Pan-Africanism: Cheikh Anta Diop, Julius K. Nyerere, and Dubois
Similar to the West, Africa proves to be a homeland of writers. Owing to the numerous literatures associated with the Africans, one can confirm that writing was part of the Africans, which is apparent in the dates of different literary works. As part of history, they wrote to preserve and educate the coming generations on what happened then. This was not only through writing, but also through other literary works such as poems, music, and other forms of art. Most of the African writers wrote out of experience, and the urge to let something known. In contrast to the modern way of African writing, which utilizes creativity as the main tool when writing; these legends utilized observation, evaluation, and experiences from others as a main contributor to their literary works.
The subjects, which majored in their writings varied according to the motive, or the experience at hand, which acted as the primary drive during their writing. This explains why some critics find African writers weird in a way. They wrote on subjects such as ethnicity, the potential of Africans, colonization, and cultural issues. However, the subjects also varied owing to the level of enlightenment the author had, in relation to the Western culture, or the evolving world. This does not necessarily suggest that the West was the main contributor, or instigator of numerous African writing, but one cannot ignore the fact that the West is a substantial contributor to numerous, modern and past African forms of writing.
In addition, patriotism was a major theme, which every writer portrayed, not towards their countries of origin, but to the entire African nations. Although some of them wrote on issues affecting their countries of origin, the same issues could be traced in almost every African nation. For instance, ethnicity is a major issue in numerous African nations, when a writer addressed the issue; one was doing so on behalf of all other African Nations facing the same challenge. The themes in their writings always affirm their Africanism because they had to mention Africa, as way of identifying with the African people.
A notable similarity among them is that African writers find the drive to write from things that happen in the entire continent of Africa. From the three African writers chosen for this study, they attest to this element. Nyerere feels that unity is a major aspect, which all African nations need to embrace (Nyerere 3). The author recognizes that Africa comprises diverse nations, recognizes the division existing in African nations, and puts across that unity will be the main thing that will bring together the diverse nations (Nyerere 4). On the other hand, Dubois, writes because he feels indebted towards the African states. Owing to his experience, in abroad, the racial profiling, Dubois feels that Africans are the source of the continued racial profiling of the blacks, or Negros (Dubois 664). This is a significant issue, which Africans are likely to face when in Europe countries.
Therefore, Dubois feels that if Africans stop entertaining products from abroad, it will be a step towards eliminating racial profiling (Dubois 666). Cheikh Anta Diop feels that the African language has been degraded, and he feels that westernization will erode the African culture, "we must remain radically opposed to any attempts of cultural assimilation… (Diop 12)." He suggests that the West should also embrace African language and teach it in their institutions, similarly to the way Africans have embraced Western languages (Diop 11). In addition, all the African writers chosen for this evaluation portray some degree of patriotism. This is evident on their literature, whereby they argue something for the benefit of Africa. They recognize the various flaws, which exist in the continent, but they still identify with Africa.
Notably, although Dubois was not born in Africa (Dubois 664), he actually suggests that he is loyal to Africa. This aspect is evident because he shows concern for Africans on the issue of racial profiling (Dubois 667). He feels that Africans should cut business with the European countries because Africans are the primary consumers of their goods, but they continue treating Africans based on race (Dubois 666). Julius K. Nyerere recognizes that African states are always fighting over issues that lack basis (Nyerere 2). However, he sees hope in the states through unity. As a patriot, he offers a way forward for the warring countries. He suggests that they should sort out their issues amicably and avoid judging each other's...
We must canonize our own saints, create our own martyrs, and elevate to positions of fame and honor black women and men who have made their distinct contributions to our history." (Garvey1, 1) Taken in itself and absent the implications to African repatriation that we will address hereafter, this is a statement which seems to project itself upon both Martin Luther King and Malcolm X, mutually driven as they would
In a post decolonized environment, the self-interest prevented productive social and civil plans from being carried out. Not until 1963 was a 120-mile stretch of railway that was vital to the economy of both Kenya and Uganda completed. The African nations, to the extent that they did come together, did not accomplish much, and the three elements of regime change that authors and researchers Jinks and Goodman, there seems to
African-American Assimilation and Acculturation Self-identity and acceptance are important for any individual attempting to adapt to society and social change. Many African-American's have a difficult time adapting to cultural values and traditions in Western America. Some assume that assimilation an acculturation to Western values will remedy the social distress that exists within the African-American population. Many have described the current social status of African-Americans as in a state of distress. Much
Black Religious StudiesMy name is John Haile from Houston. I am an Afro-American Christian living in the state for the past five years. My great grandfather had been an African slave, and my father lived in almost similar conditions. However, my father struggled to get me better education that led me to complete my degree and now work in one of the renowned newspaper firms in America. I have been
Public Passions In "The Ethics of Living Jim Crow," Richard Wright provided a brief autobiographical sketch of his life growing up in the segregated South. He described how he learned about the laws of Jim Crow in the South, and the unwritten code of ethics or manners that all blacks should follow in the presence of whites. Fox example, some informal rules held that blacks must always address a white man
It was in 1919, when Dubois represented the NAACP at the Paris Peace Conference that he decided on organizing a Pan-African conference, aimed at bringing Africa and Africa's problems to the knowledge of the entire world. Although the conference eventually was not organized, mainly because Dubois failed to coagulate sufficient participants and other African- American organizations, it reflected Dubois Pan-Africanism and the idea of double conscious. Indeed, Dubois promoted and sustained
Our semester plans gives you unlimited, unrestricted access to our entire library of resources —writing tools, guides, example essays, tutorials, class notes, and more.
Get Started Now