Eurocentric and Afrocentric Beliefs - Research Paper Example

 Eurocentric and Afrocentric Beliefs Many people can present arguments trying to discredit Eurocentric or Afrocentric thinking, but how can anyone tell someone their personal point of view is wrong? Considering that perspectives deal with assumed truths and an individuals personal ideologies, you have to be neutral and unbiased when intellectually discussing these very different theories. The core beliefs of Afro-centrism comes from the ideas that for centuries blacks and other non-whites have been dominated and oppressed for centuries by Europeans for personal gain. Their cultures and history was belittled and duplicated by European cultures and deemed irrelevant in order to further progress their own agendas. Many writers and historians such as Karl Marx believed that because of Europe’s size and central location it provided a model for the world to operate as a whole. Marx was one of the few who also emphasized that even though it was an integral part of modernization Europeans shouldn’t take on an air of superiority and belittle any other culture.1 So as I just simply illustrated we have two totally polar opposite perspectives about where each culture stands when it comes to the development of society and its involvement in the modernization of the world. In the following paragraphs I will try to paint a picture of understanding on why I agree with the views of the Afro-centrist versus those of one who favors Euro-centrism. When discussing a subject like the dark continent, currently known as Africa one doesn’t have to go far to support his/her Afro-centric views. Africa is commonly known as the cradle of civilization because of its documented connection to being one of the original birthplaces of mankind. Some people note that because of the countries abundance in natural wealth (oil, diamonds, gold, jewels, etc) it can be theorized that Africa would be an ideal location for the Garden of Eden. It’s hard to believe that a culture that was respected and then destroyed by “famous men” such as Julius Caesar could be omitted from contributing to the forward movement of any society. It is said that Africa, more specifically the Egyptians had some of the most complex and highly developed aspects of society in ancient times. There was advanced medical practices, a library system, architectural masterpieces and other wonders that led all to believe that Africans contributed greatly to the cutting edge thinking that is necessary to move along in any era. This was a contribution none the less whether it was obtained willingly or by force. This leads me to my point that Europeans used the knowledge they obtained from observation or by stealing from the African culture to promote themselves as the bigger catalyst in the progression of western civilization.2 “It takes more than a horrifying transatlantic voyage chained in the filthy hold of a slave ship to erase someone’s culture”-Maya Angelou.3This brief quote clearly indicates a rebuttal to the famous words “I am apt to suspect the negroes to be naturally inferior to the Whites. There scarcely ever was a civilized nation of that complexion, nor individual, eminent either in action or in speculation. No ingenious manufacture among them, no arts, no sciences” 4uttered by extreme Euro-centrist David Hume who believes that Africans could never contribute to modernization because of their lack of a “civilized society”. This form of racist thinking has led many Afro-Centrics to develop the African Holocaust theory. It shows that there is a clear assassination of any contributions that have stemmed from Africans by Europeans. German philosopher Hegel noted that “Africa is no historical part of the world”, this extreme view has been shared with many who believe that European culture is the alpha and omega when it comes to historical contributions. Some facts to dispel those theories is that Christianity existed in Ethiopia long before the “Church of England” and libraries and universities were established in Timbuktu that focused on advanced math and sciences long before they were adapted anywhere else. This lends greater credit to the view that even though Europeans had a hand in moving the world forward it was with the assistance of other non white nationalities. The proper definition for reparations is the act of making amends, offering expiation, or giving satisfaction for a wrong or injury. Most afro-centric individuals believe that receiving reparations is a natural act and should be done as a way of making up for the years of slavery. Theorists believe that the effects of slavery was lasting and it hindered the progress of Africans in America who later became known as African Americans. Many activists believed that some sort of compensation was necessary to allow African Americans to gain equal footing to their European counterparts. This money was supposed to be used to purchase back the land that slaves used to tender and manage for the slave owners, as well as investing and allowing greater funds to accrue. On the other hand the Eurocentric perspective is that reparations is a luxury that should not be given to the Africans since they didn’t actually contribute to the development of society. The “Me” first attitude of the Euro-centric individual is a stark comparison to the “We” first mentality of the Afro-centric community.5 This mentality is the driving force behind their perspectives that many deemed as racist. In conclusion, when presented with the facts and numbers it is hard to deny Africans their rightful place as contributors to the development of modern society. As previously stated, one of the key differences between Eurocentric and Afrocentric perspectives is that the latter of group is willing to share credit for being a partial influence in modernization while the Euro-centric party is concerned with maintaining the perpetrated image of being the sole contributor. Furthermore it is impossible to accurately pinpoint one nationality, gender, race or creed as the sole reason for our nation’s development. Our society is a melting pot that shares, embodies and embraces different cultures to create a nation that is