DISPARITIES FUEL INTEREST AND CONNECTION TOWARDS AFRICA AMONG YOUNG AFRICANS IN DIASPORA

According to Techeconomy articles, it Mades emphasis What’s it like being an African youth in the diaspora? According to the new Being African: How Africans Experience the Diaspora report, diasporic African youths experience different types of discrimination — exoticization in France, microaggressions in the UK, and surveillance and profiling in the US. 

The most recent research study conducted by Africa No Filter, an organization focusing on narrative change, delves into the experiences of young Africans in the diaspora. It explores their sense of African identity, the challenges they face, and the factors influencing their connection to the continent.

The study reveals that despite encountering various forms of discrimination in their host countries like France, the UK, and the US, diasporic African youth maintain a unique dual heritage. They take pride in African languages, food, music, and history while also embracing the language and culture of their host nation.

Interestingly, their perception of Africa is not significantly swayed by negative mainstream media narratives. Instead, they rely on personal relationships, social media, and occasional visits to the continent to shape their understanding of being African.

Discrimination experiences and recent racial reckonings in their host countries contribute to an increased interest in Africa. This interest extends to exploring African heritage, learning about the continent’s history, embracing cultural elements, and adopting African names.

Key Findings:

1. Discrimination experiences vary across France, the UK, and the US, leading to a shared feeling of not fully belonging in their host countries. Despite this, diasporic youth view their African identity with pride and seek to nourish and preserve it through visits and historical reimagining.
2. Proficiency in an African language is highly valued among young diasporans, even for those who do not speak one. The desire to speak an African language is widespread.
3. Recent racial reckonings and #BlackLivesMatter movements prompt young diasporans to learn more about their heritage. This includes a focus on African history, wearing African clothing, and adopting African names, reinforcing their African identity.
4. Poor treatment, marginalization, and unequal access to government services are common experiences for young diasporans. The nature of mistreatment varies across countries but often involves microaggressions, exoticization, or fear due to racial violence.
5. Limited knowledge of Africa among diasporic youth fuels a strong thirst for information. They seek knowledge from diverse sources, including family members, books, and social media. Traveling to the continent is seen as enhancing their understanding of its diverse cultures.
6. Global news coverage of Africa is perceived as biased and negative, focusing on poverty and political violence. Despite this, participants are not easily swayed by such narratives, being aware of the media’s slant.
7. Even positive stories about Africa are mainly perceived as individual achievements, maintaining a negative overall framing of the continent. These stories often highlight successful individuals rather than broader positive aspects.

News Source: Techeconomy