# Stereotype-Fighting Photography This Photo Series Aims to Change Skewed Perceptions About Africa By Katherine Pendrill | Published 2015-09-03 | Social Good Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/skewed-perceptions References: [fastcoexist](http://www.fastcoexist.com/3050114/these-beautiful-photos-are-fighting-old-stereotypes-about-africa?partner=rss) & [cbc](http://www.cbc.ca/news/trending/africans-use-hashtag-to-showcase-diverse-and-beautiful-continent-1.3154160) Rachel Markham recently started a [social media campaign](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tumblr-campaign) that aims to combat skewed perceptions about Africa. In the media, Africa is largely portrayed as a place of conflict, poverty and disease. These stereotypes are not only incorrect but also distort the international image of Africans as a whole. Markham wanted to challenge these damaging stereotypes by featuring [photography that displays the beauty](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/unseenbeauty-initiative), strength and ingenuity of people across the African continent. The campaign began on [Twitter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/skincare-campaign-1), where Markham encouraged users to post pictures of Africans and their experiences. Each photograph is tagged with the hashtag '#TheAfricaTheMediaNeverShowsYou.' The photos cover everything from street style in Ghana to solar farms in Rwanda. The goal of the campaign is to re-frame how the international community thinks about Africa and to combat skewed perceptions about the lives of African people. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 6.1/10 - Popularity: 95% | Activity: 81% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Asia, Africa ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Social Good](https://www.trendhunter.com/socialgood) > [Activism](https://www.trendhunter.com/activism) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Re-imagining Africa:** Opportunity to challenge stereotypes about Africa through photography and portray the beauty, strength, and ingenuity of the continent. - **Social Media Activism:** Using hashtags and user-generated content on social media platforms as a powerful tool to reshape public perceptions and create positive narratives. - **Changing Media Narratives:** Demand for diverse and authentic stories that challenge traditional media narratives and provide a more accurate representation of African people and lifestyles. ### Where This Applies - **Photography:** Opportunity for photographers to capture and showcase the diverse beauty, cultures, and experiences of Africa, challenging stereotypes and promoting appreciation. - **Advertising and Marketing:** Opportunity for brands and marketing agencies to align their messaging and campaigns with the re-framed perception of Africa, promoting inclusivity and diversity. - **Tourism:** Opportunity to attract travelers by showcasing the true diversity, attractions, and experiences of Africa, moving beyond negative stereotypes and highlighting the continent's rich cultural heritage. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Empowering Visual Content Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/empowering-visual-content.md) - [Diversity-Focused AI Image Generators](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ai-image-generator.md) - [Empowering AI Image Generators](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/missjourney.md) - [Unretouched Photography Books](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/dove-reimagine-beauty.md) - [Mental Health-Supporting Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-last-photo.md) - [Empowering Beauty Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/you-are-amazing.md) - [Disability Representation-Encouraging Grants](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/disability-representation.md) - [Diversity-Focused Furniture Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/making-space1.md) - [Nostalgic Beauty Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/unseenbeauty-initiative.md)