This letter is in response to Emil Ovbiagele’s April 20 column, “Africa to host World Cup and shake off false perceptions.” Ovbiagele wrote with condescension and arrogance when describing Americans’ view of Africa.

By refusing to acknowledge the complexities surrounding Africa’s continued development, he trivializes the harsh realities Africans face today.

He insults his audience by ignoring the awareness campaigns taking place on campus, an example of which was seen in the Tribune’s front page article covering the Invisible Children group.

His sweeping generalizations do nothing to educate or enlighten us, but instead, insult us. There are misconceptions about every region of the world, and by assuming that Marquette students are ignorant of global issues and prone to stereotypes, especially “after a few beers,” Ovbiagele only furthers this problem.

The United States gives billions of dollars in aid to Africa each year, so to write that foreigners believe Africans “live in trees” and enjoy the occasional strolling lion is outrageous and offensive.

Ellen Renfroe is a senior in the College of Arts & Sciences, and Emily Meyer is a junior in the College of Nursing