Sharice Henry
10/24/2023
Dear Ms. Adichi,
I trust this letter finds you in good health and spirits.. My name is Sharice Henry, I’m a student at Borough Manhattan Community College. I recently had the privilege of engaging with your intriguing discussion on the dangers of a single story. I wanted to share my thoughts and reflections on your message.
I found your personal experiences, especially your journey from Nigeria to the United States, remarkable how your early exposure to British and American children’s books led you to believe that literature should predominantly feature characters who were white and lived in climates far removed from your own experiences in Nigeria.. It was only when you encountered African literature that you realized that people like yourself could also exist in stories, challenging your preconceived notions.
You argued in your narrative having limited understanding of people, places and cultures can lead to stereotypes, misconceptions. In my own life, I have encountered situations where a single story or stereotype led to misunderstandings and bias. Whenever I tell people I’m from South America they believe I can’t speak english not knowing my home country of Guyana is an english speaking country. This highlights the importance of having an open mind and educating ourselves on other cultures. It is essential to understand people, places and cultures before forming judgement an opinions.
In my American literacy class we recently discussed Middle Eastern misconceptions and and it aligns with your message. We have explored how limited narratives and stereotypes can shape perceptions of a diverse region with various cultures and histories and it aligns with your message. One key connection lies in the theme of stereotyping how a single story can lead to stereotypes, and this concept aligns with our exploration of how misconceptions and prejudices have been perpetuated about the Middle East. These stereotypes often oversimplify and misrepresent the rich and multifaceted cultures and societies in the region. By recognizing the dangers of a single story, we can better understand how such misconceptions have taken root and persist.
Your message serves as a constant reminder to approach people and cultures with an open mind, seeking multiple narratives and diverse perspectives. To apply the valuable lessons you’ve shared, I am committed to seeking diverse sources of information, actively challenging stereotypes, and engaging in meaningful conversations with individuals from various backgrounds. I aim to promote diversity and inclusivity in my personal and professional interactions, embracing the richness that multiple stories and perspectives bring to our understanding of the world.
Thank you for your impactful message, and I look forward to continuing to learn from your insights.
Sincerely,
Sharice Henry
