Katie Odey Okoye

American Citizen Katie Odey Okoye

This story explores the themes of cultural conflict, racism, and stereotyping in the U. S. The story centers on Takon, the main character who struggles to find his true identity, while dealing with the pressures put on him by society and by his family. Takon's simplistic and idealistic outlook on life is challenged by the reality of racism and the challenge of finding his true identity. Takon is born in the U. S. to Nigerian parents, and ends up living in the U. S. without his family. In spite of the loneliness and depression that dominated his life, Takon learns to deal with real life issues first by defining his true identity and facing his challenges with a determination to be what he aspires to be, not what society dictates for him. He gets support from his friend Tunde, a Nigerian student, who helps him understand the realities of life. Laurie Sanders, Takon's girlfriend, impacts his life tremendously and through her, some of Takon's ideas are scrutinized, and he finds alternative ways to deal with his challenges. This story explores the conflicts in the lives of America Citizens born to parents from other parts of the world.