wealth creation was derived from a system based on capitalism. That is the "system" that the West knows best in terms of development. However, when it comes to Africa, history has shown that the thinking of Westerners is ironically reversed entirely. Compassion for the suffering urges us to "give." This giving is called "development aid." Unfortunately, it completely undermines a country's economic pursuit of a sound capitalistic society.

This is the most poignant realization that has come to me since seeking to examine Africa's situation in greater depth. The psychological approach to Africa in the West must be reversed. Yes, this is a land of heart-wrenching suffering. Yet, our focus should not exclusively be on this negative. We must focus on the great opportunities and possibilities that Africa beholds. It is imperative, though, that we pursue those endeavors that fit into the mold of the system we know best - capitalism. Economic development can then occur naturally.

TS