African's Love President Obama

Kenyans welcoming President Barack Obama.

Americans wonder why President Obama's approval ratings in African countries are so high across the board. Although former President Busch increased funding for African aid during his administration, Obama's administration has dramatically decreased funding. So how does he bode so well with African citizens?

President Obama is first an foremost an American but is gaining respect for having a "global personality." He made an appearance in Jamaica and successfully greeted the crowd in the native language. He respectfully pronounces "Pakistan" in the voice that actual Pakistanis use. He playfully joined in on a dance in Kenya to entertain the crowd. When it comes to hot political topics he stands firm on sensitive African issues such as LGBT rights. Pres. Obama is simply gaining popularity by not acting as the patron saint to developing countries.

Reflection: I think this goes back to the "myth of savage Africa" and how Africa is still viewed today. President Obama may gain some favoritism as the first American president with Kenyan heritage but that kind of popularity would be short-lived. He's one of the first world-power influences to look at Africa as an equal and find a trading partner. Obama's views of Africa are completely polar opposite to the views of other world-powers, such as Nicolas Sarkozy, former President of France. He recognizes the fact that Africa has a lot to offer economically and it doesn't need handouts to succeed.

Why Africa loves Obama - and it's not why you might think

Written by: Omar Mohammed