Danger of Single Story

What were the stories the speaker read and wrote as a child?

• reflective of a culture she never experienced

• stories that included her daily experiences as well as experience of people in European countries

• reflective of her surroundings

What made her write about her own surroundings?

• she realized she would write about what she knew best

• she discovered African authors and realized books could include people and places she identified with

• she got bored with the stories she was writing

Why was the speaker surprised when visiting Fide's family?

• she only knew Fide was poor and never thought beyond this fact

• she didn't think someone poor would have something beautiful

• she thought being poor meant a person was not skilled

• all given answers are correct

Why was the speaker's roommate shocked when she met her?

• the speaker did not fit the roommates beliefs that were based on stereotypes

• the part of Nigeria that the roommate visited was not like the part that the speaker was from 

• she did not realize that Nigerians spoke French, Dutch and English

What does the speaker seem to think of "single stories"?

• they create stereotypes or uneducated beliefs

• they are correct, but only if researched

• they are always mean and cruel

Where does the speaker think the "single story" of Africa comes from?

• Nigerian news media, literature and music

• Western literature

• Explanations of lives of Africans from American slaves

The speaker is explaining that she also

• sometimes finds herself believing single stories - even though she doesn't think it is a good idea

• dislikes all immigrants

• only likes Western literature

What is a single story?  Why might understanding the effect of single stories be important in understanding our history?  Write 1-2 sentences and be ready to discuss in class