Nigeria: Pragmatism Vs. Idealism – The Kite Runner's Moral Dilemma

Viktoria Ivanova

8 min read

Post on May 20, 2025

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Pragmatism in The Kite Runner and its Nigerian Reflection

Survival vs. Morality:

In The Kite Runner, survival often dictates actions, forcing characters into moral compromises. The brutal realities of war and societal oppression necessitate pragmatic choices that disregard idealistic notions of justice and fairness.

• Amir's silence about Hassan's assault: This act of omission, driven by fear and self-preservation, exemplifies a pragmatic choice prioritizing Amir's own safety and social standing over his moral obligation to protect his friend. This resonates with the realities of corruption and violence in Nigeria, where individuals may choose to remain silent to avoid becoming targets themselves.
• Baba's silence about his own past: Baba's pragmatic choices, born from a need to maintain his reputation and social standing, lead to a complex legacy of secrets and suppressed emotions. This mirrors the pressure in Nigerian society to conform to expectations, even if it means compromising personal values.
• The Taliban's brutality: The ruthless actions of the Taliban, driven by a warped ideology, highlight the extreme pragmatism of those in power. This can be paralleled with instances of oppressive regimes and violence in Nigeria's history.

These pragmatic choices, while often born out of necessity, illustrate the difficult ethical dilemmas faced when survival is at stake, mirroring similar situations of poverty, political instability, and corruption in Nigeria. The weight of these "pragmatic choices" can have devastating long-term consequences.

The Weight of Tradition and Societal Expectations:

Traditional values and societal expectations heavily influence decision-making in The Kite Runner. Characters often find themselves constrained by deeply ingrained customs and social hierarchies, leading to pragmatic actions that may compromise personal values.

• Hassan's subservient role: Hassan's position as a Hazara and servant reflects the rigid social structures in Afghanistan, forcing him to accept injustices. Similar societal hierarchies and traditional expectations exist in Nigeria, sometimes leading to discrimination and inequality.
• Amir's fear of Baba's disapproval: Amir's actions are repeatedly shaped by his desire to please his father, a powerful figure whose approval dictates his sense of self-worth. This mirrors the powerful influence of patriarchal structures in Nigerian society, where familial expectations can override individual desires.
• Marriage and family pressures: The importance placed on marriage and family in both the novel and in Nigerian culture often leads to pragmatic choices that may not be in the best interest of individual happiness or fulfillment.

The "traditional constraints" and "social pressures" depicted in The Kite Runner mirror the complexities of navigating tradition and societal expectations within the Nigerian context, often forcing individuals towards pragmatism in order to maintain social harmony or avoid conflict.

Idealism in The Kite Runner and its Nigerian Counterpoint

Redemption and Atonement:

The pursuit of redemption forms a central idealistic thread throughout The Kite Runner. Characters strive to atone for past mistakes, demonstrating a belief in the possibility of moral improvement and reconciliation.

• Amir's journey to Kabul: Amir's eventual return to Afghanistan represents his idealistic pursuit of atonement, a desire to confront his past and right his wrongs. This resonates with the Nigerian ideal of forgiveness and reconciliation, crucial in a society grappling with historical injustices and inter-ethnic conflicts.
• Sohrab's resilience: Sohrab’s struggle for survival and his eventual journey towards healing symbolize an idealistic belief in the possibility of overcoming trauma and finding peace. This parallels similar struggles for resilience and hope in the face of adversity seen across Nigeria.
• The act of rescuing Sohrab: This act can be seen as an idealistic attempt at justice, aiming to counteract the wrongs of the past. The desire to protect vulnerable individuals and fight against injustice are relatable aspirations within the Nigerian context.

These "idealistic goals" mirror the Nigerian aspiration for forgiveness, reconciliation, and social justice, highlighting the human capacity for redemption and the pursuit of a better future, even in the face of past wrongs.

The Pursuit of Justice and Equality:

Idealism in The Kite Runner also manifests as a fight against injustice and inequality. Characters challenge oppressive systems and strive for a more just and equitable world.

