The semester’s first Must See Monday introduced a different viewpoint on a “misunderstood continent,” presenting Africa as a place of development and hope.
Walter Cronkite School Professor of Practice G. Pascal Zachary used various photographic images and videos to depict his journey through Sub-Saharan Africa.
Zachary first traveled to Africa to chase a problem. At a time when most reporters only focused on the depravity of the continent, he found a different way to look at the conflict. He declares that far better journalism is to report on the good things in Africa rather than the bad.
“I was trying to understand why things break down through what’s working. Often groups come from the outside and go straight to the deprivation and ignore what’s working,” Zachary said.
The “pornography of pain” is only part of the reality in Africa, he said. The other exhibits dignified Africans, who under adverse conditions do their best to sustain their life.
Zachary stressed that journalism has changed enormously in the 2000s. Merely being a trained observer and a structured interviewer is not enough; a reporter must be part of the action.
“So much of journalism is about being there — at the right place, at the right time,” Zachary said.
Despite the disturbing image of Africa that has been generated by the media, Zachary insists that there is more to the continent than meets the eye.
“We think of Ghana as a poor nation, but Ghana is selling $2 billion worth of cocoa each year. I don’t know anything in Arizona that is of that kind of value. Also, $700 million worth of cut flowers are exported from Africa each year to Europe and other places, ” Zachary said.
Zachary said Africa has experienced some technological progressions as well. Because many people do not know how to read, radio stations adapted by broadcasting newspapers.
He added that radio and television have enormous growth potential in Africa.
“Africans don’t want to have barriers. They have been bombarded with Western images, and technology gives them the ability to have something of their own,” he said.
Zachary believes that there is something to be learned from the African culture.
“Americans are very focused on the future and obsess over the past, whereas Africans have a sense of being present,” he said.
Journalism sophomore Hailey Paquett was surprised by the Zachary’s portrayal of Africa.
“I was amazed at the amount of economic growth he showed; he showed a lot of stuff I have never seen of Africa before,” she said.
Journalism sophomore Lindsay Ivins agreed.
“I think it’s good that he showed the positives,” she said. “His presentation showed me we should be reporting in a different way than we were taught to report. You’ll find more interesting things that way.”
Zachary’s new vision of Africa portrays a “journalism of hope.”
“My problem with many journalists’ view on Africa is that it is presented with erosive images, and that is old Africa,” he said. “I want to understand Africans on a more equal basis than on pity or sympathy.”
Contact the reporter at amakarov@asu.edu
