Stereotypes Of Black Women In Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie's Americanah

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It can be seen how these stereotypes of black women can prevent them from living their lives to the fullest potential and decreases their chances of being public leaders. For instance, Michelle Obama is such a public figure that many issues have risen in regards to being accurately judged on her education and experience. After the election in 2008, the media did not miss a step in scrutinizing her racial background and heritage. Many news sources did not waste anytime in sexually demoralizing the First Lady by commenting on her physical body and choice of clothing. The misinformed judgment on Michelle Obama directly correlates with the stereotypes discussed within Sister Citizen.
Going along with public figures, Zendaya, a twenty year old television …show more content…

Throughout her novel, she greatly succeeds in showcasing the black individual’s struggle with identity and society’s perpetuation of this struggle through the occurrence of racism. Through the main character Ifemelu’s life as a Nigerian woman who migrates to America and then ultimately returns after thirteen years to Nigeria, one can see her internal struggle of belonging and alienation. Before her journey within the United States, Ifemelu has no knowledge regarding the concept of race. While those of lighter skin in Nigeria were treated slightly better, there was no real distinction between races. Similarly, black women did not struggle with identity before slavery brought forth the stereotypes of African American women. Ifemelu “did not think of [herself] as black, [she] only became black when [she] came to America” (Adichie 359). Consequently, this will always be the first distinction white America will make in regards to Ifemelu. Neither her intellect, nor her personality, nor her values will be the determination of who Ifemelu is as a person, but the color of her skin will enduringly be the judge of that. Ifemelu’s black identity in the United States is a direct consequence of the obvious and elusive stereotyping she experiences at the hands of white individuals. Ifemelu is constantly being judged for the sole reason that she is black. Thus, neither her intelligence nor her moral

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