Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie Talks Her Viral Essay and Vitriol on Social Media | Offline Podcast

[@mims1992-y6c]

I remember reading her essay when it went viral and it was such a breath of fresh air. As an African woman, I'm so happy to see such a strong African role model in her and how she not only speaks about feminism but also about the non-American experience. Thank you for having her on, makes me respect Crooked Media even more!

[@spirit5228]

Well said, good points

[@rurumg2322]

We rock and they can’t stand us. Smart intelligent, profound, well spoken and beautiful. Africa the continent Africa is blessed.

[@TheHouseofcoolstuff]

I can just listen to her talk all day long. She’s genuinely honest, talented and beautiful! As an East African Muslim woman I respect her greatly and appreciate her wisdom and talent. Thank you for being a beautiful representation of the motherland! You’re loved and respect my beloved sister.

[@flossyjacquelyn2284]

Same thing here. I can't love her any less. She's so honest with great level of integrity.

[@jeanneheyman10]

I just love her. She’s so thoughtful, beautiful (inside and out), strong, and clear about what she says.

[@ayeeshahm9078]

Yay! Some of my faves. As a Nigerian woman, Chimamanda is a hero and literary giant, her perspectives, eloquence and passion have been a much needed and often solitary beacon of light, hope and inspiration to so many, on the continent. Love her and happy to see this confluence of her, and my political faves in Crooked.

[@sstrano]

“Literature doesn’t just tell us what happened it tells us how it felt” - I’ve found myself more and more drawn to literature over the course of the pandemic perhaps subconsciously trying to make sense of my roller coaster of feelings. What a brilliant guest (americanah is one of my favorite books of all time!)

[@good4gaby]

Well said. I completely relate. 😊

[@mooo6747]

That's one of her statements that stood out to me too. The other is about the power of narratives in teaching Black history -- both are related. Isabel Wilkerson's The Warmth of Other Suns is an excellent example of the use of narrative in writing about the Great Migration... parts of it almost read like literature and what comes across is what it FELT like to be a sharecropper, what it FELT like to not have support to go to college, etc. (Americanah is one of my faves too! Top 5, I'd say.)

[@odeanlawrence1834]

We have twinned in every possible way! 😄

[@eduardochavacano]

Well get a real book. Much of what gets viral might just be propaganda glorified by trolls and those who wish to claim intellectual superiority over other people who have what they wish they can afford, a college degree.

[@pricesymonej]

I feel the same way.....I felt weird about it but it offered a glimmer of hope for me too. I had a baby 2 weeks ago, have been in a kind of rocky relationship, have a 2 year old, am in recovery, and all this crazy shit going on in the world. im always looking for people who are going through and feel similar to me. thanks for putting yourself out there.

[@SDBartel]

Wow. That interview was amazing. Thank you for inviting Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie to your program. I love learning about good authors and I added a book of hers to my Kindle collection immediately, before finishing the video. Then I finished the video and I am grateful to her too for talking to you. Things like treating everyone as an equal and with respect are hard because the opposite is rooted in centuries of unfortunate and unnecessary traditions and bad faith ideologies, far beyond misinformation it seems like inequality is a part of the human psyche when it is in fact a construct that needs to be replaced with just simple care for one another. Good, good stuff.

[@Lynnessanovember]

16:30 "I think anybody who knows the things that I've stood for cannot possibly think that I would agree to a group of people being denied civil rights. It's just not the person that I am." LOVE THIS LOVE CHIMAMANDA!

[@krystib3283]

Hello Chimamanda I am a black trans woman and I agree with you. I am different than a biological female and I am ok with that. I am a different type of woman.

[@alexaelliott2598]

Totally agree with you. I am a cis woman and ready to welcome any trans woman. We would both understand our back stories would be different but going forward the same.

[@marie-francoiset9402]

@@alexaelliott2598 how can we ever be the same? the experiences will never be the same moving forward or backwards. and thats ok.

[@onyinyeonyema9921]

You are one of the few strong ones. Who knows the power of difference. Being different is beautiful and okay. We should accept our differences.

[@krystib3283]

@@onyinyeonyema9921 Thank you. I could not have said it more perfectly myself.

[@agett12]

This needs to be more clearly stated and explored. One of the key things not explored is that it's a major transformation that's internal and social. The experience of change trans individuals go through already creates a unique experience neither cis women and men can ever fully understand. That is a fact. The real fight is to accept difference does not dictate innate value.

