Workshop on Racism and the Image of Africa in German Schools: A Call for Papers
Deadline: October 15th, 2012. Racism at school is a topic which gains more attention of social scientists in Germany. Indeed, « the image of Africa in German textbooks and curricula is based on racist stereotypes, which can be traced back to the colonial era when dehumanisation of African people served to justify the colonisation of their continent. Poverty, violence and underdevelopment are the prevailing images of Africa in German history and geography textbooks. Pre-colonial African history, African cultures and philosophies are not covered by the Eurocentric curriculum. Classic and modern western literature is interspersed with stereotypes about African people; these stereotypes often pass uncommented by the teachers.
This project investigates the portrayal of Africa in German textbooks and teaching materials and the impact of this portrayal on racism against the ethnic minority students of African descent in German schools. “Scientific racism”, as a legitimization for colonisation, exploitation and slavery has long been disproved; however, it still remains an inherent part of today’s European portrayal of Africa. “Africa” is usually constructed based on European norms, refusing Africans and their descendants the reconstruction of historical facts. In constructing Africa, History, in its most human aspect, seems to be denied to Africans and their descendants who lack the essential attributes that define “Humanity” in “Western culture” in general and in “European culture” in particular. The “historical rationality” (Hegelian view) denying the Humanity to Africans can be found in the passages of many German textbooks subtly teaching students that Africans are “savages” with a “pre-logical mentality” living their “primitive life”. (Source: Elina Marmer, Feb. 2012)
The present workshop will be held in German. However, contributions in English will be accepted if they are in accordance with established academic standards. The organizers and particularly Dr. Elina Marmer have been working on that field since years. For details on her research interest and publications: www.elina-marmer.com.
For students and researchers willing to submit a paper, the Call for Papers is available at the following link:
CALL FOR PAPERS- RASSISMUS UND AFRIKADARSTELLUNG IN DER SCHULE
Source of the picture: www.elina-marmer.com
For Students from South Africa and Namibia: SPACES Scholarships For Doctoral Studies in Germany Doctoral and Postdoctoral positions in cognitive neuroscience in Germany
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