Afrophobia

Afrophobia is a perceived fear of the cultures and peoples of Africa, as well as the African diaspora.[1]

Primarily a cultural phenomenon, it pertains to the various traditions and peoples of Africa, irrespective of racial origin.[1] As such, Afrophobia is distinct from the historical racial phenomenon Negrophobia, which is a contempt for negro peoples specifically.[2] The opposite of Afrophobia is Afrophilia, which is a love for all things pertaining to Africa.[1]

To overcome any perceived "Afrophobia", writer Langston Hughes suggested that White Americans must achieve peace of mind and accommodate the uninhibited emotionality of African Americans. Author James Baldwin similarly recommended that White Americans could quash any "Afrophobia" on their part by getting in touch with their repressed feelings, empathizing to overcome their "emotionally stunted" lives, and thereby overcome any dislike or fear of African Americans.[3]

It has been observed that writing and terminology about racism, including about Afrophobia has been somewhat U.S.-centric. In 2016, Afrophobia has been used as a term for racism against darker-skinned persons in China. In such usage Afrophobia is an inexact term, because the racism is directed against darker-skinned persons from anywhere, without regard to any connection to Africa. Conversely, Chinese views for lighter-than-average skin are more positive, as reflected in advertising.[4]

See also

References

  1. 1 2 3 Kivuto Ndeti; Kenneth R. Gray; Gerard Bennaars (1992). The second scramble for Africa: a response & a critical analysis of the challenges facing contempory [sic] sub-Saharan Africa. Professors World Peace Academy. p. 127. ISBN 9966835733. Retrieved 10 December 2015.
  2. ↑ The Congregational Review, Volume 2. J.M. Whittemore. p. 629. Retrieved 10 December 2015.
  3. ↑ Washington, Robert E. (2001). The Ideologies of African American Literature. Rowman & Littlefield. p. 272.
  4. ↑ Roberto Castillo (August 12, 2016). "Claims of "China's Afrophobia" show we need new ways to think about race and racism". (posted originally at The Conversation, with title Of washing powder, Afrophobia and racism in China, August 11, 2016)


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