[@firebird2]

How wonderful to listen to a true conversation where ideas are explored and expressed without personal attacks and showmanship. Thank you for this.

[@marlak4203]

that's the way it should be, but we seem to have an absolute dictator roving about in America that wants everyone to bend to their will by way of using some social issues and the "way" to talk about them to get everyone under their ruling iron fist. Who are the dictators?

[@SteppingOut957]

Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie is a consummate feminist in her refusal to shrink, back-down or to be shamed for her thoughts and opinions. She took an affirming but reasoned and common-sense position on the issue of transgender women. And she refused to shrink from it despite attempts to silence or cancel her. She refused to be bullied.

[@marie-francoiset9402]

yes. i love it too!! she is standing in her truth and resilient in the face of bullying. love her!

[@yourgoblinsecretary3842]

While I do feel for the trans community because they are so often getting attacked that I can imagine at some point it gets hard to tell who is being malicious and who is respectfully dissenting… that said, I think Chimamanda articulated it beautifully and respectfully. She is an icon.

[@fatumataholloway4897]

@@yourgoblinsecretary3842 No one has the rigjt to attacked. anyone for what they believe,and no one has the right to make me believe and accept their lifestyle. Not agreeing doesn't mean that you are phobic of nothing.

[@yourgoblinsecretary3842]

@@fatumataholloway4897 what you fail to understand is what is known as the paradox of tolerance. Your idea that we all have to be tolerant of intolerance in practice would mean that we all would have to be tolerant of all the racist, misogynistic crap that gets thrown at us. This would only lead to total intolerance. You are free to feel how you feel. Nobody is forcing you to feel differently. Backlash caused by your opinion does not in any way keep you from holding that opinion. however you should be aware that when you make your stance known on something, your stance is open to be criticized. Ever heard the saying “you made your bed now lie in it” ??

[@Greystorm1619]

This was such a great conversation to listen to. She’s so right about the fear plaguing young people today about saying the wrong thing. I’m an artist entering the professional world, and I don’t like sharing my work because I’m afraid that I don’t have the maturity or wisdom to speak on certain topics. So I really love that she is encouraging the messiness of art and literature.

[@deejayp9668]

Really WISH that a LOT of this so-called (carefully-crafted!) "MESSINESS of art and literature" was not ALWAYS about SORDIDLY EXPLOITING FEMALE BODIES. Y'know...shades of: "They're MORE Female NUDES in Museums, than ART/LITERATURE by WOMEN who (gasp!) 99.9% of their REAL LIVES, wear CLOTHES." Moral of this tale: Humanity's FATALLY SELF-CURATED FLAW is Hypocrisy.

[@habibaabdulkadir1756]

@@deejayp9668 I can't agree more.

[@setclearboundaries9184]

I haven’t finished the video yet so I’m not sure what the responses are referring to.

[@exquisitecaribbeanqueen7198]

Her natural beauty, her natural beauty, her natural essence, her natural elegance. Her natural intelligence. The Art of an African original people. Proud of you.

[@abbysotomi2457]

Fantastic conversation. The Chimamanda l have come to know in the last 5 years through her books, speeches , lectures, interviews etc would never wish anyone or group of people dead. In fact, she has gotten into trouble in 🇳🇬 with her feminist views and was one of the critics of the Nigerian Homosexual law. Thank you Jon for giving her the platform to respond to the vicious lies those 2 enemies of progress manufactured. She is full of grace, beauty, smartness, and mischief🤣too. I cannot wait to see Americanah made into a movie💃❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@jacquellesconiers7961]

This was an excellent use of my time. I thoroughly enjoyed the dialogue across the spectrum that these two held. Touching completely on what social media misses on its few typed character hypes are nuances involved in true dialogue. I was utterly touched by the thought that narratives provide the feelings rooted to and from ideology that simple expression of ideology cannot. Chimamanda Ngozi Adiche is a wonderful writer, and I am glad she is so passionate about her craft and its perpetuity.

[@JDMimeTHEFIRST]

I don’t think it’s transphobic. She is just saying they don’t know what it’s like to be treated as a girl growing up. I think it’s misogynist to think otherwise (that girls aren’t treated differently and than boys). People need to stop attacking good people who aren’t the enemy. To call it transphobic to say cis women had a different experience is sexist.

