Writer: Siyabonga Hadebe | Photographs: Supplied
At a time when the world is still dealing with the lasting impacts of colonialism and the need for more comprehensive narratives, a recent article titled Europe’s southernmost capital city, below two African capitals on maps on the UK’s Express (7/10/2024), by Lotti O’Brien, highlights Malta’s capital, Valletta, and showcases the problematic continuation of Eurocentric knowledge and misinformation.
This seemingly innocuous framing of Valletta as a notable southern European capital ultimately reinforces outdated, racist, and divisive perspectives that obscure the rich histories and cultures of Africa.
O’Brien notes that Valletta is one of the southernmost capitals in Europe, conveniently positioning it below the capitals of Tunis and Algiers in Africa. However, rather than celebrating the world’s interconnectedness, this observation reinforces a hierarchy that privileges European cities over their African counterparts.
The article inadvertently upholds the notion that European cities are the gold standard of cultural significance by presenting Valletta as a tourist destination rich in history and architectural beauty. This dismisses the profound historical and cultural contributions of African capitals, relegating them to mere footnotes in a narrative dominated by European achievements.
The article’s emphasis on Valletta’s Baroque architecture and its status as a UNESCO World Heritage site serves as a reminder of the Eurocentric focus that continues to shape our understanding of civilization. Such descriptions imply that European governance, architecture, and cultural styles are inherently superior.
This Eurocentrism not only sidelines African histories and cultures but also perpetuates the myth of European exceptionalism—a narrative that has justified centuries of colonial exploitation and domination.
Furthermore, the notion that Valletta, with a population of just over 5,000, can serve as a commercial center and a significant place of work for thousands reflects colonial economic structures prioritizing European interests. In contrast, Tunis and Algiers, with their rich historical legacies and cultural vibrancy, are often depicted as secondary or lesser, echoing a colonial mentality that dismisses African cities as relevant players on the global stage.
Moreover, the Mediterranean Sea serves as an imposed psychological border separating a “superior,” “civilized” Europe from what is often portrayed as “backward” African societies. This artificial divide has profound implications, particularly in the ongoing migrant crisis. The perilous journeys undertaken by African migrants across the Mediterranean are frequently framed through a lens of fear and suspicion in European discourse, reinforcing the idea that those who cross this boundary threaten the sanctity of European civilization.
This narrative not only dehumanizes migrants but also perpetuates harmful stereotypes about Africa as a continent rife with chaos and instability, conveniently ignoring the complex historical and socio-economic factors driving migration.
O’Brien’s article subtly perpetuates the narrative that geography determines significance. While noting that Valletta is geographically “below” two major African capitals, it fails to engage with the implications of such positioning.
This perspective reflects a deeply entrenched colonial mindset, which views the world through a lens of dominance and hierarchy rather than equality and interdependence. Valletta’s location should serve as an opportunity to explore the historical ties and shared struggles between European and African nations, not as a means to elevate one over the other.
Such manipulations using maps also portray Africa as significantly smaller than Greenland, minimizing the relevance of the continent and its people. This distortion shapes perceptions, leading many to regard Africa as a marginal player on the global stage.
Geographical representations in Western media reinforce stereotypes and perpetuate the idea that Africa lacks importance, ignoring its wealth, diverse cultures, and the rich histories of its nations. By relegating Africa to a mere side note, these depictions perpetuate a lingering colonial mindset that marginalizes the continent in conversations of global importance.
As the world becomes more aware of the importance of anti-colonial perspectives, it is vital to question pieces like O’Brien’s that uphold divisive storytelling. Rather than portraying Valletta as a charming European location, we should acknowledge the more significant historical and political factors influencing our perceptions of cities and their importance. Valletta’s position in relation to African capitals should prompt discussions on colonial legacies, global power dynamics, and the interconnected histories of both continents.
Ultimately, it is time to retire the antiquated Eurocentric narratives that shape our understanding of cities and cultures. We must celebrate the rich histories of African capitals alongside their European counterparts and recognize that geography alone cannot measure true cultural significance.
Siya yi banga le economy!