Home / Quotes / Quote by Nnedi Okorafor

Quote by Nnedi Okorafor

“Oh, how our traditions limit and outcast those of us who aren't normal.”

Work

Who Fears Death is a speculative fiction novel that delves into the complexities of a society divided by race and gender. The narrative follows Onyesonwu, a young woman who grows up in a world where the Amaro people are enslaved by the Okeke. As she navigates her identity and her place in this world, she discovers her own magical abilities and embarks on a journey to challenge the oppressive status quo. more

Author

Nnedi Okorafor

Nnedi Okorafor is a Nigerian-American science fiction and fantasy writer known for her works that blend African mythology with science fiction elements. Her writing spans various genres, including young adult literature, adult fiction, and short story collections. more

“Much of what is considered "good" in little girls is considered downright repulsive in little boys. Physical timidity or hypercautiousness, being quietly "well behaved", and depending on others for help and support are thought to be natural - if not outright charming - in girls. Boys, however, are actively discouraged from the dependent forms of relating, which are considered "sissyish" in male children.”

Women Feminism Patriarchy Gender Roles Societal Constructs Cinderella Complex Emotional Dependence Female Socialization

Book:The Cinderella Complex: Women's Hidden Fear of Independence

Source: The Cinderella Complex: Women's Hidden Fear of Independence

“One strong idea being put forth these days (...) is that women should above all be given choice. (...) But this "right to choose" whether or not we provide for ourselves has contributed mightily to the female achievement gap. Because they have the social option to stay home, women can - and often do - back off from assuming responsibility for themselves. (...) There is something wrong with this. (...) We want so desperately to believe that we do not have to be responsible for our own welfare.”

Women Feminism Gender Roles Male Privilege Societal Constructs Cinderella Complex Emotional Dependence Economic Dependence The Fallacy Of Choice

Book:The Cinderella Complex: Women's Hidden Fear of Independence

Source: The Cinderella Complex: Women's Hidden Fear of Independence

“Because of a profound, deep-seated doubt in their own competence, which begins in early childhood, girls become convinced that they must have protection if they are going to survive. This belief is bred into women by misguided social expectations (...) Girls are trained very differently than boys. The training leads to their becoming adults who stay stuck in jobs beneath their capabilities. It leads them to feel intimidated by the men they marry, and to defer to them in the hope of being protected. It even leads (...) to the crippling of women's intellectual abilities. Long praised by teachers for being diligent and dutiful in school, we who rely on dutifulness to get us by in the professional world son find ourselves being treated as if we were not quite grown up. (...) Not to be taken seriously. And (...) easily exploitable. (...) The way girls are socialized continues to predetermine an agonizing conflict over the psychological independence that's necessary if women are ever to spring free and take their place in the sun.”

Women Feminism Patriarchy Gender Roles Male Privilege Societal Constructs Cinderella Complex Emotional Dependence

Book:The Cinderella Complex: Women's Hidden Fear of Independence

Source: The Cinderella Complex: Women's Hidden Fear of Independence