[@JDMimeTHEFIRST]

Even as a cis woman, your body is not your own in certain countries and states in the US. Even Catholic hospitals don’t consider cis women people. They just think of us as vessels for babies. It’s sick and something only cis women deal with. Sorry, but it’s not the same as being a trans woman. They are also treated poorly, but it’s it the same.

[@djiboutidjango3196]

@@JDMimeTHEFIRST what a paradox of confusion. And now you will be labeled a bigot and a TERF by a Trans person just as you are quick to label others sexist. The Utopia you desire exist only in your mind

[@marie-francoiset9402]

you are correct! That is all women have been saying. Our experience is not the same as trans. And that should not be a bone of contention for anyone. We are not the same.

[@ellebarker9035]

You don’t think it’s transphobic? Are you trans? The conversation was about women and not girls.

[@ellebarker9035]

@@JDMimeTHEFIRST I think people just get so hell bent on seeing differences instead of similarities. You have never been trans and yet you’re speaking on my experience and those of women like me. It’s really sad.

[@pamhall1434]

Great interview! Hope this clears up the HUGE misunderstanding that defamed this wonderful woman writer 💚🌊💙🌎🐦🙏☮

[@gfxpimp]

This is the best conversation I've heard anywhere in over a year. "Assumption of good faith is dead", yet this was thoughtful, respectful AND honest.

[@jessicad.f5485]

"The USA has managed to export their issues to the rest of the world, and people fighting american battles that are not theirs". I could not have said it better. That is why i call their problems secondary and i believe it should not create diversions amongst nationalities that do not relate!!!!

[@lourdesmboya4525]

I am a transgender woman. I am a Kenyan. Could you confirm to me that you are saying my problems are secondary? Is it a proxy of I am less than? Help me understand.

[@Prof.SeverusSnape]

This. I'm living in Canada and still feel the bs by proximity. That right there is radioactive toxicity, if there's any other indication.

[@hectornegron9155]

I've been listening to this amazing lady during the last couple of days after discovering her recently. I didn't know how much of a feminist I was until I started listening to her. She's such a treasure.

[@aguijohn1321]

Best episode ever. You should really do more of this. Having the left confront and address our own oversights to make us have better arguments, recognize the failure of generalizations and demand honesty of the political discourse and not be scared. But also so we can tamp down the ridiculousness that gets us into a bind.

[@mooo6747]

Well said.

[@brendabrass2715]

Every sentence remarkable, I found myself making a whole page of quotes. Aside from her mesmerizing beauty, her use of language is exquisite. Thank you Jon ❤

[@xfactor6099]

stop been a patronizing cringe. I am Nigerian and think she is full of bs.

[@ahmadu5754]

She really is mesmerizing. I am also Nigerian and think she is awesome.

[@amaka8086]

@@xfactor6099 I am Nigerian, and think that you are full of hot air!

[@xfactor6099]

@@amaka8086 of course you are a biafran. You even defend nnamdi kanu so no surprise there. 🤣

[@gbidlviefb5112]

@@xfactor6099 bro what?

[@Stratocaster01]

One of the best from Chimamanda. The world is enriched by a wealth of its literature.

[@alysonb.328]

Thank you so much for sharing this conversation with us, Jon. I learn so much every time I listen to Ms. Adichie speak or read one of her books. You and she have given me a lot to think about regarding my use of social media and my approach to having conversations with people with different view points.

[@maryhingston3209]

This was a wonderful conversation! Such a smart bright light! Thank you for bringing her to us Jon!

[@sholenejames2292]

I think the issue is deeper than social media. Critical thinking practices was slowly removed from education through the 80’s and 90’s. It switched to rote question and answer. We tell you the response don’t worry about why. Now people have difficulty with root cause analysis and fact sequencing.

[@officiallaurenbrown]

Excellent point. -- Lauren

[@p.w.7493]

Sis, know that haters come in many forms and wear many faces. Some are your 'friends' and some are jealous because they CAN'T be you!! You were made in the image of your Creator and He NEVER makes a mistake! Stay true to who you are and continue to do what you were called to do!! You're an inspiration to many and admired by more than you'll ever know!! Keep SHINNING, sis!!💯

[@odeanlawrence1834]

Yes, Chimamanda is quite right in the line she quoted by Robert Noel, "And why not say what happened" I made up a line myself earlier today, 'People who tell lies, should be very careful of having a conversation with people who are very good listeners with amazing memory recall.' Odean Lawrence

[@odeanlawrence1834]

