In an era when information is of grand value, what often predominate are false stereotypes. Fueled by the Western media’s selective coverage, Africa has been boiled down to grim images of famine, war, poverty and inhumane living conditions.
To fight back the stereotypes, a group of African youths have taken to Twitter to portray the less communicated beauty, marvel and successes of their continent.
#TheAfricaTheMediaNeverShowsYou Strong female farmers returning from the fields in southern Mali pic.twitter.com/VrpbeHdG6p
— William Moseley (@WilliamGMoseley) July 8, 2015
In late June, 22-year-old Somali Diana Salah and a friend of hers initiated the hashtag campaign #TheAfricaTheMediaNeverShowsYou through which they have attracted more than 50,000 images to date from across Africa.
From photos featuring luscious beaches, to bustling cities and cultural celebrations, a myriad of enthusiastic Twitter users have been sharing pictures from their hometowns, or African cities they have visited – pictures the media chooses not to show.
While the initiative called on African youths to communicate how they see their countries, it has also been heaven to those who are down with wanderlust. Who wouldn’t fall for such awe-inspiring images of green landscapes, or lively African arts and fashion, spanning the entire spectrum of soul nourishing colors?
Artists speak out against homophobia with @AfricasOut campaign http://t.co/JRxvVPEi8G #TheAfricaTheMediaNeverShowsYou pic.twitter.com/PprbITdKLE
— Design Indaba (@designindaba) July 8, 2015
Narrating her incentive for initiating the call, campaign founder Salah told Fusion that “growing up, I was made to feel ashamed of my homeland, with negative images that paint Africa as a desolate continent.”
But after she witnessed her call being answered across various social networks, she was confident to describe the campaign as “amazing!”
Below are some pictures that will surely leave you yearning to visit Africa:
These Nigerian TEENAGERS who invented a generator than runs on pee. 1l = 6hrs power! #TheAfricaTheMediaNeverShowsYou pic.twitter.com/hyTGhjOrFY
— Tracy Angus-Hammond (@T2T_Trace) July 6, 2015
Such a great hashtag: #TheAfricaTheMediaNeverShowsYou
Photo ht @SiphileHlwatika Drakensberg Mountains, South Africa pic.twitter.com/KBGUQze3LM
— Femi Oke (@FemiOke) July 6, 2015
Talent, Hardworking and Creative. #TheAfricaTheMediaNeverShowsYou pic.twitter.com/OP5C42I6c0
— Bunnaj (@bunn_aj) July 6, 2015
#TheAfricaTheMediaNeverShowsYou Our little ones are happy & not always bony starved kids with flies on their faces! pic.twitter.com/4vl8r7aHIi
— Martha Rose ♥♥♥ (@DatAfricanGirl) July 3, 2015
Or watch more pictures here.
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