Kogwuonye, Patrick Onyeka
I was in the University of Benin doing my master’s when I heard about Chimamanda. It was the first time. I heard it from a young girl who later introduced me and as well analysed the content of her novel Purple Hibiscus. Even though I felt unhappy with the fact she portrayed a misandrist attitude towards the male characters in the novel, it was however worth knowing that such an icon existed.
After that encounter, I made a detailed research about her alongside analysis of some of her novels. I watched more of her feminist tour and talk show around Europe and America. I was able to gather some popular questions she was been asked during her talk/speech in some universities. I used almost a year to do my research. That was 2016. I kept all the research hidden from some of my friends. I kept it personal. I was trying to have a blog where I can talk more about what women face in the society based on the gender issues, domestic violence.
In that same year, I read more about her popular write works including : We Should All Be Feminist, Dear Ijeawele Or A Feminist Manifesto In Fifteen Suggestions
Those were what motivated me in to having such a likeness toward her. She became my godmother in terms of feminism. She made it easy for me to understand it very well.
I started with Dear Ijeawele Or A Feminist Manifesto In Fifteen Suggestions. I used almost 4/5 months to know what feminism was all about. I have become an addicted fan to her works, write up and speech/talk about feminism, gender issues. Her literature and writing change my views about women and empower me to remove the ideas of being stereotype. I have a wider view on why people are just like that.
After that, I went further in to reading WE SHOULD ALL BE FEMINIST. That was the height of all. At this point I knew all about feminism (50% ). I could explain the plight about feminist to someone; the reason for the gender equality and the right they fight for. The books were able to explicate everything from the rise of misogyny, the problem with modern masculinity, likeability, gender issues and domestic violence.
From most of the research I did. I personally brought out the major area she talk about, which i will start with LIKEABILITY.
Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie Likeability Ideology
I will be making references some of her books: We Should All Be Feminist, Dear Ijeawele Or A Feminist Manifesto In Fifteen Suggestions, & Ideologies On Love And Romance
Love encompasses a range of strong and positive emotional and mental states, from the most sublime virtue or good habit, the deepest interpersonal affection and to the simplest pleasure. According to merriam-webster dictionary, it is a strong affection for another arising out of kinship or personal ties. Attraction based on sexual desire: affection and tenderness felt by lovers.
Romance on the other hand is an emotional feeling of love for, or a strong attraction towards another person, and the courtship behaviours undertaken by an individual to express those overall feelings and resultant emotions.
In Dear Ijeawele Or A Feminist Manifesto In Fifteen Suggestions, Adichie Chimamanda Ngozi writes: “Make sure you are aware of the romance in her life. And the only way you can do that is to start very early to give her the language with which to talk to you not only about sex but also about love. I don’t mean you should be her ‘friend’; I mean you should be her mother to whom she can talk about everything. ”
“Teach her that to love is not only to give but also to take. This is important because we give girls subtle cues about their lives – we teach girls that a large component of their ability to love is their ability to sacrifice their selves. We do not teach this to boys. Teach her that to love she must give of herself emotionally but she must also expect to be given to.
I think love is the most important thing in life. Whatever kind, however you define it, but I think of it generally as being greatly valued by another human being and greatly valuing another human being. But why do we raise only one half of the world to value this?
Romance will happen, so be on board. I’m writing this assuming she is heterosexual – she might not be, obviously. But I am assuming that because it is what I feel best equipped to talk about.”
For Adichie, “the most important thing in the world is love”. In one of her speeches, she says:
And, finally I would like to end with a final note on the most important thing in the world: love.Now girls are often raised to see love only as giving. Women are praised for their love when that love is an act of giving. But to love is to give AND to take. Please love by giving and by taking. Give and be given. If you are only giving and not taking, you’ll know. You’ll know from that small and true voice inside you that we females are so often socialized to silence. Don’t silence that voice. Dare to take.
About the Writer
Kogwuonye Patrick Onyeka is a remarkable writer who captivates readers with his profound literary creations. As a dedicated writer, he fearlessly delves into unexplored territories, hidden knowledge and sheds light on subjects that intrigue and inspire. His craving for knowledge and curiosity pushes the boundaries of his work, resulting in unique perspectives and fresh insights. With each literary creation, he leaves a remarkable mark, evoking emotions, challenging beliefs, and sparking conversations. His talent, dedication, and relentless pursuit of excellence promise a bright future for this exceptional writer as he continues to contribute his unique voice to the world of literature.
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