This text examines the historical evolution of American perceptions of Africa. The author examines the role that popular media plays in the creation of Americans' mental images of Africa and addresses the most prevalent myths and preconceptions about Africa to which Americans subscribe.

Keim asks why our popular depictions of Africa rarely connect rural Africans to the modern world; rarely mention the role of the West in creating African problems; and rarely show urban Africans except to illustrate disease, famine, warfare, poverty, or corruption. Perhaps, says Keim, we actually like Africa to be portrayed this way. Mistaking Africa: Curiosities and Inventions of the American Mind is a fascinating look at our stereotypes about Africa and where they come from. It warns of the dangers of our misperceptions, and it prepares for more serious engagements with the continent. }

*
Part One: Introduction
Changing Our Mind About Africa
How We Learn
*
Part Two: Evolutionism
The Origins of Darkest Africa
Our Living Ancestors: Twentieth-Century Evolutionism
Real Africa, Wise Africa
We Should Help Them
*
Part Three: Further Misperceptions
Cannibalism: No Accounting for Taste
Africans Live in Tribes, Dont They?
Safari: Beyond Our Wildest Dreams
Africa in Ads
*
Part Four: New Directions
Race and Culture: The Same and the Other
From Imagination to Dialogue