Exploring Pragmatism In Nigeria Through The Lens Of The Kite Runner

Luna Greco

5 min read

Post on May 20, 2025

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Pragmatism as a Survival Mechanism in The Kite Runner and Nigeria

Navigating Political and Social Instability

The Kite Runner vividly portrays the devastating impact of political upheaval and societal unrest on individuals and families. Characters are forced to make difficult choices to protect themselves and their loved ones, exhibiting remarkable pragmatism in the face of adversity. Amir's decision to remain silent about Hassan's assault, driven by fear and self-preservation, is a stark example of this pragmatic, albeit morally questionable, choice. Similarly, in Nigeria, citizens have historically navigated periods of military rule, ethnic tensions, and political instability through a complex web of pragmatic strategies.

• Examples of pragmatic choices:
  • In The Kite Runner: Amir's flight from Afghanistan, Baba's strategic alliances, the family's adaptation to life as refugees.
  • In Nigeria: Citizens adapting to periods of political instability through cautious engagement, strategic silence, and community-based support networks during times of unrest, such as navigating curfews or avoiding volatile areas.

The Role of Family and Community in Fostering Pragmatism

The novel underscores the critical role of family and community in enabling characters to survive and navigate hardship. Baba's unwavering support for Amir, despite his flaws, demonstrates the powerful influence of familial bonds in shaping pragmatic decisions. This resonates deeply with Nigerian society, where extended family networks and strong community ties often serve as crucial support systems, facilitating cooperation and resource sharing during challenging times.

• Examples of community support:
  • In The Kite Runner: Hassan's unwavering loyalty to Amir, the support network provided by Baba's friends, the eventual reconciliation between Amir and Sohrab.
  • In Nigeria: The importance of extended family in providing childcare, financial support, and emotional resilience during economic downturns or social upheaval; communal efforts in times of natural disaster or conflict.

Economic Pragmatism: Making Difficult Choices in Difficult Times

Resource Scarcity and Adaptive Strategies

The Kite Runner portrays a world characterized by resource scarcity, forcing characters to adopt creative and pragmatic economic strategies to survive. Baba’s resourceful nature, his ability to start businesses, and his resilience in the face of economic hardship exemplify this. This mirrors the reality of many Nigerians, who frequently grapple with economic challenges and employ various adaptive strategies to improve their livelihoods.

• Examples of economic pragmatism:
  • In The Kite Runner: Baba’s entrepreneurial spirit; the family's adaptation to poverty in America; the resourceful nature of the Hazara community.
  • In Nigeria: The prevalence of informal economies, micro-entrepreneurship, and resourcefulness in adapting to limited resources; reliance on kinship networks for financial support; creative solutions to challenges like power outages.

The Ethics of Pragmatism: When is it Justified?

The novel explores the ethical dimensions of pragmatic choices, forcing characters to confront difficult moral dilemmas. Amir’s silence about Hassan’s assault highlights the ethical complexities of prioritizing self-preservation. Similarly, navigating corruption, economic hardship, and social injustice in Nigeria presents citizens with continuous ethical dilemmas where pragmatism can clash with moral principles.

• Ethical dilemmas:
  • In The Kite Runner: Amir's betrayal of Hassan; Baba's morally ambiguous actions; the complexities of seeking justice in a corrupt system.
  • In Nigeria: The moral implications of engaging in informal economies to survive; decisions related to bribery and corruption; the ethical challenges of navigating a system riddled with inequalities.

Cultural Adaptation and the Pragmatic Embrace of Change

Negotiating Cultural Shifts and Traditions

The Kite Runner showcases the challenges of navigating shifting cultural landscapes, from traditional Afghan society to the vastly different environment of America. The characters' adaptation strategies, often born out of necessity, represent a form of cultural pragmatism. In Nigeria, similar processes of adaptation are occurring, driven by globalization, technological advancements, and changing social norms.

• Examples of cultural adaptation:
  • In The Kite Runner: The family's adjustment to American culture; the evolution of Amir’s understanding of Afghan traditions; Sohrab's struggles with cultural assimilation.
  • In Nigeria: The embrace of new technologies; the integration of foreign cultural influences; the adaptation of traditional practices to modern contexts; the negotiation of religious and ethnic diversity.

Preserving Identity While Adapting to Change

The novel explores the inherent tension between preserving cultural identity and adapting to changing circumstances. Characters grapple with balancing the need to maintain their traditions and beliefs with the demands of a changing world. This reflects the ongoing struggle in Nigeria to preserve cultural heritage while embracing progress and modernization.

• Balancing preservation and adaptation:
  • In The Kite Runner: Amir's eventual rediscovery of his Afghan roots; Sohrab's struggle to reconcile his past with his future; the efforts to preserve Hazara culture in the diaspora.
  • In Nigeria: Efforts to preserve traditional arts, languages, and customs; the negotiation of religious and ethnic identities in a diverse society; the adaptation of traditional practices to modern contexts.

Conclusion: Understanding Nigerian Pragmatism Through the Lens of The Kite Runner

This comparative analysis reveals significant parallels between the pragmatic choices and survival strategies depicted in The Kite Runner and the realities of Nigerian society. The novel serves as a powerful lens through which to examine the complexities of Nigerian pragmatism, illuminating the crucial roles of resilience, adaptation, and community in navigating hardship and achieving a sense of belonging. Further research into Nigerian pragmatism, inspired by the lessons of The Kite Runner, is crucial for a deeper understanding of how Nigerians navigate the challenges of a rapidly changing world, balancing the demands of survival with the preservation of cultural identity. Continue exploring the nuances of Nigerian pragmatism by delving deeper into the lived experiences of Nigerians and their remarkable ability to adapt and thrive in the face of adversity.