I always learn a lot when I spend time outside of the US, often from unexpected sources. This week I’ve been in Nairobi meeting with business leaders and academics from Africa and other parts of the world, and also chatting for some everyday Kenyans on the street.
Kenya ranks in the middle of Africa’s 50+ nations in terms of per capita income—below $2000—but is showing some signs of development. The people are generally friendly. Infrastructure development is spotty, and the country still has a ways to go economically.
On one occasion, a local asked where I was from. I told him I was an American. He smiled and commented, “Oh, the land of Obama. He visited Kenya last summer.” I asked what Kenyans thought of our country and our president, and he replied, “We like Obama. He will do a lot for us [Kenya] and make things [fairer] around the world. We like Americans, but there is a lot of racism in your county. Why do most white people there hate black people?” I explained that most while people aren’t racist; how else would we have elected a black president? He smiled and continued, “But we hear that racism is a serious problem in the US, with lots of crime against black people. Even police are killing black people, like in Kenya in the past. Obama says he’s going to change the laws.” I spent the next few minutes trying to unravel his misperceptions, but three specific parts of his comments are worth unpacking.
First, this man said, “we hear” numerous times. I asked where he and other Kenyans get their information and he mentioned TV and the Internet. As for TV, Kenyans have access to CNN-International, the BBC, and Sky News (UK). In my view, CNN-I is largely anti-American. Whether it’s a special report of the lack of universal healthcare in the US, the spiraling gun violence “caused” by unenlightened gun-toters, or general malfeasance in corporate America, CNN-I never seems at a loss for reasons to question the American way of life and its institutions. The BBC is leftist as well, but more credible and not anti-US per se. Sky News is the only balanced alternative, but it’s clearly in third place in terms of reach. It’s no wonder why those whose view of the US is molded by American news outlets see the country in a negative light.
Second, this man compared alleged US racism to Kenya’s past. Kenya became a republic in 1963. It is true that colonialism in Kenya—like the rest of Africa—had racial overtones. The idea that law enforcement officials in the US are killing innocent African-Americans because of their race, like some Europeans did on occasion to Africans in the past, is appalling. I recall the case that Dinesh D’Souza made for Obama as an anti-colonialist, and I couldn’t help but to connect some dots here.
Finally, this man referred to Obama’s effort to change the law, specifically in terms of gun control. While the President is careful to avoid such terminology—only Congress can change the law—it is clear that he seeks to do so and that many outside of the US see through his rhetoric. Ironically, in promoting live coverage of the President’s speech on the topic, a BBC anchor actually used the same “change the law” phrase.
My conversation tells a lot about how the US is viewed outside of our borders. I try not to criticize American leaders while in other countries. I promote American ideals and counter media bias as best I can, but it’s an uphill battle. There seem to be few clear, consistent, and articulate proponents of liberty and free enterprise in the US and abroad these days. American foreign aid used to be seen an attempt to spread freedom; it’s now seen as legitimate global wealth redistribution.
I’ll close with another encounter I had. A Kenyan street vendor I met pointed to his injured hand and said that medical treatment to fix it is available in the US even if you can’t afford it. He referred to the work that Operation Smile has done with kids with a clef palate. As he put it, “You’re lucky to be born an American.” Indeed, free societies not only create wealth, but their people look for ways to share it voluntarily to make the world a better place. Perhaps there is some hope after all.
The media like CNN is damaging our country. They act like theres no constitution.
I discovered the same thing when I traveled. Foreigners get a leftwing view of the USA from our media.
Does the media create reality or reflect it?
Both, Aliza. Even if anchors and reporters don’t openly favor a candidate, they decide what to air and how to present it. There is enough crime, political news, etc. to fill up news programs. What they cover slants the news. It’s probably been this way forever, but we can look things up for ourselves now with the internet.