Films About the History of Africa Review Essay

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Post-independent Africa

We watched videos in class that were very enlightening and interesting. They addressed economic stability in Africa generally immediately after independence in the early 80s. Interestingly, in each decade, many issues remained constant even though time was changing. For instance, poverty and diversity in tribes coupled with copious cash crop production stood unchanged during that period. It was evident from the videos that raw material production was common amongst different countries. For instance, Tanzania is famous for rope and twine making from sisal and this came out clearly in the videos. Africa is hardy as evidenced in the film.

The cause of hunger in Zimbabwe results from over 2 million landless people who need land honestly. These people cannot cultivate nor do any other meaningful agricultural practice due to lack of land. Giving new land to these people is tantamount to giving them a new lease of life. However, Zimbabweans and Nigerians are giving back to society by putting up new schools and aiding the hapless.

African leaders around this time

African leaders during 1950s and 1980s played a key role in fostering economic growth and bracing political power at the same time. For instance, McNamara gave a sensational speech in 1971 by calling for agricultural reforms that would alleviate poverty among Africans (Madavo para, 10). Julius Nyerere also did an outstanding job in 1967 by making the Arusha Declaration that declared equality for all (Madyibi para, 12). These leaders, among others, worked tirelessly to alleviate living conditions in this region and bring about political stability. Many African countries gained independence around this period. This independence did not come on a silver platter. African leaders championed freedom and led troops into war in a bid to gain independence. Leaders like Mzee Jomo Kenyatta of Kenya fought tirelessly for freedom under the Mau Mau movement. African leaders did spectacular jobs for Africans around this time.

Ghana

The second episode of the film tackles Ghana. Scenes of a ceremony conducted 400 years ago were very fascinating. It highlighted traditional relationships between the citizenry and the political elite. Queen-mother, a brave woman born as Yaa Asantewaa in 1863, led people to revolt against British authorities (The Ashanti Kingdom para 2-3). In the film, she influences the selection of successors in the Ashanti Kingdom. The selected successor is supposed to lead the community by making sound decisions. It goes on to reflect on the events of post-colonialism and the uncertainties that plunged Africa thereafter. The postcolonial period decades were characterized by trial and error.

However, the biggest event in Africa’s history came in 1963 when Nigeria was set to conduct elections the American style. Unfortunately, religion coupled with other factors altered the election system. The then-president emphasized that Nigerians were equal people who deserved equal chances.

Conclusion

The outstanding thing in this film was that the hard economic times may be pressing people seriously but it is not keeping them down. Though grappling every day with fangs of hunger and poverty, these people remain optimistic that there is a better way of life and are brave enough to endeavor new outsets of living. It was captivating to realize that despite all that is happening; these people remain passionate about Africa, their dearest continent. This is far from the picture the media love to paint about Africa. It was an intriguing and enlightening issue and an educative interesting film to watch.

Works Cited

Madavo, C. “The Evolving Relationship between Africa and the World Bank: What We Have Learned Together. 1997. Web. 2009.

Madyibi, A. “The Arusha Declaration and TANU’s Policy on Socialism and Self-Reliance.” The Arusha Declaration. 1967. Web. 2009.

The Ashanti Kingdom. Ashanti Empire. (n.d). 2009. Web.

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