Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

This blog is written as a task assigned by the head of the Department of English (MKBU), Prof. and Dr. Dilip Barad Sir. Here is the link to the professor's blog for background reading: Click here.

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Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
Adichie in 2020
Born	Grace Ngozi Adichie 15 September 1977 (age 48) Enugu, Enugu State, Nigeria
Occupation	Writer
Alma mater	Eastern Connecticut State University Johns Hopkins University Yale University
Years active	2003–present
Notable awards	Full list
Spouse	Ivara Esege   ​ (m. 2009)​
Children	3
Signature
Website
www.chimamanda.com

Talk on importance of Story / Literature : 

In this talk, Adichie argues that when we hear or tell only one version of a story about a person, place, or culture, we risk misunderstanding those we are speaking about. The idea is that a single story can create stereotypes, and while these stereotypes are not necessarily untrue, they are incomplete.

Adichie begins by discussing the impact that stories had on her own life, particularly the British and American children’s books she read as a child. These stories, while beloved, made her realise that her own life and culture were missing from the literature she consumed, leading her to internalise certain stereotypes about what stories could be and who could be in them. She illustrates how a “single story” can distort our understanding of people, cultures, and countries. She recounts experiences where others viewed her through a narrow lens, seeing her only as a representation of African poverty or assuming that her background limited her experiences. This “single story” reduces people to stereotypes and strips them of their complexity and humanity.

“That is how you create a single story, show a people as one thing. As only one thing, over and over again and that is what they become.”

She emphasises that while stereotypes may be based on some truths, they are always incomplete. When we rely on a single story, we risk seeing only one aspect of a person or place and ignoring the broader context and diversity of experiences. She also discusses the role of power in storytelling, noting that those who dominate the narrative have the power to shape how others are perceived. She highlights how Western media often portrays Africa as a monolithic place of poverty, disease, and conflict, ignoring the rich diversity and complexity of the continent.

“Power is the ability to not just to tell the story of another person, but to make it the definitive story of that person"

Adichie uses personal stories to illustrate her points. She talks about her own experiences as a Nigerian encountering single stories about Africa and also admits to forming her own single stories about others, such as her initial perceptions of Mexico based on media portrayals. She concludes by advocating for the need to seek out and tell multiple stories about individuals, cultures, and countries. By embracing a diversity of narratives, we can resist the simplifications of the single story and gain a fuller, more nuanced understanding of the world.

“When we reject the single story, when we realise that there is never a single story of any place, we regain a kind of paradise.”

We Should All be Feminist:

In this video, Adichie discusses everyday situations that often go unnoticed but highlight gender biases. For example, she mentions how a waiter in a restaurant might ignore a woman because they assume there’s no need to greet her, or how a parking attendant might thank the man instead of the woman who paid, believing the man is the one who earned the money. She also talks about schools where girls aren't given leadership roles just because they're female. Adichie points out how society exaggerates the differences between genders, making women feel invisible and less important.

She also touches on the old debate about how boys and girls are raised differently, noting that the idea that "boys should always pay" is just another stereotype. Adichie challenges this by saying that whoever earns more should pay, regardless of gender.

One of her key arguments is about the fragile ego of men and how women’s success is often seen as a threat. She questions why women are expected to sacrifice their careers or pretend to be less successful just to protect men’s feelings. Even when women are in higher-paid jobs or leadership roles, they often face resistance simply because they are female.

Adichie urges us to focus on people’s abilities, creativity, and interests instead of their gender. She reminds us that "culture does not make people; people make culture," meaning we have the power to change societal attitudes toward gender bias. As the title of her book suggests, feminism is not limited to any one gender.

She shares her journey from not identifying as a feminist to embracing the label, even though it’s often misunderstood in African and Nigerian societies. She recalls how her friend Okuloma once called her a feminist, and at first, she didn’t take it well. But now, she proudly calls herself a "happy African feminist," laughing at the misconceptions people have about feminism.

Adichie uses personal stories to highlight gender inequality. She talks about how, despite having the highest test score in elementary school, she wasn’t allowed to be the class monitor because she was a girl. She also mentions how men are often seen as more important, citing a time when a man was praised for something she had done, just because he was a man.

Her talk looks at how society creates and keeps gender norms, especially in Nigeria and Africa. She wants a fairer world where gender doesn’t limit anyone and challenges old beliefs that hold both men and women back. Adichie thinks we need to change how we raise boys and girls and help them grow up without being stuck in outdated gender roles. For her, feminism is about making a society where everyone, no matter their gender, can be themselves and live equally.

Talk on importance of Truth in Post-Truth Era

In this video, Adichie strongly advocated for the importance of truth. She said that, "make literature your religion." As being a student of Harvard, they have the power of changing the surroundings. Yes, it comes with expectations as well which makes them more responsible for it

In the time where there is an ocean of lies, one has to stand with the truth at any cost. She is bold enough to say that she doesn't have an idea even about Harvard University. She said to learn to say, "I don't know." Harvard is a kind of metaphor as untouchable intellectuals. She told to break it

Additionally, she highlighted the importance of trying out things and not giving up, not having a traditional arc. She said that two things will help a lot: "Self-doubt" and "Self-belief." These two will go hand in hand and help to be with the truth, question lies, and having a stand.

References:

Adichie, Chimamanda Ngozi. Address to Harvard's Class of 2018 on Class Day, May 23, 2018. Harvard University Commencement, 23 May 2018, YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hrAAEMFAG9E

Adichie, Chimamanda Ngozi. The Danger of a Single Story. TED, uploaded by TED, 7 Oct. 2009, YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D9Ihs241zeg

Adichie, Chimamanda Ngozi. We Should All Be Feminists. TEDxEuston, 12 Apr. 2013, YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hg3umXU_qWc

Barad, Dilip. "Talks by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie." Dilip Barad’s Teacher Blog, 25 Aug. 2018, blog.dilipbarad.com/2018/08/talks-by-chimamanda-ngozi-adichie.html.