Oxfam: "Depressing, Stereotypical" Images of Africa Hurt Aid

Launches new, positive ad campaign

Major international charity Oxfam warned Wednesday that the "depressing" portrayal of Africa is doing more harm than good to relieve its hunger crisis. The British arm of the company called the images of starving babies and other depictions "manipulative and hopeless." They worry the images desensitize potential donors and lead them to believe that the conditions of Africa can never improve. Chief Executive Dame Barbara Stocking said in a posting on Oxfam's website that "we need to shrug off the old stereotypes and celebrate the continent's diversity and complexity." In their efforts, Oxfam has launched a new advertising campaign this week celebrating Africa's natural beauty and progress toward alleviating hunger. Called "Food for All," the campaign features images of lush green scenery, wildlife and thriving African food markets, and it's tagline reads: "Let's Make Africa Famous for Its Epic Landscapes, Not Hunger." (NBC)

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