[nuerow]

> (...) but it's disingenuous to dismiss historical facts about what white people have done in Africa

You really have to figure out what you're referring to as "white people", not only because of the inherent racism in your statement but also because it fails to recognize the root cause of the colonialism problem throughout the world, including Africa.

For example, do you feel it's appropriate to blame race when colonialist powers were forcing "white people" into exile to their colonies under the penalty of death? How about "white people" taking job offers to work on any industry located in said colonies and consequently ended up making their home there? Are you to blame for a problem just because you find yourself somewhere and you happen to be the wrong race?

Colonialism were the result of oppressive policies driven by authoritarian regimes, but these processes weren't driven bottom-up.

[LurkingPenguin]

> For example, do you feel it's appropriate to blame race

Where did I "blame" race? And for what?

People who are white have done horrible things in Africa. People who are black have done horrible things in Africa. It is, however, a simple fact that the people who are white came to Africa from other places.

Looking at the history, I don't think it's difficult to make a strong argument that, on the whole, the arrival of white Europeans on the continent has hurt the (black) people who were already there more than it has helped them.

That's not blaming white people for all that ails Africa. It's also not disingenuously dismissing the malign influence white Europeans have had on the continent.

Again, let's look at the statement the OP took issue with and suggested was racist:

> Men like Denard but perhaps a little less theatrical—many of them South Africans—took the next logical step. They founded businesses with boring-sounding names but a deadly purpose: to fight Africa’s nastiest conflicts on behalf of corrupt, inept governments, and for profit

Where's the racism in this? Is this not true?

[nuerow]

> Where did I "blame" race? And for what?

Please don't play dumb. You accused, and I quote, "it's disingenuous to dismiss historical facts about what white people have done in Africa on the basis that it hurts white people in Africa's feelings."

> People who are white have done horrible things in Africa.

Please don't play dumb. You know very well your racist comment was a blanked accusation targeted at entire ethnical groups.

If you are honestly interested in learning about the crimes against humanity committed within the scope of imperialist agendas, you'll learn very well that the root cause is very specific. If on the other hand you're just invested in mindlessly spewing racist comments then you should really take a look at what you are doing.