This discussion prompt asks students to consider why negative perceptions of Africa were created, what purpose this negative imagery has served, and whether these perceptions should change. It encourages students to think about how and why perceptions of Africa as barbaric, ignorant, and depraved emerged despite evidence of African contributions to history and culture, and what can be done to change such perceptions.

1. Despite overwhelming and credible evidence about African
contributions to global history and culture, perceptions remain
about the continent's (and by extension its descendants)
supposed barbarism, ignorance and depravity. In this week's
discussion forum, please consider the following:
How and why were these perceptions created in the first place?
What purpose did or does negative imagery about Africa serve?
Is it important that these ideas about Africa, and its past and
current inhabitants change? Why or why not? What can or
should be done to change these perceptions?
BOOK:
From Slavery to Freedom: A History of African Americans, 9th
Edition