Disconnection from a culture

From my readings in Revelations and my own personal experience from being around African American’s for the majority of my life, I have learned that many African Americans do not know much about their African heritage. Many African American feel distant and unsure about their African history. Many African Americans only know of Africa from what they perceive through the media. The Jungle, lions, and uncivilized people are all common connotations that come with Africa, be it negative or positive. Most African Americans do not know or fail to understand that Africa is so much more than the golden sun and the jungle. A poem from Heritage by Countee Cullen expresses what Africa is to her. She states some common connotations such as the “Copper sun or scarlet sea. Jungle star or jungle track” she then goes on to say that “One three centuries removed from the scenes his father loved, spicy grove, cinnamon tree, what is Africa to me?” She is saying that she is so far removed from her African roots that she isn’t quite sure what Africa is or is supposed to mean to her, she just knows what she sees from other means, not necessarily from first hand exposure. South African activist Steve Biko suggested that it is not only the African American that is confused about their culture, but it is the Africans as well! He stated “One realizes that there is so much confusion sown, not only amongst casual non-African readers, but even amongst Africans themselves, that perhaps a sincere attempt should be made at emphasizing the authentic cultural aspects of the African people by Africans.”