Ifemelu And Obnize's Story Of Post-9/11

Ifemelu and Obnize’s story of transition to American life during post-9/11 is a sad yet inspirational one, similar to Jennifer Boylan’s story. Due to the recent attack on the Trade Center, Obnize is denied passage into America, leaving Ifemelu to her own devices. She soon discovers what it truly means to be black in America, and begins to write a blog which becomes rather famous. For Ifemelu, it had never really occurred to her that the color of her skin could make all the difference outside of Nigeria, a place she had grown accustomed to. Once she arrived in America, she encountered the harsh reality that no matter where she may have come from, she wasn’t Nigerian in America, she was black. Ethnicity counted for nothing to her white counterparts.
I find it interesting that up until her arrival to America, skin color meant little to Ifemelu, she was Nigerian, and her identity did not extend any farther than that. She was under the constant pressure of wanting to integrate into this new society she went so far as to fake an American accent to blend in with those around her. It was only until a telemarketer complimented her accent that she decided to begin using her genuine accent. I believe Ifemelu was so adamant on this transition because she would have never been complimented on her real accent, she had been entranced with this American assimilation until she realized that her accent shouldn’t have been an accomplishment. Although Ifemelu was Nigerian she realized that her ethnicity in America had no relevance, she writes in her blog, “Race doesn't really exist for you because it has never been a barrier. Black folks don't have that choice.” Black people are simply more than black, just as white people are simply more than white. Race is irrelevant, however ones culture and ethnicity are. White Americans are always praising themselves for where they come from, rather than where they were actually born. But when an African American attempts to
Ifemelu starts out as a young girl living with her mother and father in Nigeria, her memories of her mother were fond ones, she remembers how beautiful her hair had been up until she decided to cut her hair and become devote in her religion. It was at this moment in her life she becomes rebellious against her mother. It was this moment in her life that lead her to become the inquisitive blogger she is today, she became a stronger woman because of her family. Ifemelu also began to explore her own identity when she came to America, in Nigeria she was a part of the majority, and there was no need for her to define what it meant to be ‘black’ she was simply Nigerian. But when she became a minority in a foreign country, she found it harder and harder to find her identity. The minority often goes un-thought of, we get so caught up in the dealings of our everyday lives that it’s often reduced to us, and them. All Ifemelu wished for was live a better life, away from the destruction that haunted her country. She was in pursuit of the American Dream, but found that it was impossible without Obnize in her life to help combat the issues she faced while living in America. But sometimes being with the friends and family who will love and care for an individual unconditionally is more important than living a life of comfort and