When many of my friends caught wind of me visiting Ghana, I heard my fair share of ignorant comments: “Are you scared?” “Do they have food?” “Don’t get malaria!” Such comments infuriated me but instead of jumping down their throats, I decided to educate them.
First off, AFRICA IS NOT A COUNTRY. I am astounded by how many people classify it as a country, when it is a CONTINENT. Ghana is located in Western Africa, neighbored by Togo, Burkina Faso, and the Ivory Coast. It is a matrilineal society, as women are deeply valued. You, too, will be valued.
Next, the media fuels the perception that Africa is impoverished and dangerous, but this single story is misguided and detrimental. Leave your preconceived notions at the door or don’t enter at all.
There are definitely more underprivileged areas in Africa and more specifically in Ghana, but often times people equate simplicity (lack of technology, for example) to living an unfulfilled life. I learned how false this is. While in Ghana, staying with a host family in a village, I learned just how fulfilling their lives are. Taking bucket showers each day does not hinder their experiences, but rather creates people who value life more than many of the people I know do.
Next time you think about an African country, I encourage you to challenge yourself and think outside of the preconceptions you may currently hold. GIRL POWER!
This was incredibly helpful and I learned so much from reading! I’d love to read more about this topic and I’m glad I came across it.
Thanks for your kind words! I’m happy to see that you learned something, as the best way to become a global citizen is to educate yourself on the truths of the world.
Hi Alana!
I thought your post was a great take on traveling to countries you may not be familiar with. I also enjoyed your attached Ted Talk a lot, and think there is a lot to learn in terms of not judging other countries off of our pre conceived notions. Well done!
Hey, Riley!
Thanks so much for your comment. I agree that it is essential to challenge such prejudices when traveling and learning from the world. It is the only way to grow and spark change.
Alana, thank you for this post! These are the kinds of posts that the world needs to broaden their perspectives. Such a well written article that teaches the true story of Africa, one that isn’t solely about poverty and corruption, but one that is filled with love and strength. Keep writing 🙂
Hi Ellie!
Thank you so much. I couldn’t agree more. I hope you enjoyed reading as much as I did, learning about such misconceptions.
IT DRIVES ME CRAZY WHEN PEOPLE SAY THAT AFRICA IS A COUNTRY. I am freaking out that you addressed it. That is so cool that you stayed with a host family in a village. I don’t know if I would be able to do that but from your words it sounds like it was invaluable
It seems to me you are already on your way to becoming a worldly woman by seeing how flawed this misconception is. I would highly encourage participating in a home-stay while in Ghana, as it allows you an opportunity to immerse yourself in the culture in the most authentic way. You will put down your phone and learn from, rather than about, Ghanian culture!