1. How to Write About Africa
Binyavanga Wainaina

2. Author Background Kenyan author, journalist
University of Transkei in South Africa; worked in Cape Town as a freelance food and travel writer
Memoir: One Day I Will Write About This Place (2011)
The founding editor of Kwani?
Literary magazine in East Africa
Source of new writing from Africa

3. Task Critically read How to Write About Africa (2003)
Highlight and take notes in the margin
a. What do you find shocking?
b. What do you connect with?
c. Where do you see yourself called out.
d. What can you identify with, as far as feeling
stereotyped yourself?
Focus on his advice to people wanting to write about Africa

4. Satire
Used to ridicule or make fun of human vice or weakness, often with the intent of correcting, or changing
Can be funny, but its aim is not to amuse, instead to arouse contempt or disgust

5. Examples
Parody: a mimicry/mocking of an established concept, idea, or a person
Colbert Report, South Park
Sarcasm: sharp, biting, or witty remark
Understatement: contains an expression of less strength than what would be expected
Monty Python

6. Questions after reading
What is the tone of this selection? Why do you think this? Provide evidence to support your reasoning?
What is the real message the author is sending? Explain why you think this.
Why would the author use this strategy to get her point across?