Loaded terms and how Western Civilization has managed to damage African History.

Ah, My first blog. Welcome :)
Currently I am taking a particularly interesting class. "Introduction to African Civilization". Mind you, I had no real interest to take this class, I merely had to. I wasn't too impressed with the class, but was assigned a very interesting book to read. This book has changed my perspective on African History and It's only the first week! This class, as well as my "American Society in the 1960s" inspired me to write this blog. My sister Megan has also wanted to contribute to the blog, so you may see some entries from her as well. I'm more than open to reading what interests you...or answer questions you may have! I love researching! Anyways, back to the "ebook". The author is Christopher Ehret, in some respects he is considered a pioneer in African history. I've included the citation for the book, it truly opens your eyes to the Continent of Africa, it really is great (The civilizations of Africa: a history to 1800, Ehret, Christopher. University Press of Virginia, 2002. ). Here are the terms that Ehret says are "loaded" and how they are used in the western world, and what they really mean and how they really should be used when talking in terms of history.

• Civilizations - The "west" (meaning us!) has used this term to mean people who are the hubs of advancement. As if (as Ehret states) "they were the centers of all innovation." This is not true. We fail to notice that many advances took place because of the early species of Hominids that stayed in Africa.
• Civilized- Ehret has the same claim for civilized, meaning that the west is more "civilized" because it was more technologically advanced, when in reality this should mean any one person who is following the social order, whereas the antithesis of this is "uncivilized" in which they create social discourse, any one person can be uncivilized. Take the 20Th Century Europeans, who were far from civil.
• Tribe/Tribal- Ah yes, this is one of my favorite terms. This is what changed my whole outlook on Africa in general. This is what made my red light go off! ha ha, anyways! So ehret goes on to say that people in Africa are referred to as "Tribes" or "Tribal". When there is civil unrest in Russia...the people waging the "civil war" are referred to by their nationality and not tribe. Also, When Africans are wearing their traditional garb why are they called "tribal dances" and when say, Europeans do the same..it is called "folk" dances! Read the book..makes more sense!!
• Race- Simply put, race/racism did not exist in earlier historical ages...Genetic Science, is just that...science. We are made up of genes, not race.
• Primitive- really means "first" or "original". So that being said...there is no primitive or original people! This term is used, to show once again, lack of advancement.

I wish I could explain it as well as Christopher Ehret did, that is why I recommend reading pages 3-9. They really open up your mind. Soon, I will be writing about the 1960's. It's astonishing! ha ha it's not just sex, drugs and rock n' roll!

Till next time.

-Whatsername