Beyond western Afro-pessimism: The African narrative in African and non-western countries

Abstract

Although some studies have previously indicated that the stereotypical western mainstream media narratives about Africa may be shifting, this Special Issue highlights the stickiness of the stereotypes, and some of the platforms on which they continue to be repeated. Some of these studies further show how African media are also responsible for ongoing circulation of the stereotypes. While the data are discouraging, there are pockets of hope on digital media (including social media), where women and youth are taking back the proverbial pen using storytelling and humour to show that Africa is neither monolithic, nor all doom and gloom. Even through the COVID-19 pandemic, Africans entertained the world with music, dancing and comedy, proving resilience and optimism, against Afro-pessimistic narratives.

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