The Portrayal of Race and Racism in Americanah: Analyzing How Race and Skin Color Shape the Characters’ Experiences in Nigeria and the United States

Race and racism are central themes in Americanah, and Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie critically examines how race affects the lives of her characters, particularly through Ifemelu's experiences in Nigeria and the United States. In Nigeria, Ifemelu faces colorism, a form of discrimination based on skin tone, where lighter skin is often privileged. However, it is when Ifemelu moves to America that the theme of race becomes more prominent and complicated.

In the U.S., Ifemelu encounters racism in a way that is unfamiliar to her in Nigeria, where her status as a "Non-American Black" makes her an outsider. Her observations on race in America, particularly through her blog, offer a candid and often humorous critique of race relations in the U.S. She reflects on the different ways in which race operates in the two countries, highlighting how race is not just a biological or physical trait but a social construct that shapes people's experiences and interactions.

Adichie’s exploration of race and racism challenges readers to examine the impact of racial identity on both personal relationships and larger societal structures. Americanah provides a nuanced look at how race and skin color shape people’s opportunities, experiences, and self-perceptions, making it a powerful critique of global racial dynamics.