Thinking on Talks by 'Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie'

This blog is written in response to the thinking activity based on the learning outcome of the some Talks of Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, it was given by Dr. Dilip Barad sir, at the Department of English, MKBU.

 Introduction

Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, born on September 15, 1977, in Enugu, Nigeria, is a celebrated Nigerian writer and feminist icon. She is known for her powerful storytelling exploring themes like identity, feminism, colonialism, and contemporary African society.

Her debut novel, "Purple Hibiscus" (2003), set in Nigeria, follows Kambili's story in a strict and abusive household, gaining international acclaim. "Half of a Yellow Sun" (2006), her second novel, is a historical epic set during the Nigerian-Biafran War, winning the Orange Prize for Fiction. In 2009, she published "The Thing Around Your Neck," a collection of short stories diving into the lives of Nigerians at home and abroad, exploring themes of displacement and cultural identity.

Adichie is also known for her TED Talks. Here in this blog we will discuss her talks on "We Should All Be Feminists," 'The Dangers of Single Story' and her speech at Harvard in 2018. 

'The Dangers of Single Story'

"So that is how to create a single story, show a person as one thing, as only one thing, over and over again, and that is what they become.”

In this 2009 Ted Talk, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie discusses "the danger of a single story". She grew up in Nigeria reading British and American books, which influenced her early writing and perception of literature, in that context she gives an example of the ‘Ginger beer’, how it gets into her writing because of the influence of English books. Adichie discovered African literature and realised the importance of diverse narratives that reflected her identity. her shift in perception after discovering African writers like Chinua Achebe and Camara Laye, who represented people like her with skin colour and experiences similar to hers in literature. Adichie discusses how this discovery allowed her to write about things she recognized and challenged the single story narrative.

She highlights the power of storytelling in shaping perceptions and stereotypes, citing examples from her own experiences in the US and Mexico. Adichie emphasizes the need for a "balance of stories" that depict the complexity and diversity of people and places, ultimately promoting empathy and understanding.

One of the key takeaways is the idea that stories have a profound influence on our worldview. Adichie illustrates this through her own childhood experiences, where she read primarily British and American books and consequently developed a skewed perception of what literature and identity should be. This underscores the significance of representation in literature and media, emphasizing the need for diverse voices to tell their stories.

The talk also highlights the danger of reducing individuals and cultures to a single narrative. Adichie's personal anecdotes about her experiences in the United States and Mexico illustrate how one-dimensional portrayals can lead to stereotypes and misunderstandings. This reinforces the importance of acknowledging the complexity of human experiences and cultures.

Furthermore, Adichie's discussion of power dynamics in storytelling underscores the role of privilege and influence in shaping narratives. Those who hold power have the ability to define and perpetuate certain stories, often at the expense of marginalized voices. Recognizing this power dynamic encourages us to seek out diverse perspectives and challenge dominant narratives.

Empathy emerges as a central theme in the talk. Adichie encourages us to imagine multiple narratives for individuals and cultures, allowing for a more nuanced and compassionate understanding of the world. By doing so, we can break down stereotypes and foster greater connections between people from diverse backgrounds.

"There is a word, an Igbo word, that I think about whenever I think about the power structures of the world, and it is 'nkali.' It's a noun that loosely translates to 'to be greater than another.' Like our economic and political worlds, stories too are defined by the principle of nkali: How they are told, who tells them, when they're told, how many stories are told, are really dependent on power."

'We should all be Feminists'

"Gender matters everywhere in the world."

 Adichie starts by recalling her childhood when a friend called her a "feminist," sparking her exploration of feminism. She highlights her experiences in Nigeria, where she faced stereotypes, such as the idea that feminists can't find husbands. Adichie shares a childhood incident where a girl excelled but a boy became class monitor due to gender bias.

"I want to be respected in all of my femaleness because I deserve to be."

She points out everyday gender bias, like restaurant waiters greeting men but ignoring women. As a female professor, Adichie felt pressured to dress a certain way for professional credibility. Cultural expectations in Nigeria prioritize marriage and downplay women's success.

In this Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie's TED talk on ‘We should all be Feminists', a wealth of valuable lessons on gender inequality and feminism emerges, encapsulating essential insights in a concise and impactful manner.

Firstly, Adichie highlights the ubiquitous nature of gender inequality in society. Through personal anecdotes and societal observations, she emphasizes the deeply ingrained biases and stereotypes that limit opportunities and shape individual lives. This recognition of gender disparities is a critical starting point in addressing and rectifying them.

Adichie's talk also provides a clear and empowering definition of feminism as advocating for equality between the sexes. This definition dispels misconceptions and negative stereotypes often associated with the term, emphasizing its fundamental aim of fairness rather than favoring one gender over another.

Furthermore, the transcript underscores the harmful impact of stereotypes on both individuals and society at large. It illuminates how these stereotypes, such as the belief that successful women threaten men's masculinity, can restrict women's choices and potential. Challenging and dismantling these harmful beliefs is essential for societal progress.

Adichie's discussion of everyday gender bias, such as the unequal treatment of women in restaurants, serves as a stark reminder that gender bias is not confined to specific contexts but permeates daily life. Recognizing and addressing these subtle biases is vital in the pursuit of true gender equality.

Moreover, Adichie's talk calls for a reexamination and challenge of cultural norms and expectations that perpetuate gender inequality. It underscores the importance of questioning and reshaping these norms to create a fairer society. Her advocacy for raising children without reinforcing traditional gender roles highlights the significance of instilling change from a young age.

From Adichie's talk,  it becomes clear that feminism challenges stereotypes and seeks gender equality. It exposes bias in everyday life, education, and professions. Cultural norms can limit women's opportunities. Teaching equality from childhood is crucial. Adichie's examples illustrate that feminism fights for a fairer, more equitable world where gender doesn't determine one's worth or potential.

"Feminist, a person who believes in the social, political and economic equality of the sexes."

 'Harvard Uni - importance of Truth in the Post-Truth Era'.

In her address to Harvard's Class of 2018, renowned author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie delivered a powerful message centered on the themes of truth, personal integrity, and courage. She began by expressing gratitude for the opportunity to address the graduates and shared humorous anecdotes, including her own struggles with the pronunciation of her name, to underscore the importance of intent and context in communication.

Adichie's central message revolved around the value of truth. She emphasized that truth extends beyond simply avoiding lies; it encompasses the willingness to acknowledge and embrace honesty in all aspects of life. Drawing from personal experiences, she confessed to telling white lies, even at the doctor's office, and emphasized that embracing truth might not always lead to favorable outcomes but ultimately upholds personal integrity.

Courageous communication was another significant theme in Adichie's address. She encouraged the graduates to be fearless in speaking the truth, particularly in today's culture of calling out and outrage. While recognizing the importance of holding others accountable, she stressed the significance of considering intent and context, differentiating between malicious intent and honest mistakes.

Literature played a pivotal role in Adichie's message. She described it as her religion and underscored its power to help individuals understand the complexities of human nature and inspire empathy. Adichie urged the graduates to read widely, highlighting the universality of human stories and literature's potential to bridge gaps among people.

Addressing the graduates' Harvard background, Adichie acknowledged that assumptions would be made about their privilege and perceived superiority. She encouraged them to remain humble, mindful of the humanity in themselves and others, and not to let these assumptions dictate their actions.