Introduction to Afrocentrism: Fact vs. Fiction

The term 'Afrocentrism' is oftentimes used to describe a perspective that attributes the founding of various ancient civilizations to African explorers, disregarding the historical evidence that contradicts such claims. This essay aims to clarify the nuances and implications of Afrocentrism, distinguishing it from eudo-Afrocentrism (or eugenedosceptical Afrocentrism), which persists in spreading baseless narratives and false facts.

The Roots of Afrocentrism

Afrocentrism, as commonly perceived, often attributes the founding and achievements of many ancient civilizations to African sailors and explorers. Advocates of this perspective argue that ancient explorers from Africa reached and influenced regions as diverse as Aztec Mexico and Japan. However, this view is criticized for being devoid of historical evidence and logic.

Critical Analysis of Afrocentrist Claims

For instance, a discussion with one individual who espoused Afrocentric views highlighted the bizarre logic behind their claims. They used a vague reference to a Mexican gift to the Ethiopian government as evidence that Africans were responsible for an Olmec head sculpture. This example underscores the lack of substantiated fact-finding in Afrocentric arguments.

Another individual provided paragraphs of unrelated text and images when asked about siege warfare and sailing capabilities of pre-colonial sub-Saharan Africans. This reaction reveals a profound ignorance of the subject matter, further emphasizing the baselessness of their claims. Such individuals often resort to citing irrelevant or unsupported examples to bolster their arguments.

True Versus False Afrocentrism

True Afrocentrism aims to provide historical perspectives from the African viewpoint. However, eudo-Afrocentrism (or eugenedosceptical Afrocentrism) is a misrepresentation of this concept, filled with dismissals of historical evidence and contradictory facts. The term 'hotep,' which means 'peaceful' or 'wise' in ancient Egyptian language, is sometimes used to mock such individuals who claim affinity with ancient Egypt because it was a black kingdom.

Identifying True Afrocentrists

Simply studying the history of regions such as Mali, Kanem, and the Guinea Coast does not necessarily make one an Afrocentric. True Afrocentrists are those who base their views on factual evidence, instead of spreading unfounded claims. For example, explaining that gold working was brought to Cuba from Guinea by canoe sailors is a false narrative, as it overlooks the capabilities of indigenous populations.

A Personal Perspective

My personal identification as Afrocentric stems from a deep connection with the continent of Africa and its wealth.

However, it is disheartening to see some individuals taking advantage of the term to spread half-truths and outright falsehoods. These individuals, known as 'hoteps' or offenders of eudo-Afrocentrism, are more interested in validating their own narratives rather than adhering to factual history. Their actions are akin to 'stolen valour,' where they falsely claim honors and accolades without actual merit.

Fighting Stolen Valour in Afrocentrism

The term 'stolen valour' is apt in describing the activities of these individuals. They perpetuate baseless narratives, buy and display fake medals, and take inappropriate pictures of themselves wearing ostentatious uniforms, all in an attempt to falsely position themselves as knowledgeable and valued contributors. This pseudo-Afrocentrism not only misleads but also undermines genuine efforts to understand and appreciate African history and culture.

Conclusion

The discourse around Afrocentrism must be based on factual evidence and critical analysis. By distinguishing between true Afrocentrists who engage with historical evidence and those who spread falsehoods, we can foster a more accurate and respectful understanding of African history and its contributions to human civilization.