Ifemelu’s Reaction to American Schooling

I think that Ifemelu’s reaction to the American school system is incredibly myopic, and unaccepting, but not unwarranted. Based off of what has been described of her life in Nigeria, life seemed to be pretty regimented. She got up and prayed every morning, went to school, and her friend was even “scheduled” to start dating Obinze. So, now that she is in America, and school is not as structured – for instance, students are encouraged to share their thoughts in class rather than believe everything the professor says – she sees it as abnormal and incorrect.

I do not however, believe this reaction is completely her fault. Her first experience at college was one of profound disrespect. When she checked in, and Cristina Thomas spoke to her like she could not understand English, it showed her that she will ultimately be judged primarily by her outward appearance. In Nigeria, everyone was similar, much like we students in America view each other as equals. So, now that Ifemelu is not being treated simply as another human being, she loses sight of herself, and is trapped under the microscope of her new, unaccepting society. This leaves a bad taste in her mouth, and makes her feel worthless, thus making it difficult for her to understand why any students’ opinions would be respected at college, or why they do not seem to be working as hard to earn the respect of others.

However, if Ifemelu were to come to Penn State, I think she would have a much different experience. Penn State is so focused on inviting students from all over the world to study on this campus, and there are amazing resources for those international class members. Because of this, I think all of the students from the US at Penn State are incredibly accepting of other cultures and nationalities. At first, it would be tough for Ifemelu to feel like she fits in, but because she is from a completely different culture than that of the US, not because of discrimination. I think that after a few weeks on campus, she would be able to connect with so many people, not only from the US, but from all over the world. This capacity for global connection is something that I think she is missing at her current american University, and surely would have missed in Nigeria. This would really help her see her importance in American society, and make her feel better about American Schooling.

3 thoughts on “Ifemelu’s Reaction to American Schooling

  1. Caitlyn Marie Edgell

    I couldn’t agree more that Ifemelu’s university has a lot to do with how she is treated. At a university that encourages students from around the globe, I think that she would have felt much more at home. Although there may not have been someone else from Nigeria, it is likely that she could find someone who she at least had something in common with culturally. Penn State is such a university that promotes this connectedness between cultures. I think that our school does a great job in creating an atmosphere that promotes and accepts individuality, often allowing for students to learn more about other cultures in the process. Great analysis!

  2. Sarah Danielle Williams

    I have to disagree with what you said about Ifemelu’s observations being unaccepting. I think they were rather neutral, if only a little surprised – she didn’t make any harsh judgments or comments about what she saw, she only made observations that things in America were different from what she was used to in Nigeria. I do, however, agree with what you said about what would happen if Ifem came to Penn State. Our school really is so inviting, and I’m sure Ifem would have felt at least a little more comfortable in an American classroom if she had attended one at Penn State. We have such amazing diversity here that I doubt she would feel like as much of an outsider as she did in the book.

  3. Johann Christian Malkemes

    I agree with you that Ifem’s reactions are due to her structured life back home in Nigeria. Imagine if it were us going to Nigeria to get an education. We would be thrown for a loop. I for one would not be able to live without the freedom and rights that we have. In Nigeria, I have read that most students are punished for speaking their mind in some places. That is one major issue that I’m sure Ifem had in the back of her mind as she was forced to participate in the American classroom.

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