Jones 1
Holland Jones
Ms. Mckinnon
English II Pre-AP per. 5
7 May 2015
Afghanistan: Society and Culture Afghanistan is a country rich in unique culture. Traditions have been a part of life for thousands of years. Afghans are independent people who treasure customs and are not accepting to new ways of life. Afghan people are defined by their traditions, etiquette, and religion.
People
The country of Afghanistan is a potpourri of ethnic groups. With 21.7 million people, Caucasoid groups such as Tajiks, Pashtuns, and Uzbeks make up the majority of the population. Pashtuns alone account for 40% of the population, speak Pashtu, and traditionally have the most power. Pashtuns are considered to be the “true Afghans” (Enayat-Ali 52) …show more content…
The code of Pashtuwalli is upheld by all Afghans, especially in rural areas. This code is strict, “stressing honor and one’s responsibility to fulfill expected roles” (CultureGrams). Piety, stoicism, and knowledge are admirable traits and nothing is as shameful as cowardice. In the family elders are always considered to be wise and are sought for advice. Every village is led by a khan who is responsible for the safety of everyone. The khan must be a person with moral strength and hospitality. Hospitality is a tradition, and failure to treat a guest with respect can result in a punishment as severe as stoning. Stoning is also a form of revenge, something taken seriously in …show more content…
Traditionally, many generations live together in one home, or close together. It’s common for three or more generations to live in one house. (Kazem 57) The son practices the same job as his father. It is rare for people to stray outside of their family craft, and it is considered disgraceful. In The Kite Runner, Baba was told that “running a business wasn’t in his blood, and he should study law like his father” (Hosseini 15). Grandparents actively play a role in raising grandchildren, and young people address their elders with a title to express respect. There are many traditions in Afghanistan regarding coming of age. Once a girl reaches puberty, she must cover her hair in public, and sometimes her whole body. There is a special celebration of marriage when the father gives his daughter away to her husband and his family. (Kazem 56) The Afghan society is communal and everyone attaches importance to the written code of
Holland Jones
Ms. Mckinnon
English II Pre-AP per. 5
7 May 2015
Afghanistan: Society and Culture Afghanistan is a country rich in unique culture. Traditions have been a part of life for thousands of years. Afghans are independent people who treasure customs and are not accepting to new ways of life. Afghan people are defined by their traditions, etiquette, and religion.
People
The country of Afghanistan is a potpourri of ethnic groups. With 21.7 million people, Caucasoid groups such as Tajiks, Pashtuns, and Uzbeks make up the majority of the population. Pashtuns alone account for 40% of the population, speak Pashtu, and traditionally have the most power. Pashtuns are considered to be the “true Afghans” (Enayat-Ali 52) …show more content…
The code of Pashtuwalli is upheld by all Afghans, especially in rural areas. This code is strict, “stressing honor and one’s responsibility to fulfill expected roles” (CultureGrams). Piety, stoicism, and knowledge are admirable traits and nothing is as shameful as cowardice. In the family elders are always considered to be wise and are sought for advice. Every village is led by a khan who is responsible for the safety of everyone. The khan must be a person with moral strength and hospitality. Hospitality is a tradition, and failure to treat a guest with respect can result in a punishment as severe as stoning. Stoning is also a form of revenge, something taken seriously in …show more content…
Traditionally, many generations live together in one home, or close together. It’s common for three or more generations to live in one house. (Kazem 57) The son practices the same job as his father. It is rare for people to stray outside of their family craft, and it is considered disgraceful. In The Kite Runner, Baba was told that “running a business wasn’t in his blood, and he should study law like his father” (Hosseini 15). Grandparents actively play a role in raising grandchildren, and young people address their elders with a title to express respect. There are many traditions in Afghanistan regarding coming of age. Once a girl reaches puberty, she must cover her hair in public, and sometimes her whole body. There is a special celebration of marriage when the father gives his daughter away to her husband and his family. (Kazem 56) The Afghan society is communal and everyone attaches importance to the written code of