The CBS's firing of Don Imus, one of America's 25 Most Influential People and member of the National Broadcaster Hall of Fame, after protests from the business community and civil society over his derogatory remarks against a black women's basketball team, is a pointer that in a globalizing world, reason should triumph over racial prejudice and judgment should not be based on skin colour, but  performance.

Avalanches of racist assaults against black communities abound. African leaders are said to have warped logic. Colonialism is claimed to be the best thing that ever happened to Africa, for it brought more development than the continent had ever known, or will ever know. One more says that the African’s IQ is lower than that of the Asian and European and it can only rise if Africans marry or depend on Europeans.

At  higher levels, racist tendencies are seen in the current efforts to ‘bribe’ Africans from migrating to developed nations, slapping trade barriers on African goods and centrally planning African economies. They are meant to kill the African psyche, dominate Africa, keep it in a state of dependency and kill productivity.

The 21^st Century is Africa’s century to prove its worth. The victim and tribal mentality will not improve Africa’s lot. Africa ought to examine its relevance in the global agenda, position itself strategically to tap from global intellectual and physical resources, learn from criticism and be productive. Africans must have something to show- instead of the usual begging bowl.Only then shall the continent be able to bargain  with the international community and earn respect.