'Blame US education system': YouTube star IShowSpeed shatters African stereotypes during South African tour

IShowspeed has helped Americans develop a positive view of South Africa and earned a reward of 47 million subscribers, which he has always wanted.

American YouTuber Darren Jason Watkins Jr, famously known as IShowSpeed, is a trending topic following his tour of Africa. IShowspeed celebrated a major milestone, reaching 47 million YouTube subscribers in South Africa, which makes him the most subscribed streamer globally.

His posts and livestreams showcasing his experiences in Africa, particularly his positive treatment by locals in South Africa, have sparked online conversation.

This positive coverage has reportedly challenged long-held American stereotypes about South Africa being unsafe for visitors. IShowSpeed highlighted a welcoming aspect of the country, emphasising how comfortable he felt fitting in within the black-majority communities.

This has contributed to South Africa becoming a popular topic among tourists at the start of the year, landing the country on many must-visit lists. This surge in interest is largely due to an unvarnished portrayal by a raw YouTuber, who shows things as they truly are, making it difficult to dismiss their positive depiction of South Africa as a tourist destination. Consequently, other users have also expressed a strong desire to visit the country.

Americans have voiced their perspectives on Africa, including stereotypes that portray South Africa as dangerous and difficult to reside in. In contrast to these views, now there is a growing sentiment that IShowSpeed experienced better treatment in Africa than in other regions.

He has been sharing the highlights of his tour in South Africa, emphasising the beautiful moments he has experienced. Everywhere he goes, he is warmly welcomed and treated with great respect. He even posted a video of himself in the back of a car at night, expressing surprise that he was recognised by fans on every street, highlighting his unexpected popularity.

Discussions on X (formerly Twitter) centred on common stereotypes of Africa, such as people living in mud houses, lacking food, and facing starvation.

Dr. Allison Wiltz commented, blaming the education system: "I blame our education system, which focuses heavily on European history at the expense of teaching us African history."

Jp added a media perspective: "Those commercials showing kids starving are the only images we saw of Africa growing up. Of cours,e that was by design.”

IOL