Single Story

Single Story

Two sides of a story exist about envy culture, person or a nation. Unfortunately, most of the westerners paint a grim one-sided reflection on ethical views of a particular religion or culture. This results in an amateur understanding on their way of life.  Western novelists are responsible for perpetrating false information to their audiences hence fueling negative views especially regarding Africa and the Middle East.

There are several dangers of having a one-sided story about someone. Firstly, hatred can ensue if the story does not rhyme or meet the audience’s expectation. In addition, there is a high tendency of a growing concern and agitation of a party whose story is covered once they learn of the opaque nature of audience's perception. Information is passable from one generation to the other. Therefore, it is hard to erase a mindset conceived by the depiction of a one-sided story. Chimamanda gave an example of John Locke’s 15^th century’s portrayal of West African people as headless and evil. While major strides have been made to close the gaps between the whites and people of color, John’s ideas are still prevalent.

Africans and people of Arab descent are victims of a single story in the West. American media outlets paint Islamic religion as a catalyst if extremist suicidal ideas. They give an example of political instabilities in the region and the recent conception of Islamic State. What they fail to highlight is the beauty in their culture and the generosity deeply embedded as one of their values.

My peers often have a single story about my academic performance. Many of them view me as a workaholic and bookworm. What they don’t tell about me is my participation and equal success in co-curricular activities like chess and debates.