Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie Discusses the Complexity of Black Identity with Michele Norris

Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie sat down with NPR's Michele Norris for short discussion on the  "Americanah" author's thoughts on race and identity.

In the 15 minute conversation, Adichie discussed how moving to the United States forced her to think differently about race.

It’s very easy when you’re an immigrant and you come to this country it’s very easy to internalize the mainstream ideas. It’s easy for example to think, “Oh, the ghettos are full of black people because they’re just lazy and they like to live in the ghettos,” because that’s sort of what mainstream thinking is. And then when you read about the American housing policies for the past 100 years it starts to make sense. And it forces you to let go of these simple stereotypes.