The term “the Other” is commonly associated with people in Africa. It is supposed to be a politically correct term. representing our views of Africa as the Other. However, what the term really does is create the Other.
This is not to say that talking about a problem creates it: Quite the opposite. Talking about a problem is very key to solving it. We would still have slavery if it wasn’t for good ol’ fashion discourse.
The point, moreover, is that the term “the Other” carries with it the negative connotations that it seeks to destory. People like Lund, Escobar, and Sogge who write about development and “Otherization” fail to realize that they are creating exactly what they are trying to fight back.
The assumption built into development discourse authors is that all of us besides them are too arrogant or ignorant to understand the Other. They believe that we always tie ideas of a disease-ridden hut or a child dieing of malaria to Africa. They believe the world is already evil. These authors tell us to see Africa and as Africa and talk about Africa as Africa, but aren’t they the ultimate hypocrites?
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