The Reluctant Fundamentalist - Book Report/Review Example

The Reluctant Fundamentalist – A Book Review Order ID - 1143265 Moshin Hamid, a prolific on post-colonial issues of identity, highlights many facts in his interesting book titled “The Reluctant Fundamentalist.” Though the author is from Pakistan, he draws on interactions between an American lady named Erica, her ex-boyfriend Chris and another Pakistani Muslim named Changez to find out more about the cultural and political factors of their respective backgrounds. In his study of cross- cultural perspectives of identity, he sheds light on our understanding of humanities and how nature is intertwined and serves to impact our own personal lives. One of the specific issues Hamid tries to dissect is the issue of “identity” which he believes impacts our own identities in a negative way. According to (Hamish Hamilton, 2007, p. 82) “Hamid believes in the intertwined nature of the personal and the political.” Through his Muslim protagonist Changez, Hamid explains that the so called superior culture of America is actually impacting individuals and countries negatively and that too with deep seated repercussions. For example, after graduating from an American university “We were expected to contribute our talents to your society…” (Hamid, p. 6) In so doing there is every chance that one might lose their own identity. The author drives home the fact that Pakistan is a country that had once enjoyed a glorious civilization in the past and therefore was not the only culprit for nurturing intolerance and the extremist factor. In reflecting the study of humanities from the perspective of different countries, Hamid deftly draws comparisons between the cultures of Pakistan and America. From his point of view about the global politics of America, he feels strongly that it is America who breeds intolerance and hatred at a global level, while leaving its own interests at stake. He emphasizes the fact that it is the Americans who dictate terms to them and through the protagonist Changez he brings out the rejection he feels towards America. In supporting this fact, the author highlights the conversation during his interview. The questions asked by Jim who interviewed him were personal, direct and antagonizing to the extent of making Changez angry and perturbed. One such personal question was “And you are on financial aid? You must have really needed the money” (Hamid, 8). The reason he gives for this attitude is because he is unhappy that he has to serve a country that has no respect for his culture. The core issue that the author deals with in his book revolves around individual identity and how this identity is manifested by the interactions of two cultures – American and Pakistani. He explains that even after Pakistan procuring its independence, yet, it still lives in the ‘shadows of American neo-colonialism’ (Hamid, p. 84) and it is due to such an attitude that their identity and culture is impacted to a great extent. The study of humanities from the perspective of cross- culturalism helps us to understand different cultures in a better light. One such good example is their level of understanding when interacting with each other. It reflects the complexity of people from two very different cultures because they are wary and suspicious of each other and a lot of misunderstanding can take place just by mere actions. This point is well brought out by the author in the meeting between the American and Pakistani. The American does not trust easily and wears his jacket even though it is a hot afternoon to suggest that he might be carrying a weapon. He is also visually upset when a waiter approaches because he thinks he might be a killer and he also hesitates to sip his cup of tea as he is suspicious of what might be in it. To reflect such misunderstanding, Changez assures him that he is safe and even swaps his cup of tea for him to be sure. Moshin Hamid makes use of individual characters to give us a better understanding of how people of different cultures interact with each other. Erica, a pretty lady is used symbolically to represent all that America stands for – power and world status. On the other hand, Changez, though proud of his culture and civilization, is deeply attracted to Erica and this attraction symbolically shows the attraction other cultures have towards America. Erica, on the other hand, is totally lost in her past memories of Chris, her dead boyfriend, for whom she deeply mourns and slips away from the reality of the present. She sinks deeper into the abyss of grief and heartache, that she is unable to accept the love of Changez who is so patient and understanding with her. She almost leads the life of a recluse and takes medication to hold on to her sanity. Chavez loves her deeply, but she reciprocates with a deathly stillness, even when he makes love to her. Changez is hurt but tries to understand her situation. On the second occasion of their lovemaking, Changez tells her to imagine that he was Chris and it pained him a lot to find that she took an active part in the lovemaking. In the relationship shared between Erica and Changez, the author emphasizes the fact that it is difficult to get rid of the past, be it political or personal, because we are closely attached to it and do not want to let go of it. In searching for an identity, he argues that there is a dangerous possibility to become locked in with your past, with no way of escape. Changez too proves to be as vulnerable of the past as Erica was, because even after her death, he refuses to give up his past and becomes totally obsessed with the memories of Erika. The author deftly brings out the love- hate relationship that Changez has towards America and its culture. Though he has a wonderful education and impeccable manners, yet he is not wholly accepted as a part of them. In fact, time and again he witnesses racial discrimination, humiliation and prejudices and he continues on his journey in search of an identity for himself. Despite all his lofty achievements, great talent and polished manners, he is incapable of making American society to look upon and treat him as an equal member and he is always made to feel that he is an outsider. In support of the way Changez feels was another statement made by Jim some time later when he says, “I know what it’s like to be an outsider.” (Hamid, p. 55) Conclusion “The Reluctant Fundamentalist” by Moshin Hamid, holds great significance for the study of humanities because it brings out vividly, the interaction between different cultures and their quest for an identity. The novel deals with many issues from a cross- cultural perspective which helps to clearly prove that people from different cultures have their own identity, thoughts and ideas and backgrounds and even though they move very closely together, yet they are always wary and suspicious of people from other cultures and backgrounds and no matter what, they don’t wholly accept them as their own. The love- hate relationship between the Americans and the Pakistani is very useful for the study of humanities because it gives us a deeper understanding of the interactions of different people from different cultures. Works Cited Dr. Mohammad Ayub Jajja. The Reluctant Fundamentalist: A Quest for Identity. Web. Accessed in Oct. 2014, from: www.pu.edu.pk/.../PDF/Article%203%20Dr.%20Mohammad%20Ayub%20Jajj Moshin Hamid. (2007) The Reluctant Fundamentalist. Publisher - Penguin Books. Great Britain. Read More