“I do not believe in diaspora wars. Largely, they are a distraction, spurred on by bots and bad actors, but I can’t overstate how hurtful it was to realize that our “African” attire at church was seen as appropriation instead of a deep seated need to connect to our lost homeland. I cannot overstate how painful it was to realize that our love for kente cloth, a STAPLE of 90’s Black Americana, was not seen as a loving connection to a lost home, but something ignorant and lacking understanding.”
Hi, I hope you weren't offended by my asking about the inclusion of African writers on your list. I really just wasn't sure if I had observed correctly.
I found Americanah especially interesting because it confronted the culturally embedded concept of "American exceptionalism." The crux of the book is that the main character, Ifemelu, decides to go back to her home country of Nigeria despite having "made it" in America by cultural standards: She is highly educated, has an academic appointment at an Ivy League school, has a popular and growing blog (this reveals the age of the book, lol), and a "cool" Black, American boyfriend. All of the people in her life believe that her decision will be regrettable.
I thought it was important to recognize that even though, as you say, Pan-Africanism is not a full bore solution for Black Americans to deal with America's racism problem, it illustrates that there may be untenable aspects of American culture that drive people to leave despite the typical "pro-America" talking points about better economy, better job prospects, more stable government (haha!), and "the power of the US dollar." Ms. Adichie provided compelling argument for not staying in America, not staying an "Americanah." I thought it was a valuable insight to consider.
what a necessary essay! I feel seen.
also
“I do not believe in diaspora wars. Largely, they are a distraction, spurred on by bots and bad actors, but I can’t overstate how hurtful it was to realize that our “African” attire at church was seen as appropriation instead of a deep seated need to connect to our lost homeland. I cannot overstate how painful it was to realize that our love for kente cloth, a STAPLE of 90’s Black Americana, was not seen as a loving connection to a lost home, but something ignorant and lacking understanding.”
Did NOT know words on a screen could slap me
I've been chewing on how to articulate the idea in a way that still shows love to our African cousins but also gives grace to the hurt.
I love your spirit! You wear your confidence proudly!
My senior friends and I have been gifting books to our family members for many years and will continue! Thanks for sharing.
Book sharing is a love language and no one can tell me otherwise.
Hi, I hope you weren't offended by my asking about the inclusion of African writers on your list. I really just wasn't sure if I had observed correctly.
I found Americanah especially interesting because it confronted the culturally embedded concept of "American exceptionalism." The crux of the book is that the main character, Ifemelu, decides to go back to her home country of Nigeria despite having "made it" in America by cultural standards: She is highly educated, has an academic appointment at an Ivy League school, has a popular and growing blog (this reveals the age of the book, lol), and a "cool" Black, American boyfriend. All of the people in her life believe that her decision will be regrettable.
I thought it was important to recognize that even though, as you say, Pan-Africanism is not a full bore solution for Black Americans to deal with America's racism problem, it illustrates that there may be untenable aspects of American culture that drive people to leave despite the typical "pro-America" talking points about better economy, better job prospects, more stable government (haha!), and "the power of the US dollar." Ms. Adichie provided compelling argument for not staying in America, not staying an "Americanah." I thought it was a valuable insight to consider.
No no, I was not offended. It gave me an excuse to articulate the idea.