Learn Sign Language For African Trips

It’s not an immigration requirement, but African Americans will enjoy their visit to Africa more, if locals don’t know who they are. Why?

1. Some crooks will think you are as rich as LeBron James and raise prices of everything starting with the cab from the airport to the hotel. They will even demand you pay in U.S. dollars.

2. Your accent might trigger U.S. hatred, something Biden and previous presidents don’t tell Americans. Your foreign policy is not popular in some countries. That is what led to 9/11, when enemies brought down the Twin Towers in New York, leading to loss of lives.

When you get to Africa, slow down on the Q’s and A’s until you get to know people. In fact, talk less, listen and observe. The less you talk, the less negative vibes you’ll get. But is it possible not to? How will I learn the culture and get around in taxis and buses? Learn sign language to hide that accent. Deaf people will be mad at me for suggesting this, but I can’t think of an alternative, because some people on the continent do not like Americans.

How long can I hide being an American?

Good question. It’s something you must think about while planning the trip at home. Africans have been burned before. They were regarded as amusement pieces by British explorers, missionaries and mining companies. Objectifying Africans is still prevalent. Because of the internet, there’s a girl who dances with African kids and sends posts to Tik Tok and YouTube Shorts, something she will never do in Europe.  

Today I saw a video of an organization feeding about 40 ‘orphans.’ Maybe they were schoolkids on their break, but some tourists use African kids for so-called philanthropy and perpetuating colonial stereotypes. Respect African kids the way you respect kids in Cambridge, London, Stockholm, Brussels, Edinburgh or Chicago. Do not film them. Do not offer them money.

Just be careful, that’s all.

By: Nonqaba waka Msimang.