Date of Award

2011

Document Type

Research Paper

First Advisor

Danilo Lozano

Second Advisor

David Iyam

Abstract

Popular electronic mediums such as movies, television and the internet commonly connote diseased and disaster ridden images of Africa. These images have far reaching implications when individuals of African descent perpetually internalize them. This includes identity crisis, disassociation from roots, embarrassment and lack of self worth, self-hate and skin bleaching. A College Survey conducted by a Stanford University Communications student on The Image of Africa Among College Aged Youth” delineates that the predominant image of Africa in the media reinforces negative associations and stereotypes of Africa and African peoples. The study makes reference to approximately 500 college-aged youth of African descent who provide statistical data as well as personal accounts supporting this notion. The substantiations utilized within this paper act as a prelude for introducing the efficacy of visual artistic expression in combating these deceptive images and its associated effects. The arts are often the source of intellectual information in cultures of Africa and the Diaspora. Artists in Africa are highly revered for the role they play in informing the community and expressing their knowledge through both tangible and intangible forms. The arts are also used for communicating messages and ideas, often embodying cultural lessons through artistic manifestations of history, religion, cosmology, proverbs, myths and oral traditions. For example, in many Afro-societies, the drum is made to copy the tonalities, sounds and rhythm in language and can be used to relay a message, especially over far distances. In Africa, and the Diaspora, artistic expression is also often the center of communal activity and interaction, playing an important role of being a unifying force. Essentially, this paper will explore the dynamics associated with the image of Africa in the media. Then, using specific examples from Africa and the Diaspora the paper will demonstrate the efficacy of visual artistic expression in communication, providing historical reference and cultural retention, acting as a catalyst for social, cultural and political change. In addition, it demonstrates the interconnectedness of Africa and the Diaspora through such mediums, showing how visual artistic mediums can be used more constructively. Finally, using these precepts, I attempt to confront media’s misrepresentation of the image of Africa through T-shirt design.

Comments

WSP Major: Africa and the Diaspora: The Dynamics of Visual Artistic Expression

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