Just reading "Half of a Yellow Sun" and am so in love with this writer. Thought I would share this TED talk of hers that really struck a cord with me. Transcript Also an opinion piece The Danger...
Just reading "Half of a Yellow Sun" and am so in love with this writer. Thought I would share this TED talk of hers that really struck a cord with me.
I love Adichie's novels, TED talks and interviews. I think it's really interesting that she talks about the power dynamics of the "single story" and how those with political and economic power get...
I love Adichie's novels, TED talks and interviews. I think it's really interesting that she talks about the power dynamics of the "single story" and how those with political and economic power get to decide so many aspects of how and what stories are told. It's sad and frustrating to hear that a publisher can tell a Nigerian writer that her book does not feel authentically African and makes me wonder how many rich stories are rejected or rewritten in order to conform to and perpetuate that single story.
Adichie's TED talk also reminds me of N. K. Jemisin's speech at the Hugo Awards where she spoke about how publishers would tell her to tone down her allegories and anger or that only black people would want to read her book. Similar to Adichie, she also spoke about how it is important to write about more than just struggles since life is also about love and family and other things. I never gave it much thought before, but focusing on the positives and the joys of characters are just as important in making them relatable and human.
This really stands out for me. Growing up as a minority, I've definitely felt a lack of richness to stories about people like me. Now I can't help but wonder how much was filtered to be like that.
It's sad and frustrating to hear that a publisher can tell a Nigerian writer that her book does not feel authentically African and makes me wonder how many rich stories are rejected or rewritten in order to conform to and perpetuate that single story.
This really stands out for me. Growing up as a minority, I've definitely felt a lack of richness to stories about people like me. Now I can't help but wonder how much was filtered to be like that.
Thanks a lot! This was moving and fun, informative and emotional. I'll definitely check out her writing, if they are as good as this speech is, they should be a joy to read.
Thanks a lot! This was moving and fun, informative and emotional. I'll definitely check out her writing, if they are as good as this speech is, they should be a joy to read.
Just reading "Half of a Yellow Sun" and am so in love with this writer. Thought I would share this TED talk of hers that really struck a cord with me.
Transcript
Also an opinion piece The Danger of a Single Story
I'm reading (but a bit stalled) on Americanah. It's very interesting, Chimamanda writes in such an authentic way.
She really had a way with words, and authentic really is a good way to put it.
Thank you very much for the transcript. I am currently unable to watch YT videos.
NP, I can't really watch YT videos at work and do find it pretty useful when others do this too :).
Love to hear what you think of the speech.
I love Adichie's novels, TED talks and interviews. I think it's really interesting that she talks about the power dynamics of the "single story" and how those with political and economic power get to decide so many aspects of how and what stories are told. It's sad and frustrating to hear that a publisher can tell a Nigerian writer that her book does not feel authentically African and makes me wonder how many rich stories are rejected or rewritten in order to conform to and perpetuate that single story.
Adichie's TED talk also reminds me of N. K. Jemisin's speech at the Hugo Awards where she spoke about how publishers would tell her to tone down her allegories and anger or that only black people would want to read her book. Similar to Adichie, she also spoke about how it is important to write about more than just struggles since life is also about love and family and other things. I never gave it much thought before, but focusing on the positives and the joys of characters are just as important in making them relatable and human.
This really stands out for me. Growing up as a minority, I've definitely felt a lack of richness to stories about people like me. Now I can't help but wonder how much was filtered to be like that.
Thanks a lot! This was moving and fun, informative and emotional. I'll definitely check out her writing, if they are as good as this speech is, they should be a joy to read.
Though I'm not quite finished Half of a Yellow Sun, I am really enjoying it and do recommend it.
Any particular insightful thoughts from your writing class? Love to hear some details on how else the single story is applied.
I watched this TED talk last year. I must say, I thought it was a very interesting take.