Rooting For Africa Response

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Dear Editor

In response to the article “Rooting for Africa” published in the May issue of ‘BBC Focus on Africa’ magazine, I truly think it is a remarkable thing for African Americans to trace their roots to Africa. I believe it will benefit both the African Americans and Africans.

“Rootedness is essential for any human being.” It is consequential for individuals to know where they originate, so that they can have a sense of identity and belonging. Since their ancestors were shipped to the US many years ago, African Americans “culturally... are now different”; finding their roots and actually acquiring citizenship in that particular country would aid them to learn about their ancestors’ culture and in that way, they can easily unite with Africans. It is an inevitable fact that ancestors of African Americans were inequitably dragged to the US for slavery, therefore by going back to Africa; African Americans will be honouring and retaining their ancestors’ dignity that was stolen away from them; and please their resting souls.

Beyond any reasonable doubt, “their colour obviously points back to Africa... mannerism and cultural expression... are traceable to Africa.” However, some critics have been insinuating inaccuracy of the DNA testing, therefore finding it futile for African Americans to trace their roots. I strongly believe they are wrong. In comparison with other options available, like the oral traditions, DNA testing is the most precise and the best alternative. African Ancestry has a database of “25000 samples from 30 countries and 200 ethnic groups.” Because we are not solely interested in finding the literal parents of an individual, but the ethnic group in which they belong, I trust that this database is large en...

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...ericans’ enthusiasm shows their seriousness towards finding their ancestry and coming back to their ‘motherland’. Even though some critics made some acidic and pessimistic comments, the African Americans were “not deterred by them,” revealing their determination and a certain level of maturity towards this issue. Considering the fact that “there has been a change too in the way Africans see African Americans,” it would be easy for African Americans to interact with Africans and learn about their ancestors’ culture.

“Rooting for Africa,” can transform the way people view Africa, and bring an aspect of unity to the whole communal world, without classifying communities as ‘under-dogs’ and superior. Consequently, I sincerely advocate the idea of finding ancestry and I believe it could bring a positive change to Africa and to the wider world.

Yours Faithfully

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