Ifemulu is a strong woman, and through her wit and immense luck, she’s been able to climb the ladder of American society. She had a fellowship in Princeton and she has an immensely popular blog. Yet, she’s part of something more, something much more than you or I (actually that’s a lie, she’s a part of something that’s quite similar to what we are part of). She is a blogger, a girlfriend, an intellectual, an American (sort of), and above all, a Nigerian. However, throughout the first chapter of Americanah, Ifemulu tells the reader repeatedly that she isn’t content with America anymore. “It was simply that layer after layer of discontent had settled in her, and formed a mass that now propelled her.” (8) Even in the first chapter, the reader can see how her view of the world is shifting and how Ifemulu herself is shifting (granted in the first chapter, you don’t go very far into how she became such a successful blogger and how impactful it is for her to move back to Nigeria).
First and foremost, Ifemulu identifies as a non-American black, specifically a Nigerian. Even though she has an American visa and has climbed through society, she still considers herself an outsider. Although to some, this may be a bad thing, but I feel that it’s what gives Ifemulu her charm. Her viewpoint as an outsider to American culture is key to her blog and her viewpoints on racial issues in America. Had she been raised an American black as opposed to non-American black, Ifemulu may have become desensitized to everything that makes society unwelcoming to those of African heritage. I feel that Ifemulu truly takes pride in her Nigerian ancestry. After all, at some point in the book, she did choose to stop faking an American accent in order to appease Americans.
Secondly, Ifemulu is a blogger. Considering the topic of her blog, it actually intertwines a lot with her Nigerian-ness. Had Ifemulu blogged about something like baking, it probably wouldn’t have too much to do with her views as a Nigerian (DISCLAIMER: I don’t actually know that much about Nigerian baking so it’s entirely possible that she could be critiquing American baking styles and dishware through the eyes of a master Nigerian baker). She contributes to the blogosphere by showing her perspective on life and her readers love that. I feel that she really loved her blog; she was able to pour her frustration out onto a platform that has many other wonderful people who deliberate and comment on her posts.
As you see, I took it more of a “what pieces of Ifemulu’s identity are the most significant in the novel.” What do you all think her communities are? Well readers, I hope my post was of interest to you and that it was able to keep your attention. And now, good day my dearest readers.