“Go back to Africa!” Surely by now, you’ve heard or seen certain Americans state such hate-infused words. Well, it looks like people are taking up the offer.
While it’s a delight to travel to Africa — because many parts of the continent are far different than the Feed the Children ads America shows its public — the way particular demographics use “Go back to Africa” isn’t a friendly send-off.
But, obviously, they don’t know that Africa’s actually quite beautiful and welcoming.
Morning #Accra ! It’s beautiful day! A lovely photo from @nastya .serge to start the day! || #ThisIsAccra pic.twitter.com/aqAFYa2vy2
— ThisisAccra ?? (@_ThisisAccra) June 2, 2016
You have to wonder, what is America without its many cultures? Live Science defines the United States as the largest “melting pot” in the world. It’s literally a country comprised of immigrants . What right is it for one to tell the other to “go back”?
For real. What is America without everyone else’s culture?
However, to humor those who wish to exclaim “go back to Africa!” — in such a condemning manner — some people are welcoming the cause.
Yet, it’s going to be on the dollar of those who wish it to happen.
One man, Larry Mitchell of Kokomo, Indiana, has started a GoFundMe page with going “back to Africa” in mind. Humorously, yet clever, his cause’s description sets to appeal to the hatred of particular American groups.
The “Back to Africa” initiative states as follows.
Warning: The following statements may be offensive to some readers. Discretion is advised.
“Send me ‘back’ to Africa fund… If you want me to go back to Africa I will gladly go… you can help make your dream and mine come true… accepting all donations… KKK, Skin Heads and anyone else with like-mind thinking are welcome to donate… Thank you.. God bless you and America… #putyourmoneywhereyourhateis”
So far, the man’s “Back to Africa” page has raised $1,315.
Black man challenges racists, starts GoFundMe to go back to Africa: https://t.co/kpqPN87wwF pic.twitter.com/Td3X914hOa
— Complex (@Complex) July 14, 2016
However, the challenge for these hate-filled individuals to “put their money where their hate is” has gone unmet.
Larry Mitchell’s “Back to Africa” goal is set at $100,000.
There have been a few “Anonymous” contributions without an explanatory caption. However, most of Larry’s “Back to Africa” donations have been from kindhearted individuals.
Most have firmly stated that they’re only donating so he can take and enjoy a nice vacation. Likewise, several contributors request that he comes back to the States after experiencing Africa.
Why hasn’t his “Back to Africa” trip gained more traveling funds than $1,315? It’s been active for the last 10 days. There are pages that accumulate over $100,000 in a matter of hours, right?
On top of the minimal activity from those who claim that Blacks should go back to Africa, several supportive white Americans have also called out these hate-filled individuals and groups, asking, “Where are all you people at?”
One of the page’s commentators, Roy Sisson, mentions as follows.
“Where are all you people at? I constantly read comments online from thousands of people saying they will gladly pay the way back to Africa. $25 in 5 days is all? Put your money where your mouths are.”
“Go back to Africa”? Sure. Why not?
Accra… Beautiful in personality and appearance… But they’ll never show you… https://t.co/mWn7zAx7bA pic.twitter.com/1K49NhACpA
— Jollof & Chips (@Jollofandchips) April 17, 2016
According to African Renewal, Ghana is one of the first countries opening its doors to African-Americans as a “welcome back.”
One military retiree from Maryland, Jerome Thompson, moved to the coastline of Ghana 11 years ago and hasn’t looked back.
“The ocean helps me fall asleep and wakes me up in the morning. Where else can I live this close to the ocean? It would cost me millions of dollars!
“I fell in love with Ghana and its people. It was good seeing black people, my people, in charge of the country (Ghana).”
My breathtaking room at Villa Monticello for the weekend. Beautiful Accra #lifestyle my #weekendatVM pic.twitter.com/3kSG18ctS3
— Ameyaw Debrah (@AmeyawDebrah) April 2, 2016
The United States is one big melting pot of worldly cultures now.
“Culture encompasses religion, food, what we wear, how we wear it, our language, marriage, music, what we believe is right or wrong, how we sit at the table, how we greet visitors, how we behave with loved ones, and a million other things,” as Live Science defines it.
The United States Census Bureau mentions that over 300 languages are spoken in America, and there’s no “official” language of the country — even though a large portion of the population speaks some form of English.
Nevertheless, what’s your take on the topic? Why do you think certain Americans are encouraging others to “go back to Africa”? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below.
[Photo by Rex C. Curry/AP Images]