Comments and discussion

In your analysis of Binyavanga Wainaina’s essay “How to Write about Africa”, you can consider commenting on or discussing those statements that are particularly controversial or interesting.

Being a satirical essay, “How to Write about Africa” is built using a lot of controversial satirical statements that you can choose to discuss.

For example, you can consider the way Wainaina describes what Western authors think about Africa: “Africa is to be pitied, worshipped or dominated. Whichever angle you take, be sure to leave the strong impression that without your intervention and your important book, Africa is doomed.” (ll. 32-34)

This statement is a critique of how not only authors but Western countries in general tend to have a superior attitude towards Africa. The writer attacks the assumption that without the help of the West, Africa cannot develop. This suggests the author believe Westerners still have racist views about Africa. Another form of racism the text explores is that of describing Africa as exotic, as "the other": “Do not mention rice and beef and wheat; monkey-brain is...