A Commercial Ice Cream

Chris Oliver

English ***

Extra credit based on Adichie’s lecture

Due 10.19.14

Our class discussion of Americanah was more focused on Ifemilu- one of Americanah’s primary characters and her experiences in America and her relationships with other men. Oh yes, her relationships with family members were also an important part of class discussion. A personal reading of the book indicated Ifemilu was a woman struggling to further her education while engaging in risqué relationships with other men. The blogs and technology-blackberry- used by the characters in “Americanah” gave the book an up-to-date, realistic feel. By the way, the realization of Afemilu that she was a different color became obvious when she noticed so many other people who were white was also noted during class. This notation would most likely be derived from the fact that she was most likely a minority race in various social circumstances she found herself here in America rather than being the majority race as she was in Nigeria.

Adichie’s authority was addressed the minute she walked on stage at Shwab auditorium. She reflected her Nigerian culture via the color of her skin. She described her color as Nigerian, and not black. Her hair was enclosed in a turban, which was reflective of her native country, Nigeria, where turbans are popular head coverings. She wore a glittery orange pants suit, and spiked heels. This type of outfit was more like something an American woman would wear. Maybe she was using her pants suit and heels to be perceived by the audience as more American-like. Add to that the fact that she spoke English very well, albeit with a slight accent. Perhaps the language she used and the clothes she wore were attempts on her part to gain more commercial appeal for herself and her book, “Americanah.” It could be said that Adichie’s authority came from the fact that the book is a commercial success. And, that she was asked by a major university-Penn State- to come and give a speech and a book signing afterward. Moreover, the fact that she was greeted by a packed auditorium with enthusiastic applause from the audience would also suggest authority.

As mentioned in our textbook “The Theory Toolbox,” ideology is “what u think before you think and act.” Ideology then seems to relate to the self as an individual. Ideology seems to relate to who the person is and what that person values as an individual. The “who” part can be physical, cognitive, spiritual, emotional, and a host of other factors. Values could be culture related, family-related, religious, or otherwise obtained at some point during one’s life. At any rate, there were components of Adichie’s ideology that surfaced during her speech. In terms of her cognitive processes, she claims to have been “blessed” with writing abilities and talents. This claim would indicate that she has religious beliefs and values a deity. Her choice of dress suggests she still adheres to her native Nigerian culture although she also orients herself with American culture. The fact that she eats ice cream and shops online when the words for her literary works are not coming to her are also an adaptation to American culture. One could also say her ideology is family related. She mentioned interactions with siblings and parents as important parts of her life. The fact that she cried when the house in which she grew up in was “assigned” to someone else is also indicative of strong family roots and strong cultural roots. Finally, the fact that Adichie was personable, straightforward, and honest throughout her appearance at Schwab auditorium is indicative of proper parental upbringing. Finally, inherent cognitive processes interact with cultural background, education, and current culture to complete her individuality and therefore, her ideology. All of the aforementioned ideologies coupled with Adichie’s speech made for the complete audience experience. Those who attended Adichie’s speech should feel lucky to have witnessed such an event. And, it is Adichie who will undoubtedly enjoy great success with other audiences and her literary works for years to come.