Worlds Famous Novelist Chinua Achebe Speech on why Africa Has to Tell its Own Stories

Summary

In this powerful speech, the speaker reflects on the transformative influence of literature and its role in shaping perceptions, particularly of Africa. From personal experience, the speaker discusses how colonial narratives, such as those in *Heart of Darkness*, misrepresented Africa. They call for a reimagined story, one that listens to the voices of Africa's people, challenging stereotypes and urging the West to recognize the complexity and humanity of the continent. The speaker stresses the importance of empathy and mutual understanding, emphasizing that the strong must listen to the weak for true progress.

Takeaways

• 😀 The speaker reflects on their personal transformation from viewing Western literature's portrayal of Africa to realizing the need for a new narrative.
• 😀 They discuss how Western books, like *Heart of Darkness*, shaped perceptions of Africa and led them to identify with the oppressor rather than the oppressed.
• 😀 Literature and storytelling are powerful tools that shape our understanding of the world, and they must not be detached from politics or societal realities.
• 😀 The speaker critiques the idea that literature should have no societal impact, emphasizing that stories shape our image of the world, right or wrong.
• 😀 Africa is often misrepresented in Western media, and the speaker calls for a more nuanced, human portrayal of African people as complex individuals, not as mere caricatures.
• 😀 The speaker encourages the West, particularly, to listen to the voices of African people, rather than perpetuate the myth that they are incapable of speaking for themselves.
• 😀 Empathy is key: the speaker argues that the strong must listen to the weak, both within Africa and globally, to better understand the human experience of the oppressed.
• 😀 The speaker criticizes the colonial mindset that sees Africa as a passive partner, drawing an analogy to the 'horse and rider' relationship described by a British governor.
• 😀 They advocate for a shift in perspective: to create meaningful change, we must learn to put ourselves in the shoes of those we have oppressed.
• 😀 The speaker calls for a new story—a narrative that reflects the complexity and humanity of African people, one that acknowledges their agency and voice.

Q & A

What was the speaker's initial reaction to adventure books in his youth?

The speaker initially identified with the 'good white man' in adventure books, instinctively siding with him against the 'savages' in these stories.

How did the speaker's view of literature change during his university years?

At university, the speaker realized that the books he had read should be understood in a different light. He recognized himself as one of the 'savages' depicted in stories like 'Heart of Darkness,' rather than as the protagonist.

What was the speaker's realization about the role of literature in society?

The speaker realized that literature shapes our perception of the world, influencing how we view both society and politics, whether the portrayal is true or false.

What point does the speaker make about the Western perception of Africa?

The speaker emphasizes that the Western media often ignores Africa or only reports negative, sensationalized stories about the continent, creating a skewed image of Africans as either 'devils' or 'angels.'

How does the speaker want Africa to be viewed by the rest of the world?

The speaker wants the world to recognize Africa as a continent of people, not as a caricature or a backdrop for exotic stories. He advocates for understanding Africans as just people, with their own voices and stories.

What does the speaker suggest is the relationship between the 'strong' and the 'weak'?

The speaker argues that the strong often fail to listen to the weak, which leads to an unequal power dynamic. He emphasizes the need for the strong to develop the ability to listen, both in Africa and in broader societies.

How does the speaker critique the colonial mindset of the past?

The speaker quotes a British governor of Southern Rhodesia who described the relationship between whites and blacks as a 'partnership of the horse and its rider.' He criticizes this mentality, pointing out its lack of empathy and imagination.

What does the speaker mean by the importance of imagination in addressing power imbalances?

The speaker argues that to create meaningful change, people in positions of power must develop the imagination to empathize with the oppressed. Without this, societal progress will remain limited.

What is the speaker's message regarding the power of storytelling?

The speaker stresses that storytelling is not just a form of entertainment but also a serious tool for shaping society. By telling different stories, especially from the perspective of the oppressed, one can challenge dominant narratives.

What does the speaker suggest the West can learn from Africa?

The speaker urges the West to listen to Africa, to stop seeing it as a place defined by its problems and instead recognize the voices and experiences of African people. He calls for a shift in how Africa is portrayed in global conversations.