Youth is wasted on the young. (George Bernard Shaw 1856-1950) I now understand the full meaning of Mr Shaw's statement. Just look at what these two young writers have started! And for what! 5 mins of fame? They had an incredible opportunity that so many more mature students would have truly benefited from having, but instead, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie offered that valuable opportunity to these two, CLEARLY, IMMATURE, human beings; who would then go on to SLATE her name. They are totally unaware of the damage they have now caused to, not only themselves, but to so many potentially, amazing future writers who would have aspired to so much more under the guidance and support of one of Africa's, truly amazing writers. Now, unfortunately, due to Chimamanda's possible lack of trust, this opportunity will never be offered, so lightly, again. May I offer my deepest condolences to Ms Ngozi Adichie on the loss of both her beloved mother and father. May they Rest in Eternal Peace ✝️🕊💐

[@IceQeen1011]

I agree with her on so many levels. I'm a liberal and recently it's been easier engaging with conservatives with stupid worldviews than liberals. Once my liberal friend even said to me that basically all minorities (POCs, LGBTQs...etc) should vote Democrat because we basically owe them for our rights. It's so patronizing. The left can be incredibly mysoginistic and racist and so much is performative.

[@marie-francoiset9402]

exactly. wow. how dare someone decide we have no agency and "owe" ANYBODY for anything?! We have FOUGHT for everything. no damn democrat or liberal has 'saved' us.

[@kellz1953]

I'm a liberal who has experienced the exact dynamic you're talking about. [edited to correct typo]

[@wakandavibranium5053]

So glad to see in the comments Chimamanda being introduced to a newer audience. As an African woman, I have related to the narratives she shares and how rationally and beautifully and simply she writes her stories. Great interview!👏🏾👏🏾 And so true on the nefarious influence of American political ideologies in their current shifting stance being a terrible import to parts of the world where it should not be a priority above the valid ones.

[@aleks-33]

I'm two minutes in but wow. Cuz I clicked while thinking "I heard she was transphobic. Sad cuz I loved her book about feminism" and turns out there was more context and social media distills things too much. Reminds me of the John Green quote (or something he says a lot) "truth resists simplicity." Thank you for this. As a Trans person, look forward to hearing the full interview.

[@JamesCM86]

This is always the case thought isn’t it. People love to misunderstand, do not seek context and look for reasons to take offence.

[@spirit5228]

Why is it that the LGBT community is quick to label others as 'phobic' towards them instead of understanding and seeking truth as you have? The majority of people who are outside of the community need to be educated about LGBT community, but are afraid to ask questions. It should not be that way. Thanx for being open-minded.

[@julias_pie]

@@spirit5228 Truly! People can be super accepting and support lgbt people but once they use the wrong words or terms - without a single malicious intent but because they are uneducated on it or have a different viewpoint - they're immediately vilified and called -phobic. I think people online are too sensitive sometimes (I suppose it's due to exposure to negative and hateful content) and have knee-jerk reactions, but somebody doing a misstep or saying something you disagree with without any malice behind it does not deserve the same hostile treatment as the people always out to provoke, suppress and verbally attack the community.

[@christieatuh]

@@spirit5228 abi. Too touchy and always looking for credence. what's all that really

[@ellebarker9035]

Please remember you’re only getting one side of the story, to a point Chimamanda has made herself. No one is interviewing the other side to understand why they stood up to her

[@snayemdubu2988]

I’ve been watching her interviews. She’s not scared to say “ I don’t know “.

[@jessicaajuonuma7211]

I've noticed that too I think that comes from the confidence of knowing that there are things that you know and know so well and in that confidence, you realise that there is so much information in the world and you can't know them all. And you wear that proudly.

[@jean__fidele]

I love that about her.

[@NeuroWizard22]

What an awesome episode! These are the kinds of conversations we need to be having more. Favreau, I was already a big fan, and you just keep it coming! Also thanks for introducing us to Ms. Chimamanda. Hard to find such a poised, well spoken, thoughtful person nowadays.

[@kristinsewell1441]

I think a lot of people would love to have these conversations about difference but we're afraid of talking about it because we're afraid of being wrong or challenged publicly. The same reason people don't raise their hand in a classroom. And, then, the converse is also true in being "right" in public but being afraid to be nuanced and wrong in private with people we care about.

[@marlak4203]

Some discussions AREN'T for public discourse because of the various opinions that will be put upon the people talking so some things should be discussed in private. Some things can be discussed openly and some things are to be discussed publicly but in a 'tampered' way so as to not have such disruptions as we are dealing with now.

