Afrocentric

See Afrocentrism The adjective is Africentric.

A term first used in the 1960s referring to an African-American inspired ideology, which also took root other Eurocentric-dominated societies, including Southern Africa. It evolved, and is often still used, as a counter-ideology to the perceived domination by Western or European values in the region.

Proponents of Afrocentrism conceptualize an African heritage, often denying or minimizing Western or European cultural influences.

The concept gained academic stature in the 1980s and 1990s. See also for example such works as The Afrocentric Idea by Molefi Kete Asante, (Philadelphia: Temple University Press, 1998) and The Afrocentric Paradigm by Ama Mazama, (ed.). (Trenton: Africa World Press, , 2003.)

Sources

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Afrocentrism

http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/afrocentric

The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language (2009 edition)

See also for example:

Molefi Kete Asante, 1998. The Afrocentric Idea. Philadelphia: Temple University Press.

Ama Mazama, ed., 2003. The Afrocentric Paradigm. Trenton: Africa World Press.

Return to

Return to South African Theatre Terminology and Thematic Entries

Return to Main Page