• Amir's fight for Sohrab: Amir's relentless efforts to protect Sohrab demonstrate his commitment to fighting for justice, even against powerful adversaries. This echoes the struggles for justice and equality in Nigeria, where activists and citizens fight against corruption, discrimination, and oppression.
• The resistance to the Taliban: The implicit resistance to the Taliban’s oppressive regime within the narrative can be seen as a symbolic fight for justice and equality. This mirrors the various struggles for justice within Nigeria, including advocating for human rights and fighting against injustice.
• The importance of education and opportunity: The lack of opportunities for certain groups, especially the Hazaras, highlights the inequality embedded within the story's social structure. This parallels ongoing efforts in Nigeria to ensure equal access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunities.

This "pursuit of justice" reflects the broader struggle for "social justice in Nigeria," where individuals and organizations strive for a more equitable society, highlighting the importance of fighting against oppression and advocating for human rights.

The Interplay of Pragmatism and Idealism: A Nigerian Perspective

The Complexities of Choice:

The Kite Runner masterfully portrays the complex interplay between pragmatism and idealism. Characters are often forced to make difficult choices, navigating the tension between self-preservation and moral principles.

• Amir's internal conflict: Amir's constant struggle with guilt and self-reproach illustrates the internal conflict between his past pragmatic choices and his later idealistic pursuit of redemption. This reflects the internal moral dilemmas faced by individuals in Nigeria who must navigate complex social and political landscapes.
• Baba's conflicting loyalties: Baba's actions, while often pragmatic, are also driven by a complex set of loyalties and ideals that ultimately lead to internal conflict. This mirrors similar conflicts of loyalty and belief in Nigerian society.
• Sohrab's trauma and resilience: Sohrab’s experiences highlight the devastating consequences of pragmatic choices made by others, while also showcasing his remarkable idealistic resilience in the face of unimaginable suffering.

These "moral dilemmas" and "complex choices" resonate strongly within the Nigerian context, highlighting the everyday struggles individuals face when attempting to balance personal survival with their moral aspirations.

Finding a Balance:

The question of whether a balance between pragmatism and idealism is achievable remains central. The Kite Runner suggests that finding such a balance requires careful consideration, compromise, and a willingness to confront difficult truths.

• Compromise and reconciliation: The novel's ending suggests the potential for reconciliation and healing, implying that a compromise between past pragmatic actions and idealistic aspirations for the future is possible. This idea translates well to the Nigerian reality, where various peace-building initiatives and reconciliation efforts seek to address past conflicts and foster unity.
• Advocacy and activism: Engaging in advocacy and activism can be viewed as a way to combine pragmatic strategies with idealistic goals, leading to positive change in society. This approach is relevant to Nigeria, where many activists work towards social change through both practical actions and idealistic commitments.
• The importance of self-reflection: Self-reflection and a willingness to learn from past mistakes are key to finding a balance between pragmatism and idealism. This calls for a similar emphasis on self-awareness and critical analysis in the Nigerian context as well.

Finding this "balance" requires a nuanced understanding of the "Nigerian solutions" to complex social issues, acknowledging the need for both practical action and aspirational goals to create lasting positive change. The journey towards achieving this balance is often complex and requires continuous negotiation.

Conclusion: Navigating the Moral Landscape: Pragmatism and Idealism in The Kite Runner and Nigeria

The Kite Runner serves as a potent parable illustrating the enduring tension between pragmatism and idealism, a tension acutely relevant to the Nigerian experience. The characters' choices highlight the complex moral dilemmas that arise when individuals must navigate challenging circumstances, balancing self-preservation with moral principles. The novel's exploration of redemption and atonement offers a glimmer of hope, suggesting that even amidst profound moral failings, the pursuit of justice and reconciliation remains possible.

The interplay between pragmatism and idealism is not a simple dichotomy; rather, it is a dynamic tension that shapes human experience in both fictional narratives and the realities of Nigerian society. By examining these complexities, we can gain a deeper understanding of the moral choices we face daily and strive towards a more just and equitable future. Further research into the social and political history of Nigeria, coupled with continued engagement with the moral complexities presented in The Kite Runner, offers a rich ground for exploring this vital interplay of pragmatism and idealism. Continue your exploration of "Pragmatism vs. Idealism" in The Kite Runner and consider its implications for your understanding of "Nigeria" and its intricate moral landscape.