Religion
(Islam) becomes the central point of criticism during 9/11 when terrorists
destroyed the towers of the World Trade Centre. Due to extreme prejudice on
both sides, cultural norms and values are affected simultaneously across the
world. Economic depression happened, America stopped helping the poor countries
and without any significant prove attacked Afghanistan. The novel under the
title The Reluctant Fundamentalist written by Mohsin Hamid clearly shows this
prejudice and repercussion through the character of Changez. Let’s go into the further discussion through a glimpse of the plot of the story.
The
plot of the novel, The Reluctant Fundamentalist revolves around the themes of
racial discrimination, American views for Muslims, quick judgment, love,
success, and vague relationship, written by Mohsin Hamid, a well-known English
writer in the literary circle of Pakistani literature in English. The story
opens in a local street of Lahore, where the main character Changez meets with
a stranger, most probably a spy from America. He leads him to a nearby café and
tells the story of his life span in America and working experience with
Underwood Samson. Changez was a student at Princeton University, where his
friends kept a good term of friendship with him, but the scenario drastically
changes after hitting airplanes with World Trade Centre tower and collapsed the
entire world’s economy. The people around Changez look at him by his outer
skin, rather than paying him tribute for his skills and knowledge. He does not
find a friendly environment there after having a causal relationship with
Erica, a beautiful Princeton graduate.
The question may be asked!
The Reluctant Fundamentalist by Mohsin Hamid demonstrates the different ways by which religion can become a factor in cultural tradition and in fiction between different racial groups and nationalities.
The
behavior of American’s gradually becomes more critical and Changez notices
everything. Resultantly, Changez leaves America, but he never leaves his
prejudice against Americans. He teaches in a university in Pakistani as an
anti-American. Through a very quick glimpse of the plot, we can say that
religions played a big role in a war-like situation. American stance toward
Muslim countries drastically changed and they labeled Afghanistan for this
attack. This stance created a huge gap between the Muslims and Americans. Racial
discrimination was at the peak, people from both sides hated each other. In
this novel, the narrator vividly portrayed the difference. Changez felt
gradual that people around him even his friends did not like him due to his
physical appearance. He tried to be loyal to Erica and other company mates but
the situation compelled him to hate them. The role of Changez Khan in this
novel becomes a guardian of fundamentalist activities through outside actions
and as a response to American antagonism, rather than as an expression of true
internal Islamic principles.
Changez
in this novel acts as a nationalist and patriot while on the other hand,
American youth was unaware of the power of the state. This novel can be seen as
a clash between Islam and America or east and west, concentrates on how
religion can be a part of conventions made against another culture, a tool in
traditional biases rather than a choice made by an individual. During World War II religions played a huge role and mold the entire scenario. Jews were killed by
the Nazis and the same situation aroused during WWI as well. In the Reluctant
Fundamentalist people who keep beards affected badly due to their outlook and
physical Shape. After the 9/11 incidents, Changez Khan was treated badly. The
harsh treatment of the security officer at the airport and his friend’s views
gradually changed to him.
The
above discussion can be summed again in the same words, “religion can become a
factor in cultural tradition and in friction between different racial groups
and nationalities.”
The additional part is written by SOL.
