Africa’s hashtag game is ON POINT this week. On Tuesday, my colleague wrote about the hashtag #BeingFemaleInNigeria, which is empowering girls and women to share their experiences with others. But there’s another hashtag that’s making the rounds- and this one is just as cool. #TheAfricaTheMediaNeverShowsYou is allowing people across the continent to reclaim the narrative from the media and dispel myths left and right.
Think Africa is just one homogeneous country? Characterized solely by guns, poverty, disease, and endless amounts of sand? Think again. Here are 10 of my favorite myths, busted by #TheAfricaTheMediaNeverShowsYou.
1. MYTH: All Africans are poor.
Yea we Live in "HUTS"😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️ #TheAfricaTheMediaNeverShowsYoupic.twitter.com/3ZhrmRc4bT
— Princess Lexi™ (@basicalexiaa) June 24, 2015
2. MYTH: There’s too much violence and poverty for people to be concerned with fashion.
african street style #TheAfricaTheMediaNeverShowsYoupic.twitter.com/UlfRkFdkCh
— blige romanova (@THECAROLDANVERS) June 24, 2015
3. MYTH: Colleges in Africa? Is that a joke?
various university campuses in Africa #TheAfricaTheMediaNeverShowsYoupic.twitter.com/iXxq5fqnbI
— mango (@lunarnomad) June 24, 2015
4. MYTH: Africa is pretty much a desert wasteland.
The Boomslang – a Walkway Above the Trees in South Africa #TheAfricaTheMediaNeverShowsYoupic.twitter.com/jsNOOx6nlW
— ❤Masoo❤ (@masookies) June 24, 2015
#TheAfricaTheMediaNeverShowsYou Rwanda : The land of a Thousand hills pic.twitter.com/jIWN8DNFxr
— Ellis B. (@Ellisbht) June 24, 2015
5. MYTH: African women aren’t respected or valued in their communities.
Africa has 3 female heads of state. #TheAfricaTheMediaNeverShowsYoupic.twitter.com/oH4AYRRV3w
— Nad!a A. (@Nadiaalie) June 24, 2015
6. MYTH: Africa has no gorgeous beaches. Aren’t you thinking of the Caribbean?
More Mogadishu, Somalia #TheAfricaTheMediaNeverShowsYoupic.twitter.com/Yfa71m6Tqn
— prada (@peacetornsomali) June 23, 2015
World famous white sandy beaches of Kenya. #TheAfricaTheMediaNeverShowsYoupic.twitter.com/g5sJ3HVU6X
— KENYA PICS (@KENYAPICS) June 24, 2015
7. MYTH: All Africans look the same.
Diversity in Africa is unparalleled. Most majestic continent on the planet. #TheAfricaTheMediaNeverShowsYoupic.twitter.com/5S3usuoz8i
— Captain Africa (@See_Say_92) June 23, 2015
8. MYTH: If you’re looking for great historical architecture you have to visit Europe or Asia.
Mosques in Africa #TheAfricaTheMediaNeverShowsYoupic.twitter.com/CwFPwLfvyp
— mango (@lunarnomad) June 23, 2015
9. MYTH: All cities in Africa are dumps.
One of the most beautiful cities Africa has to offer. Cape Town, South Africa. #TheAfricaTheMediaNeverShowsYoupic.twitter.com/K2CJ5KAz8h
— TLD. (@ThomasLDarby) June 24, 2015
My family's beautiful country of Cape Verde #TheAfricaTheMediaNeverShowsYoupic.twitter.com/14KSQZ0fuI
— Christina (@tinaaxlopes) June 24, 2015
10. MYTH: There are no pink lakes in Africa. (OK, not really a myth, but go with it..)
the Amazing pink lake in senegal #TheAfricaTheMediaNeverShowsYoupic.twitter.com/A2BDghfbMc
— K.Diallo (@nyeusi_waasi) June 24, 2015
Now that we’ve established Africa is a diverse continent full of people and nations that can’t be stereotyped, help me get the word out by retweeting your favorite tweet or sharing this article. And check out my colleague Zoe’s article for more myths about Africa.