

Offline: Chimamanda Adichie on the Death of Good Faith
Jan 16, 2022
Join acclaimed Nigerian novelist and feminist Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie as she discusses her viral essay on social media and its impact on public discourse. She reflects on the changing landscape of literature amidst political polarization and the challenges of articulating nuanced thoughts in a charged environment. Adichie dives into the complexities of gender identity discussions, the role of social media in shaping narratives, and the necessity for empathy in our increasingly divided world. Get insights on maintaining good faith in dialogue and the art of genuine communication.
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Viral Essay and Its Origins
- Chimamanda Adichie discusses the essay she wrote about social media, which went viral and crashed her website.
- The essay was prompted by accusations of transphobia from two former students, which she found hurtful.
Grief and Rage
- Chimamanda Adichie's parents passed away, leading to a new kind of grief-induced rage.
- This rage fueled her essay about social media after her nephew told her people blamed her parents' deaths on her alleged transphobia.
Social Media's Negative Impacts
- Social media's screen-mediated communication fosters nastiness, as users don't see the person they're interacting with.
- It strips context and full explanations from positions, hindering nuanced understanding.