Why does the western world think of Africa as a country and not a continent?

Question

People say things like 'i'd like to go to China, India and Africa'? There are over 50 nations in Africa. My mom once told someone she's African and the lady wanted to know if my Mom knew some woman who lived in South Africa. We live in Nigeria!!!

Answer 1

Erm ,,,not all of us think that,,we in the UK are well aware of all the countries and the political situations there,,,,I guess by the way you spell "mom" that you are from the US,,,Europeans are more aware of Africa and it`s political,geographical and historical importance,,,If you are Nigerian please don`t assume we are all like Americans

Answer 2

The woman living in South Africa is 'African', too! LOL! Well, 'African' is also a label people, like your mom, put on themselves. I live in North Africa. And the people here, do not consider themselves 'Africans'. You also have to remember that Africa, probably Central and South mostly, are portrayed as a very wondrous place in the movies. Those who are not up on Africa's current events most likely have some very romantic ideas about her because of the cinema and tour agency promotions. All in all, I don't think it's such a bad thing. It's an opportunity for you to educate those you meet.

Answer 3

Most people in the Western world have little knowledge of Africa and the complexities of this continent, just as you may not be aware of all the countries in south and central America. Try and be a little bit understanding and take a little time to explain the situation to those who do not know.

Answer 4

First of all, Why did your mum not say she was Nigerian rather than saying she was African? It's a generalisation - I have friends in America, who tell their friends their coming to Europe on holiday, when in actual fact they are coming to Scotland. When British forces are going to Afghanistan or Iraq, this is termed as "the Gulf". It also sounds much more Grand to say Africa, as there are so many wonderful places to visit, and rest assured, there are as many people who say Kenya, South Africa, as do say Africa, but I don't think it wholly Westerners who would be to blame.

Answer 5

Becuase the term Africa is used much like the term America or europe. I know many people who have only been to Paris but when they talk they say they have been to Europe instead of Paris or France.

Why did your mom tell her she was african, Why didnt she tell her she was nigerian?

It is no different than hearing people say they went to America when they went to one of our states and not America as a whole. I bet You would be hard pressed to find an african that could name all of the states in the US let alone be able to give you the geograghical location of each state. Why do people think Americans should be able to do this with their place when they couldnt do it with ours?

Answer 6

Collectively Africa is a mess so most European cant tell the difference between the countries on the African continent. As long as there is chaos on the continent that is how they will think of African countries....Really sad

Answer 7

Although many refer to it simply as Africa, in the UK we do recognise the seperate nations within the continent. I think it may be regarded by some as being similar to the US. Many people refer to it as America. But America as a Continent includes Canada, as well as the US's 51 States.

It's just easy to lump them all together, when describing them.
I dare say many Canadians and US citizens don't like being referred to as simply Americans. I know a couple of Texan's who prefer to be referred to as Texans before anything. But that may just be the Lone Star State.

Answer 8

Don't worry about it. They use the word 'Asian' in a completely misguided and misinformed way as well. They mean to say 'Indian or Pakistani' but Asia is a continent of many countries and not just India. You can't go around educating everyone. They might even resent it.

Answer 9

To answer your question from experience I will tell you that it is only an "American issue"most other westernern nations know a lot more generally about not only Africa but the world in general.
When I meet british,french or australian people they surprise me with their knowledge of Africa and its cultures,but never Americans.they will ask me if I speak swahili,lol I'm Nigerian
Americans don't know much about world history or geography period.

Answer 10

I know it gets a little confusing. I imagine Africa as one country often.