In the TedTalk, titled 3 Questions to Ask Yourself About U.S. Citizenship, speaker Jose Antonio Vargas recites what it means to be a U.S. citizen. In consideration of this, Jose emphasizes that all of our ancestors immigrated to America without worry of citizenship. In theory, we all are considered immigrants to this country, some of us, however, are considered citizens whilst others are denied this constituted idea of citizenship. As highlighted in the talk, author Toni Morrison, “...wrote the book to illustrate what happens when a person surrenders to what she called ‘the master narrative.’ ‘Definitions,’ Morrison said, ‘belong to the definers, not the defined.’ ” (7:00 Vargas). No matter the color of our skin, a majority the people in America immigrated here for new opportunities, but when faced with labels such as citizenship, it is hard to distinguish the importance of everyone’s narrative.
In the novel Americanah, Ifemelu comes to the realization that America is filled with promises; a new land, a new atmosphere, a new opportunity. Ifemelu made the life changing decision to move to America, leaving behind her loved ones in search of a better future for herself. Upon arrival to America, Ifemelu quickly realized the difficulties around being an immigrant in America. She was faced with this new idea that America was suppose to change her with the pressure of assimilating as an immigrant and with this label of citizenship.“Aisha reminded her of what Aunty Uju had said, when she finally accepted that Ifemelu was serious about moving back—Will you be able to cope?—and the suggestion, that she was somehow irrevocably altered by America, had grown thorns on her skin. Her parents, too, seemed to think that she might not be able to “cope” with Nigeria. ‘At least you are now an American citizen so you can always return to America,’ her father had said” (Adichie 20).
Both the TedTalk and novel question the idea of citizenship, the significance of citizenship, and its effects on individuals, especially immigrants in America. Citizenship is a defining factor, however, in the novel of life, one should not be defined by labels, but rather have the ability to define themselves and who they believe they are. This poses the question: Do you believe that there is a connection between citizenship and change? Is the label of citizenship what ultimately creates immigrants identities rather than them creating their own?
For participants:
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