Racism In Americanah By Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

Minorities in the United States, and in countries all across the world, experience racism and prejudice potentially due to the color of one’s skin, ethnicity, or religion. People’s responses to racism may be different based on a variety of factors such as age, upbringing, and sex. In the novel Americanah by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, two characters Ifemelu and Dike live in America and are labeled ‘black’ despite their Nigerian ethnicity. Both characters experience racism in their communities however their responses to it differ. Although in the novel, Dike and Ifemelu exhibit two vastly different responses to racism, ultimately their use of humor and/or feelings of sorrow depicts the shared common theme of insecurity which is a shared feeling …show more content…
In chapter seventeen Ifemelu visits Dike and his mother Aunty Uju is Warrington, Massachusetts. She is happy to see Dike again and asks him about how his experience is camp is going. Unexpectedly, Dike responds and tells her about an experience he had when his counselor gave all the other kids sunscreen except him , despite him asking for some. “My group leader, Haley? She gave sunscreen to everyone but wouldn’t give me any. She said I didn’t need it” (226). Following his story, Adichie describes Dike’s face as, “Expressionless” (226). This look results from Dike being young and unsure of how he is supposed to respond. This types of expression also makes sense as younger aged people that are part of minorities are unfamiliar with what to do or how to act in such situations. Ifemelu is angered by his story and attempts to convince him that this is wrong and his group leader acted disrespectful towards him. However Dike uses humour as a way to justify her prejudice and says that because his friend laughed, that made the statement funny and acceptable. “ It’s okay...it was kind of funny. My friend Danny was laughing about it.” This response illustrates Dike’s complacent approach to dealing with racism as he doesn’t find this event particularly offensive and laughs it off. He reveals that all wants is to fit in and be regular. “ …show more content…
Humorous and sorrowful responses are two types of reactions to racism that are on opposite sides of the spectrum yet accomplish the same feat of highlighting a person’s insecurity. Minorities that experience tension in race relations and have to endure racism and prejudice are at a disadvantage in society as it is more difficult for them to assimilate to society than naturally born citizens. Minority reactions to racism may vary, however different responses are justifiable and there is no certain way people are supposed to react. As society progresses, it is necessary to continue to become more accepting and understanding of the struggles of minorities, so that one day we will never have to witness minority responses to racism since racist remarks wont be made to begin