Kite Runner Racism Quotes

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Recommended: Function of religion in societal change

Throughout the novel, racism is a prominent form of the abuse of power. Particularly, in the novel, as Amir is reflecting on his relationship with Hassan he realizes that he doesn’t consider Hassan to be a friend regardless of all their adventures, similar to Baba and Ali. He concludes that, “In the end, I was a Pashtun and he was a Hazara, I was Sunni and he was Shi'a, and nothing was ever going to change that. Nothing.” This realization highlights the deep roots of racism that are accepted as a society. Through Amir’s reflection, the audience becomes aware of the societal norms and overwhelming presence of racism during daily life. In order to understand the prominence of racism, it is essential to understand the psychological aspects that …show more content…

It is found ingrained into every aspect of life, from a personal level to an entire social structure. In the Kite Runner, the young boys of privileged families would taunt other Afghans based on classifications of status, religion, or prestige. The racism was directed on a personal level, like Assef’s attitude towards Hassan, on a group level, like the neighborhood boys toward Ali, and as an entire society, since the Hazaras who were Shi’ite Muslims were slaves to the Sunni Muslims. The societal structure differentiates between groups of people with the belief that one is better than the other. This form of the abuse of power allows for social stability for Afghanistan, but it also oppresses an entire religious sect. In order to maintain order, racism is deeply ingrained to the society and is widely accepted, therefore openly practiced by the citizens. Essentially, the “ingroup” and “outgroups” are amplified, and ordered around religion. Due to religion being a core aspect of life, as described in the novel by mentioning specific times for prayer, racism must also be a core aspect of the society. According to Dr. Phil Zuckerman, racism is more intense and common among religious groups of people. By having religion as a central factor to the country, racism correspondingly exists. Regardless if it is exercised on an individual or societal scale, the abuse of power in the mannerism of racism affects the entire

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