Character Analysis
Who is Kimberly?
A character that expresses a lot of white guilt during these chapters.
What is Race/Racism?
In her blog, Ifemelu depicted a scene of Aunty Uju believing that her Hispanic maid “didn’t like working for black people” as if “whiteness is the thing to aspire to.”
Obinze’s wife
Kosi wants her life with her husband to be smooth sailing and without any wrinkles.
What is Understanding America for the Non-American Black: American Tribalism?
A blog post that covers class, ideology, region, and race.
“It’s (about Manhattan) wonderful but it’s not heaven”
Who said this?
Ifemelu
Who is Curt?
A character whose personality is based on their need for attention.
What is Cultural Criticisms?
Ifemelu illustrates how the Nigerians who live bleak lives in America fuel the unrealistic expectations of their relatives back home by “bearing suitcases” of gifts to keep up the facade of being a successful immigrant.
Don and Kimberley’s relationship
Kimberley idealizes her husband and his narcissistic ways.
What is Understanding America for the Non-American Black: What do WASPs Aspire To?
A blog post that discusses the “oppression Olympics” going on in America with the racial minorities.
“She (Morgan) listens to you.”
Who said this?
Kimberly
Who is Dike?
The character expresses confusion about their place in the world, as they feel torn about their identity.
What is Identity and Race/Racism?
In chapter 11, Aunty Uju says “all of us look alike to white people,” when giving Ifemelu a new ID.
How can one describe Kimberley and Ifemelu’s relationship?
Ifemelu and Kimberley have a close platonic relationship where Ifemelu is fond of Kimberley and her naive nature.
What is To My Fellow Non-American Blacks: In America, You Are Black, Baby?
A blog post that discusses how black immigrants in America are labeled "black" whether or not they agree with this label.
“It’s just so honest, the most honest book I’ve read about Africa.”
Who said this?
Kelsey
Who is Aunty Uju?
A character who only gets into relationships with people that they believe will bring them success.
What is Americanization and Identity?
After experiencing an ignorant and uneducated American who judged her ability to speak English based on her accent, Ifemelu “began to practice an American accent.”
How did Ifemelu feel when she met Blaine for the first time?
Ifemelu sees the day she met Blaine as a meaningful coincidence when she returned to her roots.
What is Understanding America for the Non-American Black: American Tribalism?
A blog post that discusses how Jewish is white, but also some rungs below white.
“I’m a Republican, our whole family is. We are very anti-welfare but we did very much support civil rights. I just want you to know the kind Republicans we are.” speaking to Ifemely
Who said this?
Curt's mom
Who is Ifemelu?
A character who believes that romantic love is the true “cure” for racism as it forces people to be uncomfortable with the idea of it.
What is Race/Racism, Identity, and Cultural Criticisms?
In chapter 16 Ifemelu discusses her frustration with the fact that “race is class,” stating that “blacks’ as a whole are often lumped with ‘poor whites” in America.
Describe Aunt Uju’s relationships.
Aunt Uju with her relationships always seemed to worship her male counterpart. With Bartholomew, she moved with him with her son and forced him to adapt to his ways. For the general, she left everything just to become his mistress, who was later kicked out.
What is Understanding America for the Non-American Black: What do WASPs Aspire To?
A blog post that brings up the point that racial minorities “probably don’t really like pale skin, but they certainly like walking into a store without some security dude following them”.
“I’ve found a condo in a town called Willow. A very nice gated place near the university.” speaking to Ifemelu
Who said this?
Aunty Uju