The Kite Runner In Nigeria: Exploring Pragmatism And Ethical Choices

Viktoria Ivanova

6 min read

Post on May 20, 2025

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Khaled Hosseini's The Kite Runner transcends its Afghan setting, prompting profound reflections on pragmatism and ethical choices in diverse cultural contexts. This essay explores the novel's themes through a Nigerian lens, examining how its moral dilemmas resonate with and challenge Nigerian societal values and individual experiences. We will analyze how characters' pragmatic decisions, often born of fear or societal pressures, intersect with their ethical obligations, offering valuable insights into the complexities of navigating morality in contrasting cultural landscapes.

Pragmatism vs. Morality in Afghan and Nigerian Contexts

The Weight of Tradition and Societal Expectations

In The Kite Runner, Amir's silence following Hassan's assault stems from a deep-seated fear of societal repercussions within a rigidly patriarchal Afghan society. To speak out would risk not only his own safety but also the honor of his family, a concept deeply ingrained in Afghan culture. This illustrates a stark example of pragmatism overriding personal morality, driven by the weight of tradition and societal expectations.

The Nigerian context offers parallel examples. Societal pressures related to family honor, tribal loyalties, and the pervasive influence of corruption often force individuals to make pragmatic choices that compromise their ethical compass. The fear of reprisal, social ostracism, or even violence can lead to silence in the face of injustice, mimicking Amir's predicament.

• Compare and contrast: The social pressures faced by Amir in The Kite Runner – maintaining family honor and avoiding social repercussions – find echoes in Nigeria, where maintaining family reputation and navigating complex tribal dynamics can exert similar constraints on ethical action.
• Analyze specific examples: Amir's inaction directly contributes to Hassan's suffering. Similarly, in Nigeria, the pressure to conform to societal norms often leads to individuals overlooking unethical behavior, fearing the consequences of whistleblowing.
• Discuss Nigerian cultural values: Nigerian cultural values, which emphasize community harmony and respect for elders, might lead to individuals prioritizing conflict resolution through appeasement rather than confrontation, even when faced with ethical dilemmas. This contrasts with the potentially more individualistic approach to justice implicitly presented in Amir's eventual redemption arc.

Survival and Self-Preservation

Amir's initial actions in The Kite Runner are undeniably driven by self-preservation. His decision to remain silent and abandon Hassan prioritizes his own safety and well-being over his ethical obligation to his friend. This pragmatic approach, though morally questionable, is understandable within the context of the oppressive environment he inhabits.

This prioritization of survival mirrors situations in Nigeria. Individuals living in poverty, facing political instability, or navigating corrupt systems often make pragmatic choices, focusing on immediate survival needs over broader ethical considerations. The daily struggle for existence can overshadow considerations of abstract justice or fairness.

• Analyze Amir's decision-making: Amir's decision-making process reveals a complex interplay of fear, self-interest, and a nascent sense of guilt. His silence is a conscious choice, highlighting the potential conflict between personal morality and the overwhelming pressures of survival.
• Compare Nigerian situations: In Nigeria, similar pressures exist, especially in marginalized communities where basic needs are often unmet. The choice between survival and ethical action often becomes a brutally difficult one.
• Ethical implications: Prioritizing survival in challenging environments raises complex ethical questions. While understandable, the long-term consequences of such pragmatic choices can be devastating, both for individuals and society as a whole.

Redemption and Atonement: A Cross-Cultural Examination

The Path to Redemption in The Kite Runner

Amir's journey of atonement forms the emotional core of The Kite Runner. His eventual recognition of his past actions and his subsequent efforts to redeem himself highlight the complexities of achieving true redemption. The novel showcases the profound impact of guilt, the agonizing struggle for self-forgiveness, and the difficult path towards reconciliation. This process is not solely about external acts of atonement but a deep internal transformation.

Redemption and Atonement in Nigerian Society

Nigerian culture, deeply rooted in religious and traditional beliefs, also places great emphasis on forgiveness and reconciliation. However, the approaches to forgiveness and atonement may differ significantly from those depicted in The Kite Runner. Traditional methods of conflict resolution, involving community elders and religious leaders, often play a crucial role. The concept of restorative justice, prioritizing healing and community repair over punitive measures, is frequently emphasized.

• Role of religion and cultural beliefs: Religion, particularly Christianity and Islam, plays a vital role in shaping attitudes toward redemption and forgiveness in Nigeria. These beliefs often emphasize the importance of repentance, seeking forgiveness from God and the community.
• Significance of community: Community and social acceptance are essential elements in the process of atonement in Nigeria. Reconciliation within the community is often viewed as a prerequisite for achieving true redemption.
• Comparing methods of atonement: Amir's journey involves a personal quest for atonement, culminating in a risky journey to Afghanistan. In a Nigerian context, atonement might involve community service, seeking forgiveness from those directly affected, or engaging in traditional reconciliation ceremonies.

Exploring Themes of Friendship, Loyalty, and Betrayal

The Complex Relationship Between Amir and Hassan

The relationship between Amir and Hassan forms the emotional bedrock of The Kite Runner. Their bond, forged in childhood, is ultimately shattered by Amir's act of betrayal. This complex friendship, characterized by class differences and power imbalances, highlights the devastating consequences of prioritizing self-interest over loyalty and friendship. The novel explores the lasting impact of this betrayal on both characters.

Parallel Relationships in Nigerian Society

Similar dynamics of friendship, loyalty, and betrayal exist within Nigerian society. The complexities of social structures, including class divisions, ethnic differences, and religious affiliations, can deeply influence the nature of interpersonal relationships and the consequences of betrayal. The importance of loyalty within family and community structures is often deeply ingrained, while betrayal can carry severe social repercussions.

• Examples of similar relationships: Nigerian literature and social dynamics offer numerous examples of friendships and loyalties mirroring the complexities of Amir and Hassan's relationship. These relationships may be shaped by socioeconomic disparities, ethnic tensions, or religious differences.
• Role of social factors: Social class, ethnicity, and religion significantly shape friendships and loyalties in Nigeria. Solidarity within specific groups is often prioritized, potentially leading to exclusionary practices.
• Consequences of betrayal: The consequences of betrayal in Nigerian culture can range from social ostracism and family disputes to violent conflict, depending on the context and the nature of the betrayal.

Conclusion

This essay has explored the themes of pragmatism and ethical choices presented in The Kite Runner through the lens of Nigerian society. By analyzing the novel's central conflicts and comparing them to similar situations in Nigeria, we have identified both commonalities and distinctions in the ways different cultures grapple with moral dilemmas. The contrasting experiences highlight the universal nature of ethical struggles and the varied approaches to finding redemption and atonement. The enduring power of The Kite Runner lies in its ability to provoke these crucial discussions across cultural boundaries.

Call to Action: Further research exploring the intersections of literature and cultural studies, specifically focusing on how The Kite Runner's themes resonate within the Nigerian context, is encouraged. By engaging in critical analysis of The Kite Runner and its relevance to different cultures, we can broaden our understanding of ethical decision-making and foster a richer appreciation for the complexities of human nature. Continue the conversation about The Kite Runner and its enduring impact on our understanding of pragmatism and ethical choices.