[@lisa115]

@@marlak4203 but we should have this discussion publicly. There is a trend of silencing different opinions for political correctness

[@marlak4203]

@@lisa115 Again some things are fine and good to speak about publicly and some aren't due to so many people giving unnecessary opinions on things not really understood. Like family matters for example. To have the discussion be fruitful you do have to temper it. Know who your audience is to know what to say and what not to. Knowing how the general public will be on certain topics you either don't discuss so openly so you don't have to go thru "apologies " and canceling or you speak it and stay standing on it. That's what people hate too. Folks WILL say things but then 'take it back.'

[@Tearloch]

Brilliant sharing and perspectives .. this is what this World of ours needs ..

[@joser.romero5783]

The utmost respect respect and appreciation. God Bless !

[@yvonneifill13]

It’s so enlightening to see different people opinions and respect each other 🙏🏽💙

[@msjackson6131]

Her essay was refreshing and thoughtful and just plan wonderful!!!! I felt such a kinship with this amazing woman. As a Canadian with a Nigerian father and Black Canadian mother I so responded and understood her. The idea that as a Nigerian if ur smart you should be a doctor ( my dad was ) and my dream was to instead write. I’m a social worker and woman’s advocate… proudly But maybe someday I’ll sit down and write something that’s not for work…❤️

[@pattimcfarlane8504]

My brain heart and soul needed this conversation so much! Thank you !

[@bimpeo818]

Beautiful, well structured and mind opening conversation. Chimamanda voice and poise is so soothing. Great conversations and I have a lot to think about and also work on my worldview and perspective on certain issues.

[@surlypiratewench1969]

Mr Favreau that was a life-changing interview. I cannot thank you both enough for the enlightenment.

[@QueenofAfrosoul]

I learned a lot from this conversation unexpectedly. It was more of an awakening or epiphany if I may that exhibited the importance of good literature and why that actually matters to our society. I'm inspired to write fearlessly and without the thought of repercussion to create a great story and eventually great conversation for others. Thank you for this content!

[@lilblueshaman9609]

This has inspired me to start working on my stories again (and reminding me I don't have to get back on Twitter to network. I hate it there). Thank you both!

[@debbie9271]

I hate it there too.. too much toxicity

[@damilareoyefeso806]

Love that y’all did this! Love Chimmy and appreciate this conversation. Much love to all women ❤️❤️❤️

[@metaverseplayer]

Omg chimmy is my nickname! Lol never seen anyone else called this haha

[@sonovick1]

This podcast is worth listening to more than once. Wonderful insights!

[@tracyveronika]

Her voice is amazing 😍😍

[@maryhingston3209]

Chimamanda you are a lovely light! Thank you for sharing!

[@jareya]

Love Chimamanda… always thoughtful and genuine.

[@jemimahshekinah-shalom9758]

He pronounces her name so perfectly. 👏👏👏. It is obvious that it only takes effort and willingness to pronounce names that aren't European.

[@chisomchuba9672]

He tried but it wasn’t perfect

[@BlueRaven990]

Thank you Jon. Adichie’s wisdom is such a breathe of fresh air.

[@goldmother2238]

Amazing speaker and writer. Weirdly enough what had me mesmerized till the end was her exquisite beauty! What a lovely face.

[@Esi153]

I really loved this. Thank you for such an honest and thought provoking conversation 🙏🏾. I'm British and it's as divided as the USA. A lot of social media, especially Twitter, feels like a cesspit, which is so sad, but this is a good reminder that it isn't the real world.

[@marceloorellana5726]

America? You mean the USA. Because America is a continent with 35 independent American countries. The USA is in America but it isn't America. Mexico and Venezuela aren't in Europe, Asia, Australia or Africa. They're in America.

[@Esi153]

@@marceloorellana5726 I hear you

[@denisegibson2870]

Excellent interview. Ms. Adichie perfectly expresses my own concerns in a way I never could. Thank you for posting this exceptional conversation.

[@DS-hq9ob]

She's amazing!! Totally fangirling here.

[@lauraarzola]

Wonderful discussion. I can only hope that people will wake up to the deep value of kindness and civility.

