The Danger of a Single Story
- Gender Studies Student
- Mar 25, 2019
- 1 min read
In this video, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie explains the ‘danger of a single story’. In this video, she explains how when only one stereotype is circulated about a certain place, people, or country, people’s views of that place, person, or country fall victim to a form of tunnel vision. When a tunnel vision is developed surrounding a certain topic, a narrow mind will form. Narrow mindedness is a danger to developing an understanding, peaceful world. Without open minds and a willingness to learn about each other, the progression of society is not possible. Adichie explains in her TED talk that “when we reject the single story, we regain a kind of paradise”.
This topic is extremely important in the study of transnational feminist because it is a reminder of just how important keeping an open mind is in the strive for a progressive society.
This video relates to the topics that surround transnational feminism, and therefore is holds great relevance to the purpose of this blog, because it serves as a great reminder that a refusal to view the world as a complex, multi-dimensional place is what harbors hatred and discrimination.
Keywords: open-mindedness, TED talk, complexity, transnational perspective
Author: Ralph Brown
As a woman of color, I believed that this TED talk co-aligned well with my views of speaking from a minority’s perspective. Adichie explains how western society creates an imaginary story of how the other side looks like. Particularly, I noted that there is always a focus on a person’s race, location, and nationality. Therefore, the west will create its own assumptions, which later becomes a stereotype through one side story telling. I believe this video is an excellent example for our western society to learn about how to not undermine one’s knowledge or cultural background. In order for transnational feminism to be understood, we should avoid generalization and value both sides of the story. Generally speaking, your rationale did…