The American Dream is defined by the ideals of freedom, equality, and opportunity which are generally available to every American (The Free Dictionary). In the novel The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini, Baba and Amir seek these American ideals which seem to be more of an illusion than reality for them. Initially, Amir and Baba are witnesses to and the creators of discrimination which directly conflicts with the ideal of equality. They are also trapped by a language barrier that makes it difficult for them to be granted the opportunities that the American dream promises. Furthermore, Amir is held back from his past, keeping him from experiencing true freedom. Finally, the father and son duo discover that American reality is much different
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This barrier contributes to Baba 's inability to find a job that is equal to the one that he had held in Afghanistan. Amir observes that "Baba [had] found a job … as an assistant at a gas station" (Hosseini,137). Prior to living in America, Baba had been an extremely well-respected business owner and member of Afghan society. He is unable to regain the same status that he once had as his broken English keeps him from be able to communicate well with many Americans, thus meaning he has to take on a job that does not suit him mentally nor physically. This inability to effectively communicate occurs again when Baba goes to purchase oranges from the Nguyen 's shop. Amir points out that "Baba had had no cash on him [and had] written Mr. Nguyen a check and Mr. Nguyen had asked for ID" (Hosseini, 134). Baba was incredibly angered by his acquaintance of almost two years disrespecting him and asking for his license. Due to his minimal understanding of English he is not able to realize that it is protocol to ask for ID if you use a cheque to purchase something. This conflict results in Baba being banned from the shop, which shows how hard it is to participate in American society if you cannot understand English well. This language …show more content…
Amir and Baba were never completely granted these things. They faced inequality through the discrimination that was inflicted by them as well as around them. The opportunity to do anything they wanted, especially in Baba 's case, was never presented due simply to the slender grasp he held of the English language. As well, Amir was never entirely freed from his past in Afghanistan and could not experience the freedom that America promised. These three things led to the realization that the American Dream does not have any direct correlation to what American reality was for Amir and Baba. Discrimination, the language barrier, a reoccurring past, and what America turned out to truly be are all key contributors to the American Dream being an illusion for Amir and Baba. The American Dream relies on a variety of ideals to be fulfilled in order for it to be a reality. It seems that there tends to be a factor which holds one back from experiencing America as it is often described – a place of peace, prosperity, and
This barrier contributes to Baba 's inability to find a job that is equal to the one that he had held in Afghanistan. Amir observes that "Baba [had] found a job … as an assistant at a gas station" (Hosseini,137). Prior to living in America, Baba had been an extremely well-respected business owner and member of Afghan society. He is unable to regain the same status that he once had as his broken English keeps him from be able to communicate well with many Americans, thus meaning he has to take on a job that does not suit him mentally nor physically. This inability to effectively communicate occurs again when Baba goes to purchase oranges from the Nguyen 's shop. Amir points out that "Baba had had no cash on him [and had] written Mr. Nguyen a check and Mr. Nguyen had asked for ID" (Hosseini, 134). Baba was incredibly angered by his acquaintance of almost two years disrespecting him and asking for his license. Due to his minimal understanding of English he is not able to realize that it is protocol to ask for ID if you use a cheque to purchase something. This conflict results in Baba being banned from the shop, which shows how hard it is to participate in American society if you cannot understand English well. This language …show more content…
Amir and Baba were never completely granted these things. They faced inequality through the discrimination that was inflicted by them as well as around them. The opportunity to do anything they wanted, especially in Baba 's case, was never presented due simply to the slender grasp he held of the English language. As well, Amir was never entirely freed from his past in Afghanistan and could not experience the freedom that America promised. These three things led to the realization that the American Dream does not have any direct correlation to what American reality was for Amir and Baba. Discrimination, the language barrier, a reoccurring past, and what America turned out to truly be are all key contributors to the American Dream being an illusion for Amir and Baba. The American Dream relies on a variety of ideals to be fulfilled in order for it to be a reality. It seems that there tends to be a factor which holds one back from experiencing America as it is often described – a place of peace, prosperity, and