While watching the posted video, it occurred to me how one sided things can be and we don't even notice. Adichie's story of her life spoke of wonderful things the people do not hear everyday. I wish that all people could hear what she had to say. Her definition of power, the ability to say something and have people believe that that is the single story, was really important. It showed that people are unknowingly ignorant to what they hear. Her roommate was a perfect example of a person who has been force-fed single stories. I too know people who have the world and its parts drawn into categories or stereotypes. Adichie also made the remark that, "stereotypes aren't only untrue but they rob people of their humanity." I agree with this statement 100% People who create stereotypes not only hurt the target individual but they hurt themselves as well.
Adichie helped to identify with her audience by sharing where she got most of her single stories. It is too true that western books mainly depict blonde haired, blue-eyed children and their two-story houses where Mom cooks dinner and has it ready for Dad when he gets home. this clouds the view for many people who live outside the United States. Although America is a land of opportunity, we do have our own domestic problems. We allow, suggest and encourage single stories. This not only limits the view of others, but it makes us unaware of the other worldly single stories. I agree with Adichie when she suggested making an African television channel. One that showds the culturally diverse daily life of different African countries. Not only should there be an African channel, but also channels devoted to eliminating the single stories from those countries submitted to them.
The last thing the audience was left with really summed up and hit hard the hearts and minds ofthe listeners.
"When we reject the single story, when we realize there is never a single story about any place, we regain a kind of paradise."
I completely agree, think everyoen should hear what she has to say, especially the ignorant ones. Her words were compelling and your analysis was spot on. I also agree on the fact of the African channel. (but my question is who would watch that?) You can give the information to a student or a ignorant person, but will they utilize it. I was going to give a lame analogy involving leading a horse to a river, but i decided not to use it. I also found the fact that you in a way gave a counter example for adichie's perception of the western world. it allowed your argument to be three-dimensional and very deep. Well anyways, good job! Now to dream about mangoes and unicorns!
ReplyDeleteHiya Megan! I enjoyed your analysis of the stereotypes that Adichie commented on in the video. The quote you took, "stereotypes aren't only untrue but they rob people of their humanity", is pretty awesome. I thought it was really cool how you brought out the fact that stereotypical people arent only hurting the people they stereotype, but also themselves. I couldn't agree more. Additionally, I found that your observation of what a normal western society story was pretty accurate, and I also agree that it gives the wrong message to the people who do not live in our country. In accordance, I like the suggestion that you made to add more diverse channels to television, by not only adding and African channel as Adichie suggested, but to include channels that support all different cultural backgrounds in the United States. Overall I enjoyed the different outlooks you had on the video and I fully agree with all of your suggestions. Awesome job! :)
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