Race in Nigeria and America

   Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie's Americanah highlights the stark differences of the 

influence of race in Nigeria and America. Adichie explores how race is perceived 

and experienced differently in Nigeria and America, shedding light on racial 

dynamics in both countries.

    Race played a huge role in Ifemelu's life in America, more so than in Nigeria. 

In Nigeria, race is not a focal point because the majority of the population is black. 

However, issues related to skin tone and colorism still exist, where lighter skin tones 

are often considered more attractive. This leads to the use of bleaching creams by men 

and women alike. Additionally, in chapter 2, Obinze is told, "And after you register 

your own company, you must find a white man. Find one of your white friends in England. 

Tell everybody he is your General Manager. You will see how doors will open for you 

because you have an oyinbo General Manager."(Adichie, p. 33). It is implied that Obinze 

will get more respect and have others be more inclined to make deals with him with a 

white manager. This exchange is a major insight into the issues of race in Nigeria. 

Why should having a white man working for you make you more respected? 

    On the other hand, the influence of race in America is drastically different. In the 

United States, race relations are deeply ingrained, and systemic racism affects many 

various aspects of society that Ifemelu cannot avoid, including employment opportunities. 

For instance, Ifemelu faces immense difficulty securing job interviews due to racial biases 

against her. Her initial job offer is based solely on her physical appearance rather than valuing 

her qualifications, and her first official job is only obtained because of her white 

boyfriend's assistance in arranging the interview. Adichie portrays the struggles 

faced by many non-American black immigrants, highlighting how appearance can be a 

determinative factor in their experiences and how these factors can be detrimental to surviving in America. These events serve to raise awareness of the privileges that America 

affords to some, while others face persistent challenges due to their appearance. 

    Adichie invites readers to reflect on broader issues of race, beauty standards, and privilege

in our world as a whole. By Adichie drawing attention to the influence of race in Nigeria and 

America, she shows the impacts that race has on communities everywhere.