Our perspective about life is influenced by a single narrative. This narrative is influenced by the accessibility of information, and our lack of desire to have a balanced opinion. Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s – “The Danger of a Single Story”, is a reflection of how biased we can be and points out that there are two sides to every story. Further, it is evident that this bias is pronounced when we look at life from a single perspective- stereotyping. The single perspective often clouds our perception about the success stories of the group being stereotyped- eventually this may lead to self-pity, anger, resentment among others. Therefore, “The Danger of a Single Story” cautions against failure to account for the entire narrative from the start about their challenges.
Within the University set up there are various stereotypes that I have come across. One stereotype that stood out was the belief that some foreign students enroll overseas so as to escape civil unrest in their countries or their countries do not have institutions of higher learning. However, such a perspective has no place in the 21st century where the world has become a global village and people are not held back by physical boundaries but rather by lack of the other perspective.
Outstanding Social Identities
I used to believe that everything will fall into place in adulthood because grown-ups were independent financially, socially and mentally. However, as you grow-up you realize that life doesn’t just fall into place; one has to work hard and put it in order. It also baffles how age makes one forget the challenges and innocence of childhood and expects a lot out of children. Often I have found myself shutting out children thinking they are not knowledgeable in a particular field or topic, yet allowed to express themselves I end up being amazed at how informed they are.
Other stereotypes I have contended with are in regard to persons with disability. Persons with disability are often looked down upon and they are viewed as lesser beings, unable to perform tasks and activities. However, experience has proved people with disability are capable just like abled persons to do exercises. Further technology has come to the aid of the disabled to enable them to perform activities without any hindrances.
Impact Social Identity Profile in Managing Diversity
The social identity profile highlights our bias towards a specific social group. The profile enables one to know how they react and relate with these groups. For instance, some people believe that children have no meaningful contribution to make in a discussion and therefore should be silent. The issues that has come up from having a bias is that in the same way we perceive other people, we are also seen by others with a bias since they do not know our story. Therefore we need to go further and understand where one is coming from rather than drawing conclusions based on a single perspective.
Further, learning and gaining a full and balanced opinion of another person history and heritage not only strengthen ties but also bridges our divide as human beings. Remembering how previously I would assess and judge a person without understanding their history and background, “The Danger of a Single Story” is indeed an eye opener towards our bias and stereotyping. Our perceptions and opinions towards various social groups will decrease if we strive to get the other side of the story. Therefore as an agent there, are privileges that we enjoy, and these privileges make us overlook and underestimate the history and origins of underprevileged group altogether.
Works Cited
Ngozi, Adichie Chimamanda. “The danger of a Single Story” TedTalks. TED Conferences, LLC. 2009.