Colonialism Continued

Abstract

According to a group of recently arrived students from eight different countries on the continent of Africa, schooling in America has not been a positive experience. The colonial mentality that degraded Africa and Africans for hundreds of years thrives in their schools, neighborhoods, and in the media. Their African American peers reported hearing that Africa is a “ jungle” and Africans are “savages.” The African students expressed their frustrations and disappointments with their schooling experiences: the lack of information about Africa and the lack of interest in Africa on the part of their teachers and their peers. Their dreams of getting a quality education are not being realized. The students struggle with a lack of respect and low expectations and hope to find ways to promote a more positive image of Africa and Africans. Efforts to educate Americans about Africa and Africans is critical to help change the colonial mentality that still exists in America today.