Reframing Feminism: How Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie Makes Equality Relatable

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Abstract

This essay analyzes Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s TED Talk, We Should All Be Feminists, with the overall goal of analyzing how the rhetorical strategies reshape the stigmas around feminism. The essay explores how Adichie transforms a charged political theory into one that feels rational, accessible, and universally relevant. Through the use of close reading and rhetorical analysis, the essay explores Adichie’s use of personal narrative, strategic humor, and minimalism within the speech and the presentation. The creative process for this essay included closely analyzing the verbal as well as the performative aspects of the speech. Things like tone, pacing, and absence of visual aids were examined and researched, as well as the concept of feminism itself and the intense stigma it has. The analysis dives into how Adichie’s strategies build rapport with her audience by creating an inclusive and comfortable environment when talking about such a controversial topic. These rhetorical and multi-modal elements allow Adichie to completely shift the narrative on feminism and make it less of an abstract, unexplainable object. Ultimately, this essay demonstrates how accessible rhetorical design and strategies can broaden audience understanding and encourage engagement on opposing sides with complex social issues. 

Project: Reframing Feminism: How Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie Makes Equality Relatable