Diamonds and Africa. Western influences on African Diamond mines.

Subject  > Social Science Essays  > Economics  > Development Studies

Off Cratons, Cuts, and Cutures: Diamonds in the Western Imaginary and the Diminishment of African Cultural Opportunities Just about everyone who lives in the U.S. has been exposed to a DeBeers ad. A diamond is forever, is how it goes in this particular marketing campaign, the most successful ever conducted (Hart: 2001). Beautiful American couples express their undying love through a truly astounding crystal. But this crystal, like Africa, has a history. So does its value, which is not intrinsic but culturally prescribed and subscribed to. This is a history continuing to be told, but perhaps told badly, without the legacy of influences and intents that have generated the current moment. Recounting this history shows how Africa and one of its most marketable ...

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