Pragmatism Vs. Morality In Nigeria: Lessons From The Kite Runner

Luna Greco

5 min read

Post on May 20, 2025

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Navigating Corruption and Survival: A Pragmatic Approach in Nigeria

Nigerian society often forces individuals into difficult choices. The pervasive nature of corruption necessitates pragmatic approaches to survival, even if these choices are morally questionable. This "ends justify the means" mentality is a harsh reality for many Nigerians.

• Examples of corruption in Nigeria: Bribery is commonplace, impacting everything from obtaining permits to accessing essential services. Nepotism and favoritism in employment and public office further erode trust in institutions.
• The struggle for survival: The challenging economic climate pushes many into situations where ethical considerations take a backseat to the immediate need for financial security. The lack of opportunities compels some to engage in activities that might be considered morally reprehensible.
• The "ends justify the means" mentality: This mindset becomes a coping mechanism, rationalizing actions that violate personal moral codes for the sake of survival or advancement.
• Reflection in The Kite Runner: Amir's choices, driven by fear and a desire for acceptance, reflect this pragmatic approach, even when those choices involve betrayal and moral compromise.

The Role of Family and Community: Moral Compass in Nigeria

Family and community exert a powerful influence on moral values in Nigeria. Strong kinship ties and social networks often provide a framework for ethical decision-making. However, this framework can sometimes clash with the pressures of pragmatic choices.

• The importance of kinship and social networks: Family and community support systems are deeply ingrained in Nigerian culture, significantly shaping moral values and guiding individual behavior.
• Traditional values and their influence on moral decision-making: Traditional values, including respect for elders and adherence to community norms, often act as a moral compass.
• How family expectations can conflict with personal morality: The weight of family expectations can force individuals into pragmatic choices that conflict with their personal sense of right and wrong.
• Parallel examples from The Kite Runner: The complex dynamics between Amir and Baba, and the overarching importance of family honor, mirror the intense pressure of family expectations found in Nigerian society.

Justice and Redemption: Exploring Moral Ambiguity in The Kite Runner and Nigeria

The Kite Runner masterfully depicts the struggle for justice and the possibility of redemption, even after morally compromising choices. This resonates strongly with the Nigerian experience, where achieving justice within a flawed system is an ongoing battle.

• The complexities of achieving justice in a corrupt system: Navigating a justice system riddled with corruption requires individuals to make difficult choices, sometimes compromising their morals to see justice served.
• The possibility of redemption, even after morally compromising choices: Both the novel and the Nigerian context offer examples of individuals seeking redemption after making pragmatic choices with moral implications.
• Specific examples from The Kite Runner: Amir's journey of atonement highlights the possibility of redemption, even after years of living with the weight of a morally questionable past.
• Relate these concepts to examples in Nigeria: The ongoing fight against corruption and the efforts to establish accountability demonstrate a similar yearning for justice and redemption within a challenging system.

The Power of Forgiveness: A Moral Imperative

Forgiveness, as depicted in The Kite Runner, stands out as a potent moral imperative, crucial for both personal healing and societal progress. This holds profound significance for Nigeria, a nation grappling with deep-seated societal challenges.

• The role of forgiveness in personal healing and societal progress: Forgiveness is not only crucial for individual healing but also essential for fostering reconciliation and societal progress.
• Examples from The Kite Runner and their applicability to Nigeria: Amir's journey towards forgiveness offers a powerful example of how letting go of past transgressions can lead to personal healing and potentially contribute to a more just society.
• The challenges and potential benefits of forgiveness in Nigerian contexts: While forgiveness can be challenging, especially in the face of significant injustices, its potential to facilitate healing and reconciliation in Nigeria is immense.

Conclusion: Reflecting on Pragmatism vs. Morality in Nigeria

This exploration of "Pragmatism vs. Morality in Nigeria" through the lens of The Kite Runner reveals the inherent complexities of moral decision-making in challenging circumstances. The novel serves as a powerful allegory, mirroring the struggles faced by many Nigerians as they navigate the tension between pragmatic survival strategies and deeply held moral values. The importance of family, community, justice, and forgiveness emerge as recurring themes, highlighting the need for a nuanced understanding of these ethical dilemmas. Let us continue the discussion. Use The Kite Runner as a starting point for further analysis and engage in critical conversations about the dynamics of pragmatism and morality in Nigeria to build a more just and ethical society. The continued relevance of understanding "Pragmatism vs. Morality in Nigeria" is crucial for shaping a future grounded in ethical principles and societal progress.