America and the So-called African Writers.

Why is it that the only authors and books of African origin that are acknowledged and celebrated in the American media are those with negative stories? 

They are the books on civil wars, social vices, prostitutes and human trafficking. The more gory and pathetic the story-line, the greater media coverage the book gets.

For instance, two particular books that enjoy continuous accolades are; one that gives a portrayal of the African man as a savage who will act first and think later and the other book paints the African man as a philanderer who drinks his life away.

Even when Oprah Winfrey finally selected a book by an African author during the glorious days of Oprah Book Club, it was a book that was entirely devoted to stories about some prostitutes in Africa. This was in spite of the abundance of several great books by accomplished authors among which were those that document the political emancipation and self-determination of the African people.

It’s no wonder therefore that a whole lot of writers with African origin have since resorted to the sad habit of playing to the gallery for financial gains. There are two losers here; first are the authentic and positive African stories that never attract the interest of publishers. And second is the gullible American reading audience that is fed the false impression that the African society has a monopoly of social ills.

So far, only authors of African origin are branded as “African writers”. No where do we hear or read of “American writers” or “European writers”.

What a shame!