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Paper short abstract:

This paper argues that Afropolitan experiences show the growth of the diverse African community. Although the experiences of Afropolitans do not represent the larger African migrant experience, their stories must be told to correct and challenge Western stereotypical narrative of African migrants.

Paper long abstract:

A monolithic representation is usually given to African migration. African migrants are depicted as fleeing from wars, unrest, famine, disease, poverty, and failed governments, making their journey to the West through dangerous deserts and using rubber boats to cross the Mediterranean Sea with the hopes of seeking greener pastures in Europe. Although this depiction is a fact, it denies the experiences of other Africans who migrate to the West to pursue education and/or jobs. Some Africans are second/third-generation travellers who create a space for themselves in their host land and homeland. This paper argues that Afropolitans/transnationals whose experiences differ slightly from first-generation travellers show the growth of the diverse African community. Although the experiences of Afropolitans do not represent the larger African migrant experience, their stories must be told to correct and challenge the existing Western stereotypical narrative of African migrants. Sefi Atta, the Nigerian-American writer, creates characters who are questioning stereotypical African migrant representation and images of Africa. In A Bit of Difference, the author highlights western narratives of Africa and what it means to be African, juxtaposing it with the lives of her characters, consequently showing the disparity between the Western perception of Africa and reality. Afropolitanism is perhaps legitimising the experiences of the new group of African travellers as part of the collective African experience and identity. As a result, Afropolitanism should be seen as an aspect of the progression of the African migratory narrative.