Why there are so much poverty in Africa? Is racism "White against Black" contribute to this?
85975
I don't think White on Black racism is really a contributing factor when you speak of the African continent as a whole.  The only place where that may have been an issue was in South Africa.  Considering the vast numbers of illegal imigrants that are entering South Africa from the rest of Africa just for survival one can come to the conclusion that racism has absoluteley nothing to do with the poverty experienced in the continent.\n\nIn South Africa and it's closest neighbours this may have been a contributing factor but when one looks at Zimbabwe where most of the "white" owned land has been redistributed to the heroes of the struggle, their economy is now all but decimated.  \n\nNow, in South Africa, Apartheid has been replaced by Affirmative Action so white on black racism has simply been replaced by black on white racism and the country is still running pretty well.
756904
Unfortunately self hate was one of the residues from the cruelty of our past.  I hate it too.  Some people have no idea how much Africans and African Americans have in common.
1033020
Because black africans tend to be very successful in the US.  It's a slap in the face to all the self-victimized, welfare cultured african-americans who blame all their ills on white racism.  If black africans can come to this country, often with little or nothing, and succeed in a relatively short timeframe, it proves that the racism that the african american leaders, such as Al Sharpton and Jesse Jackson, claim to be pervasive, doesn't exist at all.\n\nBottom line:  It proves to the african american population that they are largely lazy, ignorant failures...and it's all self-inflicted.
733714
Because the likes of Al Sharpton and Jessie Jackson are poverty pimps that get rich by telling blacks that its all the white mans fault that they are poor.  \n\nThe bottom line, its easy to fail... its tough to succeed.
872964
I gather you're also in the comedy business. Or at least in some profession that creates fantasies. There is no doubt in my mind that anti-black racism is huge problem in much of American society. You might be surprised to hear that your kind of position on it was fairly common even when there was active segregation and Jim Crow laws. Nobody seemed to be racist then either. Some just thought Martin Luther King was "moving too fast," or that "left-wing" agitators were "causing all the problems," and yet others were "sure" that blacks by and large were happy with their situation - and that "equal but separate didn't mean racism at all." \n\nI've worked for some of the most prestigious U.S. corporations, and I can guarantee you that racism is practiced in a myriad of subtle and not-so subtle ways. I have also watched as "white flight" changes the demographics (and value) of huge areas overnight. And that just covers jobs and housing.\n\nYes, progress has been made, very often against violent, even murderous resistance. But to say it's not there is self-serving wishful thinking. It's easy to point to the shrill nonsense of idiotic poverty-pimps and say, "See. They're just whiners and defenders of criminals!" etc. But when you do the research you will find the problem almost anywhere you care to look.
1129572
It was caused by colonialism, back when European countries thought it was ok to take over countries in Africa and exploit them.  It just stuck around the longest in S. Africa.  I'd also say it was caused by ignorance and hatred.
453568
There are many issues causing poverty - there is inequality, human rights issues, lack of education, lack of access to information, unfair trade practices ... so reducing poverty in this millenium is a difficult although attainable goal.  There's also talk of the Milllenium Development Goals which multialteral development insitutions are inviting all governments and NGOs to help in achieving. I hope this will help you attend that lecture better.
492630
Do you have some statistics or something to back up this claim? Because I don't think it's true. I know plenty of successful Africans and African churches. I promise. Cheer up.
442981
While this is disturbing, it is is not surprising.\nSimilar things have taken place in other African nations, especially Sierra Leone.\n\nSpeaking of good books on Africa, Paul Rusesbagina (of Hotel Rwanda fame) has a new book called "An Ordinary Man."\nAn interesting book on a terrible time.
57927
No.  It comes from industrialization.  Most western nations have been industrialized for some time and it generates wealth.  Africa has resources, but have corrupt governments and tribalism that is hampering its ability to industrialize.  You have to get a centralized government that functions and have rules of trade that will allow people to earn profit for a country to industrialize.  Unless that happens, poor nations will stay poor.  It is not the work of the western world keeping them poor.  It is up to them to make it work.
91226
There's no doubt Africa is in a bad way right now.  However, we must remember that most African countries are less than 50 years old.  Even the US was still having problems at that point.  Africa was more exploited by colonizers, and so it only makes sense there are more problems.  However, progress is being made.  Democracy is the way of rule in many countries, having progressed from dictatorships-- Ghana is a good example.  Botswana is doing well economically (comparatively).  Africa is moving forward, and that in itself is cause for hope.
