Discussion Board Forum #1: Africa: The Dark Continent?

Despite overwhelming and credible evidence about African contributions to global history and culture, perceptions remain about the continent's (and by extension its descendants) supposed barbarism, ignorance and depravity.  In this week's discussion forum, please consider the following:

How and why were these perceptions created in the first place?  What purpose did or does negative imagery about Africa serve?  Is it important that these ideas about Africa, and its past and current inhabitants change?  Why or why not?  What can or should be done to change these perceptions?

BOOK: From Slavery to Freedom: A History of African Americans, 9th Edition