The Issues Surrounding The African Diaspora

REWRITING THE AFRICAN DIASPORA: BEYOND THE BLACK ATLANTIC African Diaspora, is one of the largest diasporas of modern times and dates back several centuries. This term, although somewhat new is used to described the dispersal of people of African descent and their roles in both the creation and transformations of new cultures outside of Africa but also the problems faced across the globe as well. Diaspora can be labeled a way to retrace the different components and layers of migration, displacement, and the ramifications faced after colonialism and slavery. Here particularly we are examining the historic movements of African population across the globe including America, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. The reading by Paul Tiyambe Zeleza, …show more content…
Each theory is unique and different, these vary from Biblical theories to the Indian Ocean slave trade to Asia and the Atlantic slave trade to the Americans. While many think understanding this historical distribution is important others like Zeleza do not see the need. However, understanding what Africa is and who Africans are much more important and relevant. Zeleza believes that there is plenty to be learned within the African diaspora itself. Before the Atlantic slave trade, the most significant African presence in southern Europe was the Moors from northwestern Africa, who occupied and ruled much of Spain between the early eighth century and the late fifteenth century. Having an understanding of the roots within Africa and the various cultures within the country itself can provide insight to how society emerged and developed overtime. While looking at various countries around the world it can provide an insight to the African diaspora there is also plenty to be learned with the country itself in order to develop and full understanding of the African diaspora. Each version and interpretation gives its own perspective and opinion as to the development, history, and socialization of the African culture over time. Within the United States there even tends to be an assumption of a somewhat “backward” culture. Each of the interpretations offers its own basis and beliefs to what impacted the African diaspora and each has its own culture influence and background. Understanding what is within the culture itself is vital and looking at the various angles within the culture is key. While each culture has historical and valuable components to it, many fail or neglect to look to the big picture and get all the facts before forming an opinion or drawing a conclusion about any culture and Africa is unfortunately no different. It is my opinion, that the African