Reflect: What does it mean for Africa to be socially constructed? In which ways can knowledge about the social construction of Africa help us towards a just framing of Africa in the classroom? In which ways can it be dangerous? 

So often we take geographic and historical terms for granted.  However, it is essential to recognize the full meaning and construction of "Africa."  When we glance at a map, we can clearly identify Africa as a continent.  Yet, these maps can be misleading. As demonstrated by the slideshow and readings, "Africa" has taken on different meanings over time.  In the early modern and modern eras, this term was used as a means of defining and "othering" peoples and the land.  It was also used as a means of justifying the inhuman treatment of human beings.  Further, the term misleads both general consumers and students to the misnomer that the continent consists of a singular peoples and land.  In reality, Africa consists of widely diverse peoples, languages, practices, and environments.  In the contemporary era, "Africa" has been claimed as a means of de-colonizing both the history and peoples of the continent.  In short, re-claiming of this term provides a means of exerting power.

It is essential to draw attention to the ways in which "Africa" has been socially constructed.  By framing "Africa," in a more complex manner, we can help our students face and, hopefully, overcome the stereotypes and generalizations that permeate popular media.  Further, this is an important intellectual endeavor that leads our students to develop critical thinking skills.  However, if we over-emphasize the abstractions of the social construction, some students will fail to grasp the "bigger picture."