Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s, “The Danger of a Single Story,” is definitely one of my favorite ted talks that discusses an issue that is very important to recognize in society/media today. At first she describes while growing up in Nigeria, multiple British stories gave an impression on her. She states in her talk, “I did not know that people like me could exist but in Africa.” She then goes onto explain the interaction between her American roommate and herself in which Adichie was stereotyped to a single story that is often told about Africa. It is this single story that creates unnecessary stereotypes. By individuals only learning one perspective about another culture or place, it leaves an incomplete understanding of the culture or place. This stereotyping and unawareness leaves our society with a disconnect between the diverse cultures that surround us. I found it interesting when she mentioned the story about how her family hosted a boy, and even she began to stereotype her own culture.
I believe our media has a very significant role in this issue, as this is where we hear and learn about people, their cultures, and places most often. For example, Africa is often seen as being a poor country with starving children and having a lack of technology. Our media tends to stereotype cultures or places without even it being noticeable. The media and the messages it gives to its audience is so powerful, especially today. I wonder if it is the creator or the audience who should be more conscious of creating this single story, where does this issue start? I think it should start with each individual, as more people need to be more culturally aware and begin recognizing our biases/stereotypes with an open mind. Communication with others is so essential, and our society tends to lack this when it comes to keeping an open mind about the perspectives, values, and cultures around us.