Why do you think those "deep seated prejudices" persist? Not really. Nope, not really Nope, not really. The problems in Africa [not Iraq] can be summed up in one word. Unemployment. You can add corruption and crushed hopes as a factor which keeps the cycle of violence going, but basically its a lot of men with nothing to do. Its the same fight, for limited resources, with those in power exploiting those without. If you look at the big picture, there is no difference. Whether its the local dictator kept happy on a cushion of dollars as long as he signs on the dotted line. Or the big hegemony kept happy on a cushion of dollars so long as they are the global currency. And both will use violence and force to ensure the imbalance of power is maintained and resources are kept for those with the power to hold on to them, regardless of the "ownership". i.e. might is right. Darn, no idea but that would be true about me for Europe or Asia as well. Please Register or Log in to view the hidden image! See previous explanation. I think its a form of dehumanisation. If you see them as individuals its hard to consider them as collateral damages. Its why in Rwanda, the various "white" countries removed "their" people and let the slaughter go on.
what comes to mind when i hear the word "africa"? sahara desert. nile valley, the sphinx and pyramids. diamonds, oil, uranium. plenty of wilderness. worlds first heart transplant.
The origin of the word "Africa" and "africans" is interesting, but is perhaps not so important for its contemporary meaning (did the romans borrow it from other people? from Carthago, perhaps Phoinicia?) I find it is an extremely well defined continent, compared to especially Europe and Asia. seen from purely geographical perspective. "African peoples", "african culture", "mentality" or spirit is another matter - much less easy to define. Perhaps it is not necessary either?
Things I think of when I think "Africa": People who believe in black magic, keeping enemies' toes in jars. Hutus v Tutsis 2 million percent inflation-a la zimbabwe blood diamonds starvation Anarchy-Somalia style some other stuff.