RACISM AND IDENTITY CRISIS IN CHIMAMANDA NGOZI ADICHIE’S AMERICANAH
Abstract
This research explores the theme of racism and identity crisis in Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s Americanah. The novel provides an insightful portrayal of the complexities of race, migration, and identity construction within the context of globalization. Through the experiences of Ifemelu and Obinze, Adichie highlights the psychological, social, and cultural challenges faced by Africans who migrate to the Western world in search of better opportunities. The study reveals how racism not only marginalizes black individuals in white-dominated societies but also shapes their sense of self, belonging, and cultural consciousness. Using postcolonial and critical race theoretical frameworks, this research examines the dynamics of racial prejudice, self-perception, and cultural dislocation as central to Adichie’s narrative. The findings show that Adichie’s Americanah does not merely depict racism as an external force but as a factor that infiltrates identity formation and social relations. The study concludes that Adichie advocates for self-awareness, authenticity, and cultural pride as means of overcoming racial and identity-based alienation.
Full-Text Access Notice
In accordance with the NERD Policy on promoting peer-reviewed publication, public access to the full text of a project, thesis or dissertation is restricted for three years, allowing the author and supervisors sufficient time to pursue peer-reviewed publication.
During this period, researchers with legitimate academic or research purposes may request authorisation directly from the author to enable NERD to release the indexed full texts of the work using the form below.