European Colonial Rule, Article Review Example

The European colonial rule accounts for Africa’s late emergence as a nation-state. It was only after WW2 that the European countries omitted their colonies from Africa to focus on their own societies and political reforms. Before this, Africa was divided up by the European colonies, leaving Africa shy of their own independence. It was because of the division of the African people which delayed the country from gaining their own independence. After gaining their political independence in the Gold Coast, soon after the leader responsible for this –  Kwame Nkrumah – was deposed from presidence, which was followed by military rule.

There is probably an interest in native religions in recent times due to a fad caused by celebrities. In particular, Angelina Jolie, who partakes in ancient African ceremonies. These interests may last because they focus more on the world around us, and nature, rather than religions these days (such as Christianity), where it is more of an institutionalized religion. These interests may be short-lived because the fad might die down soon and turn to something else. At the height of Tom Cruise’s career, Scientology became the focus of everyone’s attention, although that did not last as well.

Africa is mostly romanticized in Hollywood for it’s beautiful landscapes and surroundings. Although, recently this has not been the case. Because of rising political and social issues, as well as awareness for them, movies have become more grueling and true-to-life. Movies like Hotel Rwanda and Blood Diamond, which were both set in Africa send out far more different messages to the people, which raise our awareness in issues occurring in a country we once thought was free of dirty politics. Even some scenes in the movie Lord of War portrayed Africa as a socially and economically deteriorating country.

Kwanzaa is a celebration of African heritage and culture held in the United States, it goes on for about a week and is marked by participants lighting a Kinara. It was created by Maulana Karenga in 1966 as an African American holiday to give African Americans an alternative to Western Holidays as well as to give them an opportunity to celebrate themselves. Kwanzaa is celebrated by decorating homes with colorful art and African cloth. Fresh fruit are representations of African Idealism. The holiday is very similar to Christmas and Thanksgiving in the way that it is a time for reflection, celebration, and family. It’s that time of year you can come home to a warm decorated house and be around people who you love. It is also a celebration of identity and culture, like Christmas and Thanksgiving.