The myth of the “Dark Continent?”

Full Answer Section

• British Intervention: Moshweshwe expresses his desire for British protection against the Boers. This aligns with his strategic maneuvering to maintain Basotho autonomy.

Considering the Mfecane Debates:

• Cobbing's Centrality thesis: Moshweshwe's focus on refugee integration supports Cobbing's argument that the Mfecane was primarily driven by the actions of powerful leaders like Shaka and Mzilikazi, causing widespread displacement.
• Decentered views: While Moshweshwe highlights Shaka's role, the letter doesn't mention other contributing factors such as environmental degradation or internal conflicts. This suggests a more nuanced view than blaming a single leader.

Limitations of the Letter:

• Self-Serving Narrative: Moshweshwe naturally presents himself in a positive light, downplaying any Basotho aggression. Historians need to consider alternative perspectives.
• Limited Scope: The letter focuses on the Basotho experience, neglecting the experiences of other groups involved in the Mfecane.

Conclusion:

Moshweshwe's letter provides valuable insights into the Mfecane but should be analyzed critically. It supports elements of both the "refugee state" and "centrality" narratives, but a complete understanding requires considering other sources and perspectives.

2. The Myth of the "Dark Continent"

The "Dark Continent" refers to a Eurocentric view of Africa as a primitive, unexplored, and savage land. This myth served to justify European colonialism and exploration.  

Patrick Brantlinger's "Victorians and Africa" highlights the role of Victorian literature and exploration narratives in perpetuating the "Dark Continent" myth. These accounts often portrayed Africa as a mysterious and dangerous land, emphasizing its lack of civilization and potential for European intervention.

Chinua Achebe's "Heart of Darkness" critique argues that Joseph Conrad's novel exemplifies the "Dark Continent" myth. Achebe criticizes the novel's racist portrayal of Africa and its reduction of Africans to stereotypical characters.

Elements of the Myth:

• Lack of Civilization: The myth portrayed Africa as lacking advanced societies, technology, or culture.
• Danger and Primitiveness: Africa was depicted as a dangerous and untamed land inhabited by savage people.
• Justification for Colonization: The myth served as a justification for European colonialism, presenting Africa as needing "civilization" by European powers.

The Reality:

• Thriving Civilizations: Africa had a rich history of complex civilizations, empires, and cultures long before European arrival.  
• Diverse Societies: Africa is a diverse continent with a wide range of cultures, languages, and social structures.  
• Exploitation by Colonizers: The "Dark Continent" myth obscured the brutality and exploitation that European colonialism inflicted on Africa.

Enduring Impact:

The "Dark Continent" myth continues to have a negative influence on how Africa is perceived in the world. It is essential to challenge this Eurocentric perspective and recognize the rich history, diversity, and resilience of African societies.

Additional Resources:

• Felix Muftić's "Who Made Africa 'Dark'?" provides a historical analysis of the "Dark Continent" myth's origins.
• Kwame Nkrumah's "Consciencism" explores the concept of neocolonialism and the need for Africa to reclaim its own narrative.  

By analyzing Moshweshwe's letter and the "Dark Continent" myth, we gain a deeper understanding of the complexities of African history and the importance of challenging Eurocentric narratives.

Sample Answer

Moshweshwe's 1858 letter to Sir George Grey offers a valuable perspective on the Mfecane (Difaqane) wars, a period of widespread violence and displacement in southern Africa during the early 19th century. Analyzing this letter in light of the ongoing debates about the Mfecane sheds light on the complexities of the period.

Moshweshwe's Claims:

• Refugee Integration: Moshweshwe emphasizes his role in uniting and protecting refugees from the wars. This aligns with the "refugee state" narrative, suggesting that the Basotho kingdom offered stability and security during a chaotic period.
• Peaceful Expansion: Moshweshwe portrays his territorial expansion as peaceful negotiations with neighboring chiefs. This contradicts the "militaristic expansion" narrative that portrays the Basotho as aggressive conquerors.