Unveiling the Bias: Africa’s Narrative Through Western Eyes

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle recently engaged with various stakeholders, including movie makers, business leaders, and prominent Nigerians at home and abroad. However, amidst this significant interaction, the UK media chose to disregard these encounters, instead focusing on a narrative that unfairly paints Nigerians as criminals, all in an attempt to undermine the couple.

This biased portrayal by certain Western media outlets is not new, as they often prioritize sensationalism over accuracy. Meanwhile, they conveniently overlook serious allegations against members of the royal family and turn a blind eye to their own hypocrisy.

Unfortunately, for those who have not experienced Africa firsthand, these negative headlines often shape their perception of the continent. Rarely do they showcase the positive aspects of African life unless they are paid for.

Moreover, the discrepancy between the glossy image presented by Western media and the harsh reality faced by many in their own cities is striking. As Africans, we are fed a distorted version of their societies, with the less savory aspects conveniently hidden from view.

This pattern of biased reporting is not isolated to Harry and Meghan; it reflects a broader issue in how Africa is portrayed by Western media. However, instead of blaming external sources, we must also take responsibility for shaping our narratives. By sharing our countries’ triumphs and challenges, we can present a more balanced and accurate picture to the world.

Ultimately, until we take control of our own stories and ensure they are told in full, we will continue to be at the mercy of those seeking to exploit the gaps in our narrative.