1. What comes to mind when you think of Africa?

2. Why do we know more about Europe than we do about Africa?
In this unit we will explore countries of Africa socially, culturally, and economically. But first… warm up:
Why do we know more about Europe than we do about Africa?
Where do we typically get our information about Africa? What is our perception of Africa?

3. 1. Movies & TV Cartoons: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HwSKkKrUzUk
Conflict Minerals:
The Despot:
Nature:
Sensational Ebola clip (haven’t decided on one yet)

4. So what?
1. What are the various ideas or perceptions we get about Africa based on films and popular media?
2. What is the danger in only seeing a single story about Africa?
3. What else have we talked about in geography class that reminds you of this? What about your own personal experience?

5. Ted Talk:
Author Chimamanda Adichie talks about the danger of only hearing a ‘single story’ about another person or country.
She has an accent, yes I know, but do your best to listen. She is a really inspiring person.

6. Questions, answer with a partner.
What is the “single story” of Africa?
Explain this quote: “Show a people as one thing, over and over again, and that is what they become.”
Why is it important to talk about dignity? What about resilience?
What happened on Adichie’s recent flight that upset her? Why do you think that is?

7. Words to keep in mind:
Resilience: the capacity to recover quickly from difficulties; toughness.
Dignity: the state or quality of being worthy of honor or respect.

8. Activity: Free Write
I want you to write me a one page free write (double spaced, front and back) about this idea of a ‘single story’ and how it can be harmful- you have 2 options.
1) You may write about Adiche’s TedTalk and the ‘single story’ of Africa. How has a single story shaped your perception of Africa? How has Adiche impacted your thinking?
2) You may write about a personal experience. How has a ‘single story’ affected your life?

9. Spot the Africa!