Digital Humanities & Identity Formation in Adichie's Americanah
This research paper delves into the intersection of digital humanities, cultural critique, and identity formation through a cross-cultural lens. It explores how marginalized voices utilize digital platforms to challenge stereotypes, reshape identities, and foster cross-cultural understanding. By focusing on Adichie's Americanah, the study examines how online discourse empowers individuals like Ifemelu to navigate multicultural societies and critique systemic biases, emphasizing the transformative role of digital spaces in shaping identities.
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Presentation Transcript
Digital Humanities as a Platform for Cross-Cultural Critique: Identity Formation in Adichie s Americanah Touhidul Islam Student, Department of English Northern University Bangladesh (NUB)
Introduction What is Digital Humanities ? What is Adichie s Americanah? How to Define Cross-Cultural Criticism? What Are Its Core Elements in Understanding Diverse Perspectives?
ResearchObjective The objective of this research paper is Digital platforms empower marginalized voices to share their stories, while digital humanities foster discussions on race and identity. These tools challenge stereotypes, preserve cultural heritage, and bridge global divides, shaping contemporary society. virtual communities for
Research Methodology This paper employs a qualitative research method, utilizing both primary and secondary data sources.
Hypotheses This study hypothesizes that blogging and online discourse empower marginalized identities, like Ifemelu, to navigate and reshape their identities in multicultural societies. Social media amplifies marginalized voices, challenges systemic narratives, and fosters cross-cultural understanding. The research also highlights how digital narratives critique biases, promote empathy, and illuminate systemic challenges faced by Black communities, emphasizing the transformative role of digital spaces in identity formation.
Limitations and scope Implementation of data collection method. The research aims and objectives, while broadly formulated, enhance the scope of the study by providing a nuanced understanding of identity formation within the field of digital humanities and offering valuable insights into the interplay between digital and cultural spaces.
Why It Fits Digital Humanities with Metzgers Theory Digital humanities not only encompasses the digitization of traditional humanities texts but also explores how digital platforms impact human expression, identity, and interaction. Ifemelu's blog and narrations acts as a digital space for social critique, allowing her to engage in conversations that bridge geographical and cultural divides. This aligns with Metzger's exploration of how digital platforms provide individuals with the tools to construct complex identities and voice their narratives across virtual communities. Miriam J. Metzger's theory of identity formation emphasizes how digital platforms shape individuals' identities by providing a space for self-representation and interaction. This theory considers how individuals negotiate their cultural, social, and racial identities within digital spaces, particularly when interacting with diverse audiences.
Identity Formation Identity formation is the development of a sense of self through experiences, culture, and social interactions, evolving over time. It involves exploring values, beliefs, and roles, often solidifying during adolescence but evolving throughout life. This dynamic process helps individuals establish a unique place in society Contd. Ifemelu s Blog: A tool for self-expression and critique of racism and cultural identity. The only way to live a full life is to embrace your own identity. (chapter-17) Amplifies voices of marginalized communities. The only authentic identity for me is my Nigerian-ness. But I am also aware that I construct my identity every day. (Chapter-19) Examples from Text: Lend Ifemeu social security card ( chapter 9) , Struggle with adopting a new name (chapter 3)
Social Media and Online Discourse Contd. Role of Social Media: Creates spaces for activism, awareness, and community. Facilitates global conversations on race and culture. Adichie s Insight: Critiques performative activism and tokenism in digital spaces. Example from Text: Ifemelu s posts dissect stereotypes and challenge global audiences, blogging, interviews (chapter 01)
Diasporic Connections Contd. Globalized Identity: The digital realm connects diasporic individuals across borders. Shared experiences create collective identity and solidarity. In Americanah: Ifemelu s journey illustrates the tension between belonging and alienation. Online platforms become spaces for cultural preservation. Examples from Text: Obinze insists that America is the future (chapter 6), Tv commercials fascinate America (chapter 09), the blogging shows conditions of Nigerian immigrants.
Racism and Digital Influence Contd. Digital Activism Against Racism: Hashtags like #BlackLivesMatter have reshaped global discussions. Americanah mirrors this with Ifemelu s blog posts on systemic racism. Cultural Awareness: Social media fosters dialogue but also perpetuates bias. Textual Tie-in: Ifemelu critiques microaggressions through her blog, exposing layers of racism. Examples from Text: Black babies is cursed (chapter 01), Jane worried their children will start acting like Black Americans. (Chapter 9), salesgirls should be easy to distinguish between because one is Black and one is white (chapter 12), teacher accuses him of aggression (chapter 16).
Digital Influence on Cultural and Social Awareness How Technology Shapes Awareness: Contd. Broadens perspectives on global issues. Challenges cultural silos through exposure to diverse narratives. In Adichie s Narrative: Ifemelu navigates stereotypes while asserting her unique voice. Blog becomes a platform for cross-cultural education. Examples from Text: Fat is a slang (chapter 01), Nigeria s economy relies on kissing up to the right people (chapter 6). Ifemelu s father loses job in fortune on the devil (chapter 03), Aunty Uju and General relation was illegitimate but her mother addressed Protector (chapter03), Kimberly shows Ifemelu a photograph of visiting India, commenting how happy even the poorest people were. (Chapter 15), Nigerian doctor to a Ugandan woman ( chapter 16), Americans are friendly but do not try to pronounce foreign names correctly, while the British are suspicious of friendliness but careful with foreign names.(Chapter 27), Shan s theory that American white men don t see Black women as women (chapter 38) .
Conclusion The digital age bridges cultural divides, amplifies marginalized voices, and reshapes identities. Americanah demonstrates the power of online spaces to critique and transform societal norms.
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