Part One
Africana studies is a very important interdisciplinary field because it analyzes the culture of Africans descents, living amongst us. This subject has challenged western ideology, which has biased cultural and social content. In addition, it illustrates the experiences of black people and their effect in the society. The studies also address issues related to family structure, history, and social and economic pressures. Thus it helps in eradicating stereotypes and racial discrimination. In the 1960s, black people felt that their legitimate voice in academia had been misinterpreted and marginalized. In addition, the fact that Africans’ experiences and historical contributions to the United States were missing in curricula fuelled the need for representation. These concerns raised in the past are no longer valid. This is because African studies have introduced African traditional disciplines and experiences into the curriculum.
Black history month is a yearly celebration in the United States, which recognizes the role of blacks in shaping the country’s history. This festive season idea was created by the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History and the historian Carter Woodson in 1926 (King, p. 1307). The second week of February was proclaimed to be the Negro History Week. The blacks marked this period by celebrating their achievements. The African need for importance and recognition led to the formation of the black history month, which is still celebrated in this era. American history has been given more attention in the institution of learning. Since the information learned in schools about the Africans-Americans is limited, the blacks are feeling that their presence has not been appreciated. Fortuantely the introduction of Africana studies has made Americans be cognizant of the African-American counterpart’s existence. Additionally, insights from the African past before slavery has generates a stronger sense of identity to the black community.
The introduction of African American studies in some schools has not changed the perspectives of most blacks regarding representation. The majority of the black students are not satisfied with the content of the subject. This is because they still have a feeling that their diasporic experiences have been ignored in popular culture and academia. African studies help in forming better a society since it fosters respect between different cultures. In addition, lessons learned counteracts the effects of white racism in society.counteractreasons, the study is highly commendable for every person who endeavors to interact fruitfully with people of Africa origin.
Part Two
This course emphasizes one importance of Africa and the African-American people to the United States. American history portrayed the Africa continent as being poor and uncivilized. However, this course has revealed the truth, which changed my perception. Currently, Africa plays a crucial role in the world, it has countries with very fast-growing economies and vibrant innovative individuals. The continent has interesting unmatched eco-diversity, different cultures, and languages. Apart from learning their history, this subject also provides ideas on how one can appreciate the continent and utilize the knowledge received to gain prosperity and new experiences.
The significance of the African continent in dailyaily lives of the Americans had been underestimated. Problems affecting the region have huge impacts on the everyday activities of people. Mineral resources used in the world are mostly imported from Africa. For instance, the coltan component which is used in making phones are found in Africa. This information is only taught in African studies, which also empowers students to be informed, global citizens. Presently, African-Americans are forming more and more communities in America. They are enriching the current culture by bringing in their beliefs. African Studies increases our understanding of the immigrants within our neighborhood. Thus, it is important that knowledge, which promotes peaceful coexistence in our homes.
The knowledge obtained from African studies increases our understanding of American and world history concerning the present occurrences. For example, the fact that the relationship between the Africans and the Americans predates the U.S independence is revealed in it. Africans played a vital role in the Industrial Revolution of America. This is because the enslaved people provided cheap labor. In addition, the profits obtained in the trans-Atlantic slave trade played a significant role in the growth of the American continent (Falola, p. 7). The awareness of Africans role in the establishment of economic foundations develops natives with respect for other people. Consequently, undertaking this course helps in the reduction of racism among the students and in society.
Conclusion
In my opinion, this course is worth taking and it is exciting too. The class enables one to appreciate and recognize the African-American minority group in our midst. The concepts learned in African studies deters us from believing the academic language of racism learned in other disciplines. The American system is unfair and the White-Americans have been benefiting from the systemic racism. This study enables an individual to be conscious of the prejudices directed to the minority group in the state. It also assists the students to realize their preconceptions that need change.
References
- Falola, Toyin. Africanizing knowledge: African studies across the disciplines. Routledge, 2017:7
- King, LaGarrett Jarriel. “Teaching black history as a racial literacy project.” Race Ethnicity and Education 19.6 (2016): 1303-1318.