Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie: The danger of a single story

The speaker discusses the danger of a single story, sharing personal experiences of growing up in Nigeria and encountering Western literature that shaped her perception of stories. She highlights the impact of discovering African literature, which broadened her understanding of representation. The talk explores the power dynamics in storytelling, the consequences of stereotypes, and the importance of diverse narratives to empower and humanize. The speaker emphasizes that rejecting single stories allows for a more complete understanding of people and places.

What did the speaker initially believe about the nature of books?

• They must feature foreign characters.

• They are meant for entertainment only.

• They should only be about real events.

• They should always have a moral lesson.

How did discovering African literature change the speaker's perception?

• She realized books could be about people like her.

• She decided to write her own books.

• She stopped reading altogether.

• She only read African books from then on.

What was the single story that the speaker's American roommate had about Africa?

• Africa is a place of catastrophe.

• Africa is a technological hub.

• Africa is a land of opportunity.

• Africa is a peaceful continent.

What realization did the speaker have about her perception of Fide's family?

• They were uninterested in education.

• They were only poor and nothing else.

• They were talented and creative.

• They were wealthy and influential.

According to the speaker, what is the origin of the single story of Africa?

• South American myths.

• Asian folklore.

• Western literature.

• African literature.

What does the Igbo word 'nkali' refer to in the context of storytelling?

• The humor in tales.

• The simplicity of narratives.

• The power dynamics in storytelling.

• The beauty of stories.

What did the speaker feel upon realizing her own single story about Mexicans?

• Indifference

• Shame

• Joy

• Pride

What is the main consequence of a single story, according to the speaker?

• It creates unity.

• It leads to stereotypes.

• It encourages diversity.

• It fosters creativity.

What does the speaker suggest is necessary to regain a sense of dignity?

• Ignoring diverse narratives.

• Embracing stereotypes.

• Focusing on negative stories.

• Rejecting single stories.

What role do stories play in shaping perceptions, according to the speaker?

• They have no impact.

• They can only harm.

• They are always misleading.

• They can empower and humanize.