[@elizabethconklin9011]

People are so afraid if taking a strong stand on just about everything. There is a party in our country that would burn books, instead of understanding that thoughtful debate without all the judgement, will always be the answer. When we rush to demonization, we are disrespecting what should be our right as individuals to thoughtfully make their own decisions. In the long run, we are destroying our own pragmatic nature. Pragmatism is part of our survival instinct, as well as lending credibility, in being able to embrace the positive with at least as much enthusiasm as we embrace the negative. False equivalencies, and strawnen arguments have no place when we think critically and use a more pragmatic approach. There should be no sin in paying be attention to our own BS meters instead of someone else's. Good show, very thought provoking.

[@ginamitembe8935]

My deeply condolences to you our beloved sister C.Ngozi at loss of you parents!!!!!🙏😭 VERY proud of brilliant intellectual speeches and your writing! Your straight no nonsense talking is very rare in our societies these days!👏🙌🙏❣️❤️💞🌍🌍🌍

[@ne2667917]

she's soooo beautiful inside and out! Just a breath of fresh air to listen to her.

[@carleenmartin5985]

Yes I agree. We’ve always been divided but it’s good to hear what others opinions are. We are all different.

[@IceQeen1011]

This woman as phenomenal. What a refreshing essay. Chimamanda is absolutely right. The ones who pontificate about 'we all should just be kind' are relentlessly unkind, savage and horrible to those who they agree with bc they think that is justified. I cannot condone such behavior, even if it is directed towards my political opponents.

[@doomsdayzalinsky7910]

This is an amazing interview. Thanks to both of you for sharing the conservation with us.

[@julieregalado6086]

I think a huge part of what's going on is an increasing awareness of a diverse world (and the associated fear and confusion) and learning how to reckon with that. How can we learn to acknowledge and respect difference while honoring it as life's expression of itself? While also acknowledging serious damage that has been done. I love that Chimamanda speaks of narrative as contributing facts and that when something is difficult or complex the thing to do is to add to that complexity not to attempt to reduce it to simple equations. This is what we are dealing with now - the inability of so many to grapple with complexity. Hearing each other's stories might help with that.

[@simpletipsforeffectivecomm5643]

Thank you so much Chimamanda. Wonderful interview. Condolences 💐 on the loss of your parents 💐

[@911anon911]

What a great thoughtful and thought provoking discussion ! Gold!

[@pharmacistbeyondborders9116]

Enjoyed the good conversation on both sides -MD🌻

[@goddessakasha5958]

She is so right about how disrespectful people are on social media. I find that not only are they disrespectful and uncaring on social media, but also in everyday life. People are so entitled and lack empathy for others and are quick to condemn everyone who has an opinion that differs from their own. People seem to be out for blood,?waiting for someone to say or do something wrong so that it can be pointed out and blown up and that person canceled. And I think some are trying to find some inequity in this beautiful, thoughtful and caring goddess in order to tarnish her image and render her words powerless

[@kryss.4725]

Honestly, Jon, I stopped listening to all Crooked Media podcasts last last year after your comments regarding worldwide vaccine distribution as the US was preparing to give booster shots to its' citizens. I still stand firmly in my perspective that global inequity regarding vaccine distribution lies squarely at the feet of developed countries, particularly the US. However, I was heartened to see that you used your platform to allow Adichie the opportunity to speak on some contentious issues from her personal and cultural perspective. I'm from the Global South, and a particular issue I have with Crooked Media narratives and commentary is that each of you have a lot to say on what's happening in the developing world but almost never make room for literal voices outside of the US. It skews the conversation, and gives American listeners no room to form opinions outside of their US bubble. This is irksome for people in the Global South who for decades have had no choice but to engage with US media in the form of news, movies, and TV shows, as it bombards us from everywhere. US cultural imperialism is quite real in the developing world. For instance, where I live children begin speaking with US accents because they're sat in front of TV screens imbibing US cartoons and various children's programs. Essentially, for balance, more interviews with non-Western people would be welcome. I started listening to Crooked Media podcasts a couple years ago when I was researching my IR Master's thesis on Trump's foreign policy, and I did really enjoy the commentary and the laughs. I'd ease my way back in for more content like this; particularly if and when conversations centre around issues affecting people or regions outside of the US.

[@SteppingOut957]

Great points.

[@marie-francoiset9402]

i get what you're saying. but you''re in control of what your children watch. change the channel. or don't watch at all.

[@MargaretPinard]

Great point about literature being the place where we can see truth being told, and that protecting an author who shows truth without conflating the topic with the author's beliefs...it's complicated but important to educate people about the difference.

