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"I am angry. Gender as it functions today is a grave injustice. We should all be angry. Anger has a long history of bringing about positive change, but in addition to being angry, I'm also hopeful because I believe deeply in the ability of human beings to make and remake themselves for the better."
When someone, more so a woman, says this, you are bound to sit back and take notice. That is Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie or popularly known as Adichie for you. Adichie is a Nigerian novelist whose writings talk a lot about race and gender equality. 'We Should All Be Feminists' is her popular TEDx talk where she has shared her views on being an African feminist, and about gender construction and sexuality. I was always a feminist, I just did not know it. It was her talk that got me thinking about it and made me more aware about what feminism actually is. This talk of hers was also converted into a book. It is not a story, it is just what she has to say. You can call it an essay if you like. But, I'd call it a life lesson that everyone, irrespective of gender, should read.
Adichie is very honest and open about her opinions and doesn't shy away from saying what she has to. Her first book 'Purple Hibiscus' was awarded the Commonwealth Writers' Prize for Best First Book in 2005. While she has written many other books, this is the only one I've read so far and it has been one of the best books I've ever read! You can read my review here.
Adichie is very active on twitter and is my daily dose of motivation. As much as a feminist that she is, she urges everyone to stand up for themselves and do right. She is a crusader for equality and for me she will always be the flag bearer for feminism. She is more of a role model to me.
I have a PDF copy of 'We Should All Be Feminists'. If you haven't read it yet and want to, please drop your email in the comments below, I'll be happy to send it to you.
If you want to watch the talk, here it is.
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I'm participating in the April A to Z Challenge for 2019 and my theme is Wonder Women.
I started reading her based on Shailaja's recommendation and I am in love with her writing. Currently reading her first book Half of a Yellow Sun, I am fascinated by her storytelling. Would love to read all the other books too, time permitting in the coming months. Do send me the PDF. I would love to read it. She is quite an inspiration for sure.
ReplyDeleteShe is an awesome person, that's what makes everything about her so good. Will send you the PDF.
DeleteI read about the book, Purple Hibiscus, but still haven't gotten around to read it. But, I am definitely listening to that ted talk you shared at the end.
ReplyDeleteThanks for my daily does of motivation, Soumya! <3
Do read it, it is awesome :)
DeleteI absolutely adore Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie. I have seen her numerous interviews and read her book Dear Ijeawele, or A Feminist Manifesto in Fifteen Suggestions and every time she has managed to speak to me and leave an impression on me. I can't wait to read her fiction someday soon.
ReplyDeleteI am loving your series btw. You have introduced me to Brene Brown. I will watch her Ted Talks sometime.
Thank you so much, Harini.
DeleteShe's one of the authors whose books I want to read. Should get to it soon! Can you send me the PDF? Email id: reemamishal123@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteDo read her other books. I'll mail you the PDF.
DeleteI am finding it very difficult to get through 'Half of a Yellow Sun'. I have no idea why. Let me get back to it again, after reading your inspiring post, Soumya.
ReplyDeleteI haven't read that one yet. Try 'Purple Hibiscus' instead, that's quite fast paced.
DeleteAh, I loved reading "Purple Hibiscus". She is truly inspiring!
ReplyDeleteOh she sure is.
DeleteOh I love her writing. I read Half Of A Yellow Sun last year and that was one of the best reads. I have bought Americanah. Will read it soon. I am not a fan of TED talks but I enjoy listening to Adichie. As you say, she is very frank about her opinion and she is so witty!
ReplyDeleteI am yet to read these two, will get to it soon. Her tweets are my favorite though, so inspiring!
DeleteI adore her! I have seen and read 'We should all be feminists'. I own a couple of her books but yet to read them. She delivers her messages in such a soothing yet firm voice, her words are humourous and sarcastic. As I said, I adore her
ReplyDeleteShe is simply awesome. Her thought process, her emotions, they are all so genuine.
DeleteI've read three of her books and I love her writing. I read her Ted Talk too. I love her clarity of thought and the way she can articulate it.
ReplyDeleteOh yes! She's a very mindful woman.
ReplyDeleteI read Purple Hibiscus last month and absolutely loved her writing style. And cant wait to read her other books and of course the TEDx talk that you have mentioned. Request you to mail me the PDF at shilpaagarg@gmail.com Thanks Soumya!!
ReplyDeleteThe book is awesome! So is she. Sending you the book!
DeleteI have listened to her We should all be Feminist tedx talk and agree with her totally. More women in India should listen to her.
ReplyDeleteYou said it! More women and men in India should listen to her.
DeleteHi Soumya . Please send me the pdf too. I have not heard her TED talk . I am going to listen to it. Between, I am in love with the topic you have chosen for the challenge and it’s interesting to learn about so many wonderful women. Good luck with rest of the challenge :)
ReplyDeleteThank you, Rashmi. Send me your mail id please, I'll send you the PDF.
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