built on the blood, sweat and tears of our ancestors who strived to create a world where progression is the norm. The economic depression of 1930s, forced several industrialized nations across the world to pursue the development of a social welfare system. The United States of America struggled to remedy the effects by the inclusion of social and employment policies in the nation’s constitutional frame work. The legislators and policy makers promised the general public about the provision of increased employment opportunities and social justice to all the citizens of America. Unfortunately, this was not exactly what happened; African Americans were not given the same status and rights as the Whites. Moreover, the Blacks had no say in the American constitution for a long time thus; they were denied the right to choose their own representatives. Therefore, it is a fact that Eurocentrism has neglected and denied the essential contributions which could have been made by African Americans in the historical development of United States of America.6 The essential contributions of Africa’s aboriginal people to the historical development of mankind, has always been neglected and denied by most Eurocentrists.7 However, it is astonishing that how could Eurocentrics claim that no historical part was played by Africa in the development of the world when Mediterranean and North African societies such as, Old Greece and Old Egypt, were African. Thus, it is clear that the development of such civilizations was influenced by African ideas and achievements. Many Afrocentrics associate more importance with African identity of African Americans than solely their American nationality.8 Most Eurocentrics are materialistic while on the other hand, Afrocentric’s associate tremendous value with interpersonal relationships which is also reflected in their family setups. 9 The Old Eurocentric model is considered by many Afrocentrics as a lie designed to perpetuate the power of Europe and to glorify European culture. Afrocentrics dismiss Eurocentric views which perpetuate Europe’s centrality in history by asserting that the Mediterranean Culture’s fountainhead was not Europe, it was Africa. Accordingly, Afrocentrics are justified in their claim that there is a dire need of the development of a new model of understanding and viewing the history of the World. Thus, Afrocentrics like Sanegalese Cheikh Anta Diop and the American Molefe Asante are unbiased in arguing that the art, philosophies and technologies developed by Egyptians and other black Africans, were cumulative result of the influence of ancient Mediterranean societies.10 Eurocentric’s are often criticized of exaggerating and selectively using historical evidence to perpetuate the power of White people. Most Afrocentrics dismiss the selectivity by merely stating the fact that it is based upon largely outdated and discredited sources. While on the other hand, Eurocentrics do not consider the ties between Egypt and Mediterranean civilizations to be extensive. However, this is not true as authentic evidence of extensive ties between Egypt and African society has been found and most scholars consider the claims of Eurocentrics to be nothing but dubious notions. Evidences such as the close relation between Egyptian language and many African tongues are too prominent to be denied. The rising European imperialism and nationalism has influenced Eurocentrics to deny and neglect Middle Eastern and African influences on Greek culture. The Eurocentric views are false as evidence of African influence is mirrored in the myths and historical writings of Greeks themselves and Bernal uses these writings to argue Eurocentrism. African and Egyptian influences are clearly reflected in the claims of the Greek historian Herodotus. Herodotus claims that mathematicians were invented by Egyptians and the origination of Greek Gods also took place in Egypt. Therefore, Afrocentrics are justified in claiming that a significant proportion of Greek culture and religion has been molded by Egyptian influence which has been totally denied as a result of Eurocentrism. Egyptian civilization was essentially an African and Mediterranean society thus, Eurocentrism has neglected African contribution to world history by denying the authenticity of Egyptian influence on Greek culture and religion.11 Conclusion: The inevitable confrontation between Afrocentrists and Eurocentrists has been the direct result of the assertive European reach for hegemony in thought culminating in the exaggeration of European imperialism and historical background.12 Throughout history, Europe has assaulted its superiority and patriarchy by unfairly taking advantage of Africa. Many Eurocentrics have neglected the intellectual history of Africa and have undoubtedly attempted in many ways to recast the Afrocentric movement in a negative light. Afrocentric movement is by no means racist, reactionary or entirely therapeutic but it is merely a movement designed to protect and regain the rights of Africa. 13 Bibliography: “Eurocentric” www.answers.com. N.d. WEB 7 Dec. 2012. http://www.trinidadandtobagonews.com/blog/?p=55 http://www.trinidadandtobagonews.com/blog/?p=55 http://www.africanholocaust.net/news_ah/africa%20before%20slavery.htm http://www.africanholocaust.net/news_ah/africa%20before%20slavery.htm Asante, Molefi K. An Afrocentric Manifesto: Toward an African Renaissance. Cambridge: Polity, 2007. Print. Seidman, Steven. Contested Knowledge: Social Theory Today. Malden, MA: Blackwell Pub, 2008. Print. Lockard, Craig A. Societies, Networks, and Transitions: A Global History. Boston, MA: Houghton Mifflin, 2008. Print. Irele, Abiola, and Biodun Jeyifo. The Oxford Encyclopedia of African Thought. New York: Oxford University Press, 2010. Print. Asante, Molefi K. The Painful Demise of Eurocentrism: An Afrocentric Response to Critics. Trenton, NJ: Africa World Press, 1999. Print. Appelbaum, Richard P, and William I. Robinson. Critical Globalization Studies. New York: Routledge, 2005. Print. King, Lamont D. H. Africa and the Nation-State: State Formation and Identity in Ancient Egypt, Hausaland, and Southern Africa. Lewiston, NY: Edwin Mellen Press, 2006. Print. Read More