[@carleenmartin5985]

Great show “ Crooked”. Thanks to you and all that commented.

[@VieenRennes]

I really appreciate this discourse. Quality conversation and cause for self reflection of how you present or argue your ideas to others.

[@backto-il9ne]

Love Chimamanda. She's an articulate and profound writer who tackles difficult subjects with nuance and compassion. One of the attendees who attacked Chimamanda, that Emezi girl, she is pure evil. The way she got sadistic joy from going after Chimamanda was just vile to witness. Social media is truly a disease I swear. Glad to see Chimamanda keeping her chin up and staying true to herself.

[@JamesCM86]

Agree with you about Emezi. Will never read her books, the behaviour was so vile

[@marienjoku-obi7253]

Emezi is not a “her” or a girl so…you could start by not misgendering people? Social media is truly a disease because both sides of the story are just soo varied. Just weird to come out and 1) misgender someone and 2) automatically take a side based on this video.

[@funtoayenakin5753]

Have you thought maybe the people misgendering had no clue what she identifies as? Lol it's lack of giving people grace like this she’s referring to.

[@mrsoshadabaadman]

@@marienjoku-obi7253 I hate sound like a simpleton but can't we by concensus agree that the constantly evolving terms of self identification are tripping up well meaning people, not being malice but rather not getting updates in time. Secondly once they've made an error like that, forgiveness can really build bridges of understanding.

[@marie-francoiset9402]

@@marienjoku-obi7253 whatever. no one has to be perfect about this gendering stuff! stop coming after people not know who someone is, It is not someone else's responsibility to guess and its also not the most important thing in the world. stop making gender the sole focus of every. single. conversation.

[@SaucerJess]

Thank y'all for this. 💙

[@citygirlro]

❤️ love her and this interview! Thank you so much for this interview!

[@samanetha89]

This was such a fantastic interview, I truly adore her so much!

[@harrietlucky6316]

Can we just slide in that the interviewer has such a lovely, warm smile❤

[@kg1148]

Love her! She's very insightful and clear on what she believes!

[@habibaabdulkadir1756]

Chimamanda spoke very objectively, not just because she speaks to issues the way I would like to hear but her speaks from her heart honestly and, that heart is beautiful. I pray God Almighty guides her and her family closer and closer to the straight path, the path of those the Almighty is pleased with not of those, who earn his anger or the ones that go astray, amen.

[@Cyndance]

Love, love, loved this conversation!

[@elaineburnett5230]

This is a thoughtful conversation that might help all of us who share our ideas using social media. 😀

[@ericpoeperic]

Yes! She is awesome i love her books. I really feel what she's saying. It's hard to find the right language. Some cultures have 3+ genders some have 2 in their cultural binary some have more. We just have to come from love and not try to score cheap points on each other if there's a better way of doing/saying something.

[@officiallaurenbrown]

"Scoring cheap points" well said. -- Lauren

[@stephaniesuggs6541]

Best one yet! Thank you, Jon.

[@TalentsInNaturalArt]

I absolutely loved this interview! It definitely sparks conversation on so many levels. Chimamanda 👍🏽✊🏽👩🏾👏🏼!!!

[@jessicaajuonuma7211]

Immediately I saw this I clicked on it. I've followed Chimamanda for a long while now. I read her first book in my early teens, and have since devoured every book of hers. I've also seen many of her videos, the danger of single stories, we should all be feminists, the speeches in university, interviews and the likes. It's always refreshing to hear her speak. And this was really refreshing. I should be sleeping after a long day but I clicked on this instead because I know that I will certainly learn a lot from listening. Thanks for having her. And thank you for being such a great interviewer.

[@afrowave]

" I am doing my tough persona today". Such a beautiful woman. Thank you.

[@diannewilliams2325]

Brilliant don't near describe this beautiful being, she thinks in her feet blessed with wisdom. No essence in arguing if someone is not in like mind or open to knowledge or agreeing to disagree pls don't bother my dear lady, and condolences may GOD continue to give you the fortitude to bare this loss if your parents may the beautiful memories of your parents come when you are down. Love you girl

[@joannejohnson7006]

Thank you for sharing this ❤

[@dorismorehouse1936]

I luv luv this woman beauty and brain excellent example for all people👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾

[@beholdthevoid]

