Full Answer Section

• Fear of Expansionist Warfare: Moshweshwe expresses fear of attacks from the Transvaal Boers and the expanding Basutoland. This aligns with the Mfecane narrative of increased warfare and violence in the region.

Challenging the Mfecane Narrative:

• Focus on Local Politics: Moshweshwe primarily emphasizes regional power struggles and competition for land. He mentions powerful groups like the Zulu but doesn’t depict them as the sole source of displacement. This aligns with Cobbing’s critique, suggesting the Mfecane may be an oversimplification of complex local conflicts.
• Agency of Smaller Groups: Moshweshwe highlights the efforts of smaller groups like the Batlokoa and the Barolong to resist larger forces. This challenges the idea that the Mfecane was solely about the dominance of large empires.

Moshweshwe’s letter, therefore, offers a nuanced perspective. It acknowledges displacement and conflict but emphasizes local dynamics beyond the “Mfecane” label. This aligns with the current understanding that the period was marked by a variety of factors, including internal power struggles, competition for resources, and the impact of European colonialism.

2. The Myth of the “Dark Continent”

The myth of the “Dark Continent” portrayed Africa as a primitive, barbaric, and unknowable land. This perspective originated in Europe during the colonial era and served to justify European exploration, conquest, and exploitation of African resources and people.  

Here’s how the readings from this course critique this myth:

Patrick Brantlinger:

• In his writings, Brantlinger argues that the “Dark Continent” myth was constructed to mask European involvement in creating conflict and instability in Africa. He highlights the portrayal of Africans as solely responsible for violence, ignoring European actions that fueled regional tensions.

Chinua Achebe:

• Achebe, in works like “Heart of Darkness,” critiques the racist and condescending portrayal of Africa in European literature. He argues that European writers often failed to understand African cultures and societies, leading to a distorted and stereotypical view of the continent.  

Other Course Materials:

• Readings on the history of European colonialism in Africa would likely showcase how the “Dark Continent” myth justified oppressive policies and dehumanized the African population.

In conclusion, the myth of the “Dark Continent” served European colonial interests and perpetuated a false image of Africa.

The course readings effectively deconstruct this myth by highlighting the agency of African societies, the complexities of African history, and the negative impact of European colonialism.