I Studied Abroad in Africa!

Anonymous asked: I recently came across this post that a white girl posted that said, 'Kony, we're going to find you nigga'. I messaged her about the fact that her intention of bringing the evils of Joseph Kony to the attention of many, was actually ruined by the fact that it had an obvious oppressive slur on it. She claimed it was 'harmless humor' and that the context it was in was humorous. Was she right, or was I being too sensitive and didn't understand the jest of it all?

Hey, 

I am not Yo Is This Racist but I can say that the use of the n-word is never humorous when used by white girls that think it’s harmless. 

African Love!

Hi,

I was wondering why you only show women in your blog. Is it not true that their are also men (of all colors) who trivialize Africa and its diversity? Indeed, it was rich men who colonized most of Africa by degrading men and women of all colors. Also, by only showing women, you re-enforce the gender stereotypes that women are silly and stupid. Please expand your blog so it includes people of all genders. 

Hey Gurls!

We’ve gotten this question a number of times. You’re right in saying that there are men (and women) of all colors who trivialize Africa and it’s wide and rich diversity. We are really against the idea that “men’s volunteering/work” is more serious or legitimate than “women’s volunteering/work”. It is a pretty awful coincidence that the majority of the photos on this blog are of women. In the past, we have posted pictures of men. In terms of the description and name of this blog, we really meant to say “rich people from the Global North” but seriously, no one would read it if that were the title.

Thanks for reading!

African Love

If any of you wonder about what kinds of emails we get on the regular, here is a prime example. We hope you enjoy reading it as much as we did!

To Whomever it Concerns:

Have you ever been to Africa before? Do you do charity work? Maybe these girls are privileged, maybe they have more money than you and that makes you feel insecure but at least they’re making a difference. What are you doing besides sitting on your ass and writing this blog which contributes NOTHING to society. Even if all these girls do is make kids smile in Africa, that’s more than you’re ever going to do. You do realize that these kids are starving, they hardly have anything, their parents are dying of AIDS and therefore becoming orphans. Life in Africa is pretty grim, to the point where I personally cannot even imagine what these babies are going through and how despite everything they’ll never give up. So even if these girls just make them smile or laugh for an hour or two hours, that’s two hours that they’re not thinking about how much they’re starving, or how poor they are, or the dangers that they have to endure day after day. I think that’s pretty awesome. 

I don’t know you, I’ve never met you but because you think that you can judge other people I’m going to go ahead and judge you. You were probably one of those mean girls who made fun of your classmates for being overweight, having acne, not dressing in brand name clothes, who maybe be a little shy. You took their insecurities and used it against them because you had low self-esteem. You were one of those girls that never had to work for anything in her life because mommy and daddy bought you anything you needed. When you were 16 you got a car. It might not have been a lexus or a mustang like some of the other kids in schools but you got a descent civic or corolla. Your parents splurged on a nice prom dress maybe not a $300 Betsy Johnson dress but a beautiful $150 dress from David Bridals that came with a mani/pedi and a hair appointment the day of the prom. During college your dad sent you $50 a week so you wouldn’t have to get a job during college. You could just spend your nights partying and your days sleeping. I’m sure you have a great life.

So the next time you want to shit on someone for trying to make a difference just remember you’ll never be half the person they are and no matter what you do you never will. So get the fuck off your ass and go do something productive you ignorant twat. Knowledge dropped.

Hugs and kisses,

XXXXXXX

“I thought that your people believed cameras stole a piece of your soul?”

We just wanted to say thanks for all the support this past year! We’re coming back from some great holiday festivities here in the Third World (much more authentic and anti-capitalist) but don’t worry—your messages and emails are not going unread. 

XOXO

African Love

original caption: “In the midst of a seven hour journey through the mountains on the back of the one and only Mighty Wisdom”

This African orphan will make a great accessory. I might put her on my holiday gift guide!