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T h e B i o g r a p h y o f

Spirit

Terms

1. Derogatory

showing a critical or disrespectful attitude.

"she tells me I'm fat and is always making derogatory remarks"

2. Sexism

prejudice, stereotyping, or discrimination, typically against women, on the basis of sex.

"sexism in language is an offensive reminder of the way the culture sees women"

Terms

3. Trope

can refer to any type of figure of speech, theme, image, character, or plot element that is used many times.

" The “ticking clock” is a common trope of screenwriting."

4. Alluring

powerfully and mysteriously attractive or fascinating; seductive.

"the town offers alluring shops and restaurants"

Terms

5. Stigma

mark of disgrace associated with a particular circumstance, quality, or person.

"the stigma of having gone to prison will always be with me"

What are the first thoughts that come to mind when hearing the word Africa? Some may say, “there are starving kids in Africa.” “All Africans are black”. “African girls and boys walk naked” “African girls don’t use sanitary napkin” “All Africans have HIV/AID.” Let’s think for a second what if Africa was your continent? Would you like these derogatory terms define who you are? Why do people think this way about Africa?”

I will tell you why, it’s because of the lack of education and Hollywood influencing our minds. “ In recent years, there has been increased attention on racism and sexism in Hollywood films, which can be reflected in who acts in front of the camera, who directs behind it and how people are represented on-screen — and often all three.

To illustrate how stereotypes have developed in Hollywood, DW analyzed tropes used in more than 6,000 Oscar-eligible movies since 1928. Hollywood history provides many examples of racist caricatures. Black and Asian people have been repeated targets. Blackface has decreased, but black characters still die first in Hollywood.” (DW 2018) Therefore, this paper will focus on actors and world leaders who are changing the perspective of Africa.

In 2009 Barack Obama was the first black president of the United States. His road to the presidency did not come easy as his birthplace and nationality were questioned. Notably, President Obama’s father came from Kenya. In his book Dreams from My Father, President Obama states, “ “To be black was to be the beneficiary of a great inheritance, a special destiny, glorious burdens that only we were strong enough to bear.” (Obama 2004)

While in South Africa a comedian was born. Trevor Noah said, “ I live in South Africa. I'm proud to live there. I've always said I want to be a comedian from South Africa in the world. I will stay in places for a bit here and there and pop into New York for a while, maybe stay in London for a year, but my home will always be South Africa. I enjoy it too much.”(Trevor 2016) In 2015 Trevor Noah was the first South African comedian to appear on The Late Show. He was also successful in hitting one million views in a single week.

In 2017 Demi-Leigh Nel-Peter was crowned Miss Universe 2017 and in 2019 Zozibini Tunzi was crowned Miss Universe 2019 she said “I grew up in a world where a woman who looks like me, with my kind of skin and my kind of hair, was never considered to be beautiful. I think that it is time that that stops today." (Tunzi, 2019)

Also the year 2019 Beyonce “ Lion King’ album was “ a love letter to Africa”. I wanted to make sure we found the best talent from Africa, and not just use some of the sounds, and did my interpretation of it," (Carter, 2019) The music video captures Africa’s alluring colours, talent and dancing choreography.

In conclusion, to “the land that is free from cold and horror” this is my love letter. I express my regret for having Hollywood influence my thoughts. To a country who has fought pandemics, fought wars, fought discrimination and who continues to flight racism may the world look up to you for your encouragement and determination. Hence to, Avice Michal Kakayi Meya who is the first student from Uganda to the GSIA program and Tebesutfu Andile Nkambule from Eswatini thank you building a friendship that erases stereotypes and stigma. Nelson Mandela said, “the greatest glory in living lies not in never falling but in rising every time we fall.” Africa never fails let us all have that “ African Spirit within us!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=civgUOommC8

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