158333
That's like asking what makes babies cry.  There are too many different causes to explain it fully, but the origin of many of these problems came from "the scramble for africa," when at the Berlin Conference of 1885, European nations including Britain, France, Portugal, Germany, Denmark, Spain, and Belgium met in order to divide up the African continent amongst themselves.  In the process, they paid no attention to the territories of various ethnic groups.  Some groups found themselves neighbors of others they had long warred with - some groups found themselves split down the middle.  This all relates back to interstate conflict via the issue of sovereignty.  Ethnic groups war with each other over land as well as the resources reaped from these lands.  On a continent where drought and famine run rampant, land is the most important resource.  \n\nThis explanation really referrs to small-scale conflict, but large-scale conflict, meaning that which involves heads of state and/or military involvement, also is based on sovereignty.  Think about it.  Most of these countries are only 40-50 years into their independence, which they had to fight global superpowers to achieve.  Even the African UNION's charter is devoted mostly to respecting one another's borders and rights to rule their own lands - SOVEREIGNTY.  It's about resources, it's about machismo, it's about ethnic conflit and high-level corruption... interstate conflict in Africa is a huge topic.  If you narrow your question down a little, I'd be happy to help.  Email me (I have a Master's Degree in African Politics, so you can trust me!)
783064
Most of Europe went through the process that African countries are going through about 600 years ago.  The problem is, we sorted them out with bows and arrows, whereas the ruling elite in Africa are armed to the teeth with 21st century weapons.\n\nNigeria and the whole of Africa is growing up far too quickly and doing so in the knowledge that there is a better life to be had if one has lots of money, and that money is available to the corrupt.\n\nThus, anyone in any position of power anywhere in Africa has the opportunity to rise above the poverty that is endemic by taking corrupt money.\n\nAfrica is doomed to have a very few rich people in positions of power while the rest of the population ekes out a living in abject poverty.\n\nWhen we achieved greatness we had to do so by ingenuity and industriousness.  All an African has to do is be dishonest.  There really is very little hope for Africa in the short term.  This is a crying shame because Africa should be the jewel of the Earth's crown.  It has everything - a beautiful coast, wonderful flora and fauna and mineral wealth beyond imagination.\n\nHowever, the people are unable to see beyond today and they are thus doomed.
1036055
I think racism stems from:\n\nIgnorance\nFeeling inadequate and needing a scapegoat\nLack of education or worldliness\nJealousy\n\nIf more people learned more, traveled more and basically did the best they could to achieve their goals and become successful, they'd have less time, energy or reason to hate!
987461
"Poverty" means "the state of having little or no money and few or no material possessions."\n \nOur country has done a great job of almost completely eliminating the true poverty, only to find people redefining it to include more people.  As the standard of living in this country continues to increase, people will adjust their definition of "poverty."\n\nI know a family who has 4 TVs, Satelite, several DVD players & more than enough to eat (the whole family is overweight.)\nThey are "impoverished" because they "can't afford nice clothes, nice cars (they have old cars & hand-me-downs) & other things this modern society now considers necessity.\n\nI think it is not right to use the same word, "poverty", to discribe the family living in a mobile home, buying clothes at garage sales, & eating simple food, like beans & rice, or Spaggetti & meat sauce. This type of family would be considered well-to-do in many places in Mexico! I prefer the phrase "disadvantaged." They need help, but we shouldn't try to act like they are on the same level with those dying of starvation in Africa!\n\nThe poorest people in America are the addicts & mentally ill.  They get caught in a downward spiral until the get the treatment they need, or till they just die on the streets.\n\nP.S.  While some of your stats are telling, some are not.\n . In probably 50% of the country it gets hot enough AC shou not be considered a luxery.\n . TVs & VCRs can be bought at garage sales for $5 so that should not be used to illustrate how they aren't really poor.\n . Cars are required in most areas so people can drive to work & pick up groceries.  And a beaten-up car can be bought pretty cheaply.
400013
As a capitalist, I believe the best way for me to help the people in Africa is work hard at the job I have and to waste as few resources as I can. If everyone everywhere did this there would be more to go around. \n\nAs a realist, I realise that there is a tendency for wealth to accumulate (IE. the rich get rich) therefore I accept  that there is a need to redistribute wealth.\n\nI don't particular feel the need to give money to professional charities. Especially those with large professional staffs and who are less effective than the government when it comes to providing help to people.\n\nHowever, if you planning a trip to Africa to work there, dont let me discourage you. If you have skills they need, then I do recommend you go.
650575
That's the biggest problem with politics in all of Africa ,\nthe great majority of so called leaders are all former criminals and they reward their cronies with positions in government.The very few decent, honest and duly elected leaders have a up hill battle to do the right thing for the people. AFRICA AS A WHOLE IS A BASKET CASE AND THE PLUG NEEDS TO BE PULLED NOW .