This was a really interesting interview! As a trans woman of color I definitely appreciate the stance on embracing our differences as what makes us unique, I very much agree with that stance. These things are part of what makes me who I am, and I want to celebrate that uniqueness which I often feel like we do have issues with even on the left. I did want to talk a bit about her point on Sensitivity Consultants since I run a small side business in the tabletop RPG space that makes heavy use of these services and I think her general understanding is a bit flawed. For us, at least, when we're working on larger settings and drawing inspiration from cultures not our own, our general goal is to hire writers who can represent that. Unfortunately since many of us are micro-budget indies, we can't just hire 100 writers so we have sensitivity consultants come in and help with our writing as a kind of gut-check. We want to represent these cultures respectfully and faithfully, so the readers we hire will look through something and point out mistakes or weird things. This can honestly even be as small as having a Canadian character use American names for products instead of Canadian. It's an extra editing pass to make sure we aren't making really dumb mistakes.

[@lynnhettrick7588]

I agree about the sensitivity consultants. I think they're (overall) a good thing. I know I have a lot of privileges and sometimes don't see the way I interact with someone might hurt them. I am most certainly open to changes so that I don't harm groups of people that I'm not as familiar with.

[@beholdthevoid]

@@lynnhettrick7588 and that's really what they're for when used correctly - a second check against things you might mess up because you genuinely want to do better. Some creatives will of course try to use it for a rubber stamp for their grossly offensive work (for whatever reason white guys LOVE doing this with the Warring States period of Japan) but every consultant with a good reputation in the industry will not allow their name to be attached to such a project, usually after going through everything and realizing the creative in question isn't serious about doing right by the represented group.

[@ngoziukazu9131]

Great point! I thought it was a little odd that she mentioned sensitivity readers (also known as authenticity readers) as a negative thing. At “worst”, they can point out and address offensive bias in a work, but at best they work with a writer as a kind of primary source check. It’s an extension of research!

[@mooo6747]

@@ngoziukazu9131 I think she meant it in the context of political correctness not cultural or historical correctness, because she brought up the example of a character who uses the N word in a non-racist book and how one should be able to distinguish between that and a racist book.

[@marie-francoiset9402]

I was so happy when she said that 'cis' is not in her vocabulary. i find that term offensive and will never use it to apply to myself or any woman born as a woman (female). Its ok to acknowledge differences and the fact that women and trans are not the same. we have completely different experiences and should never be conflated.

[@to4163]

There should be consequences for this. As people hide behind social media to spew venom. If they had to face the individual, they wouldn’t dare.

[@kishalalanne]

Absolutely!

[@VinnyWilk]

I still can’t believe that we’re still using antiquated and reductive terms, such as “left” and “right”. I want discussions to be about “just what happened.”

[@teleolasalimon6337]

This was lovely.

[@KTeDe]

Love ,love, love this. Such valid points made by Chimamanda & engaging interview questions...well done & thank you.

[@OlayinkaAwofodu]

How did I miss this? I read the short "story" by Chimamanda on 15 June 2021 and I was impressed. Quite frankly, I don't do novels or lengthy written communication. However, I enjoyed the short story - "It is Obscene" 👌🏿

[@ulisene3183]

That wasn’t a short story sis

[@OlayinkaAwofodu]

@@ulisene3183 😊 Well, it is a short one for me.

[@ulisene3183]

@@OlayinkaAwofodu the term short story generally refers to fiction. This wasn’t fiction. It was a short essay.

[@evertonwilson5186]

What a brilliant conversation.

[@emmanuelomanukwue2658]

I totally agree with Ngozi adichie Chimamanda that "Politics in Nigeria is not ideological" and as such we cannot talk about "polarization" geo-politically in global terms!

[@molchmolchmolchmolch]

This is my favourite in this series so far by far!!! (Not that the others weren't good and interesting as well.)

[@save_theworld]

If you beef with a popular person, you also become popular - 50 Cents

[@stillhere95]

Jon's skin is so clear. It's making me jealous.

[@roselynmponda33]

Amazing interview both of of you thank you

[@sweetsue4204]

Delightful! Thanks for sharing this insightful discourse. It made me consider how difficult I’ve found it to locate a conservative friend willing to even sit down and discuss current affairs in the hopes of finding some common ground and a little more tolerance for each other’s political and social ideals. Sadly, discourse isn’t on their minds today. Evidently, my political community is hell-bent on destroying “our country,” and it’s not worth their time. Also, some of them are hiding out, trying to avoid having to admit they’ve been scammed. FOX has done their job well. 😕