Revisiting "Americanah"
Start writing a post
Entertainment

Revisiting "Americanah"

There's a vital lesson to be learned about race and acceptance.

119
Revisiting "Americanah"

I'm sure many of you know Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie as the sampled voice in Beyoncé's hit song, "Flawless." You might also be familiar with her novels, the most popular being "Half of a Yellow Sun" and "Americanah." I, however, connect with Adichie on a deeply personal level. To me, she is a fellow African-born American citizen. It's as if we are soul-sisters that share the same misgivings, fears, and hopes.

But I didn't always feel this way...

I read "Americanah" the summer before my freshman year of college. The storyline follows the life of a strong Nigerian woman, Ifemelu, as she leaves Africa for America and endures various trials. At that time, the bold and brilliant words of Adichie were wasted on me. I can recall closing the novel with anger, most bothered by these specific passages:

"The only reason you say that race was not an issue is because you wish it was not. We all wish it was not. But it’s a lie. I came from a country where race was not an issue; I did not think of myself as black and I only became black when I came to America."

"Racism should never have happened and so you don't get a cookie for reducing it."

“Dear Non-American Black, when you make the choice to come to America, you become black. Stop arguing. Stop saying I'm Jamaican or I'm Ghanaian. America doesn't care.”

I hated Adichie's portrayal of race, women, Africa and America. I soon realized that my animosity stemmed from confusion and fear. However, I wasn't confused by the meaning of her words, I simply didn't understand race and racism.

I attribute this to my upbringing. I was raised in a white home in a predominantly white area. For most of my life, I was the "white black girl" or the "Oreo." I saw race through a different lens, much like Ifemelu did upon coming to America. Because of this, I created a safety net -- little jokes about my athletic abilities and eating habits had no effect -- I could tune out the racism. However, once I finally understood how offensive many jokes, phrases, and names were, it was a harsh realization.

Looking back, I see that "Americanah" taught me about myself and what it really means to be black. I shouldn't be ashamed of the color of my skin or the place that I was born. I should not ignore the racism in the world, whether it's affecting me, the Muslim woman on the plane, the Vietnamese man at the coffee shop, or the Mexican child at the grocery store.

That is why Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie's novel is so important. It offers a firsthand account of a world that is controlled by hatred and stereotypes. Without being patronizing, "Americanah" pushes readers to reevaluate blackness in America and to recognize and accept people -- regardless of race.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

7846
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

940490
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

116729
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lots of people sat on the cinema wearing 3D glasses
Pinterest

Ever wonder what your friend meant when they started babbling about you taking their stapler? Or how whenever you ask your friend for a favor they respond with "As You Wish?" Are you looking for new and creative ways to insult your friends?

Well, look no further. Here is a list of 70 of the most quotable movies of all time. Here you will find answers to your questions along with a multitude of other things such as; new insults for your friends, interesting characters, fantastic story lines, and of course quotes to log into your mind for future use.

Keep Reading...Show less
New Year Resolutions

It's 2024! You drank champagne, you wore funny glasses, and you watched the ball drop as you sang the night away with your best friends and family. What comes next you may ask? Sadly you will have to return to the real world full of work and school and paying bills. "Ah! But I have my New Year's Resolutions!"- you may say. But most of them are 100% complete cliches that you won't hold on to. Here is a list of those things you hear all around the world.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments