https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/

It is a question from Chapter Two "Middle Passage" from a textbook "African Americans — A Concise History". My question is NOT for assignment. Just want to have a "model answer" to check. Hope I can find it here.
No, this is not an exam question. The reading source is from the name of the textbook I provide here.

There is no evidence that the Africans were at any point dehumanised by enslavement. Although a horrible experience, the middle passage was too short seriously to alter the mental balance of any normal individual.

Remember that slavery was normal for the African peasants; it was routine for families defaulting on debt (usually for rice, the staple food) to be seized and sold by the creditor. Every year they saw people led away by the Arab middlemen. Nothing was happening which was not usual for people of their social and economic class; finally it was their turn.

That explains why the Africans were so astonishingly docile, lining up to be marched across the Sahara or to the coast when even passive resistance would have made the traders’ job impossible. The slaves were many, the traders few. The primitive firearms then in use could have done no more than kill a few Africans before the rest overwhelmed the Arabs. It was because the Africans accepted their fate calmly, as a normal outcome of being a prisoner of war or a defaulting debtor that the slave trade was possible at all.

That also explains why they were not driven crazy by the middle passage. Stoicism in the face of hardship is more likely when you see what is happening as right and proper. As for building black cultures in the Americas – that is only partly true. They did not so much build a black culture as bring it with them. What they built in the New World was a fusion of their own culture with that of the white colonists – and this varies from country to country, region to region across the Americas. Although the slaves were drawn from the same African kingdoms, black culture in, for instance, Louisiana is vastly different from that in Haiti or in Brazil, and the differences are mainly mediated by the differing conditions of slavery and the different input from the whites in those places.

Hope this helps.

The summer weather in Gauteng (Joburg area) is like the American MidWest: sunny and warm most days, but a lightning and thunder storm with rain most afternoons. Until the rain comes, it can be very humid. You don’t say where you are from (which can affect how you handle the weather here), so I would say to bring a fold-up umbrella for the afternoon rains, a light jacket or sweater (called a "jersey" here) or a shawl for the cooler temps.

For the safari, you will need neutrals like khaki, tan, dark green. Long pants are a good idea, even if you will be in a vehicle, as the areas where they have safaris tend to be very hot and dry and the sun beating down on your bare legs (or though dark fabric) will be pretty uncomfortable after a while. Bring a hat, preferably something that will shade your face and the back of your neck and bring a very high PF sunscreen (I use 40+ but I am very fair). The South African sun is more intense than anything you have EVER experienced in the US (and I lived in Arizona for 3 years, so I know what I am talking about!). Also, if you are going near water sources, like rivers, lakes, etc., don’t forget mosquito repellant–the mossies here are fierce!! You might also want to bring some of those 100% cotton bandana hankies (in neutral colours) to use as sweatbands and neckerchiefs–expect to sweat here unless you come from a very hot environment.

As far as clothing is concerned, South Africa is a VERY casual place. Shorts on men–even on old whitehaired grandpas– (knee-length) are much more common here than in the US. Everybody wears jeans all year round. T-shirts are popular as well, "Smart casual" is the dress code for evening wear–that means you can wear a peasant skirt, Tshirt, dressy sandals, a pretty sash at the waist and some standout-jewellery (like turquoise neckace and earrings) and be in the first flush of fashion. To keep your packing to a minimum, I would recommend bringing things you can wear with your neutrals-things that coordinate with them and then some contrasting accessories, like a persimmon or deep aqua scarf to wear with a tan skirt and top.

South Africa is fashion forward, but casual–Google "Sandton City" and check the various shops in the mall for an idea as to what we wear here (wear what we do and you won’t look like a tourist). Be aware that we have Ed Hardy, Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Armani–we also have Mr. Price and Ackermans (think Kmart, WalMart fashions).

I have been here 8 years (from NorCalif) and I love it here. Welcome to South Africa!!

PS–the shopping here is fab: I saw cotton blend ladies Tshirts today 2 for R50–that’s about $3.50 each!

Have you visited the continent or wish to visit?

Are Africans open to friendships with African Americans?

I accept all African-Americans! My country(Niger) welcomes all African-Americans.So if you want to come Dejele,you are welcome to visit.

But I guess the most that Afrcan-Americans can try to do is maybe have African penpals.etc.