Sunday, October 11, 2009

The Danger of a Single Story



"The single story creates stereotypes and the problem with stereotypes is not that they are untrue but that they are incomplete. They make one story become the only story."
Chimamanda Adichie, a writer from Nigeria , talks about the danger of telling, writing, listening, or knowing a single story of a person, a people, or a place. She makes a strong plea for a "balance of stories" and how telling and knowing multiple stories can help one "regain paradise." Listen to this wonderful and riveting speech on the risks of stereotyping, of knowing only one side of a story. The argument she presents is compelling and coated in sparkling, yet understated humor. You will be engrossed, I guarantee it.

In case you are unable to watch the video here, visit this page: TED Talks: Chimamanda Adichie - The Danger of a Single Story.

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