The American Dream and Immigrant Identity in Adichie’s Work
The Illusion of the American Dream
Akunna’s family and friends define the American dream through material wealth: cars, houses, guns, and luxuries. By viewing the “visa lottery” as a prize to be won, they highlight how coveted and elusive American residency truly is.
The Reality of Immigrant Life
Despite the idyllic image of her uncle’s life, America proves inhospitable to Black immigrants. Akunna faces systemic challenges, from the lack of culturally competent services like hair salons to the pervasive ignorance white Americans hold regarding Africa. Her uncle’s exploitative behavior further complicates her transition, as he demands she sacrifice her autonomy for his version of comfort.
Silence, Loneliness, and Depression
Akunna’s disillusionment manifests as a profound silence. She cannot share her struggles with her parents, as her reality contradicts their expectations. This isolation—the “thing around her neck”—is a powerful metaphor for the depression and invisibility often experienced by immigrants. Adichie masterfully captures the weight of this emotional burden.
Power Dynamics and Romanticized Poverty
Akunna’s relationship with a wealthy American boy highlights the stark divide between their worlds:
- Fetishization: The boy romanticizes poverty and foreign travel, viewing Akunna’s life as an “exciting story” rather than a lived reality.
- Privilege: His ability to reject opportunities (like travel or school) contrasts sharply with Akunna’s lack of resources.
- Status Markers: While the boy treats his interest in Africa as a status symbol, Akunna experiences her identity as a social detriment.
The Persistence of Inequality
Even when the boy attempts to be supportive, he remains blind to his own privilege. He fails to recognize how his wealth and race shield him from the prejudices Akunna faces daily. Ultimately, Akunna realizes that the American dream is not accessible to her in the same way it is to him. By choosing to return home, she rejects his brand of Americanism and reclaims her own path, prioritizing her identity over a relationship built on fundamental misunderstandings of power and privilege.