The concept of “double-consciousness” was developed by W.E.B. Du Bois to describe the dissociation between identifying as an American and identifying as an African. He explains that the two parts of his identity feel like “two warring ideas” aggravated by prejudice and racism (Du Bois 715). This “two-ness” results in an inability to fully identify with either category, as well as a desire to attain a cohesive sense of self. Double-consciousness can apply to any individual that experiences an inconsistency between his current place in society and his background, especially if stereotypes and prejudices are present. In Mohsin Hamid’s novel, The Reluctant Fundamentalist, Changez, a young Pakistani living in America, has an identity crisis
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Changez explains how, in Manila, “[he] learned to tell executives [his] father’s age, ‘I need it now’; [he] learned to cut to the front of lines with an cxtraterritorial smile; and [he] learned to answer, when asked where [he] was from, that [he] was from New York” (Hamid 74). Changez’s suppression of his Pakistani identity can be seen through his contradiction of fundamental Pakistani values, such as respecting elders and demonstrating courtesy, and his blatant denial of nationality. The stark differences between the two cultures widen the gap between Changez’s identities. Du Bois explains that when groups are demeaned by others they may react in three main forms: “a feeling of revolt and revenge, an attempt to adjust all thought and action to the will of the greater group, or, finally, a determined effort at self-realization and self-development despite environing opinions” (Du Bois 722). Changez’s attempt to mimic American behaviors to gain acceptance and respect clearly reflect the second of the three forms. Loosening his original Pakistani beliefs in order to fit the American mold, however, only leaves him more confused in terms of his identity. Changez admits that “[he] did not know where [he] stood on so many issues of consequence; [he] lacked a stable core. [He] …show more content…
Upon his arrival, Changez is first ashamed by the lowliness of his childhood home, but quickly realizes that his disdain is a habit from assuming an American identity. When he reanalyzes the house from a Pakistani perspective, he thinks “it was far from impoverished; indeed, it was rich with history. I wondered how I could ever have been so ungenerous—and so blind— to have thought otherwise” (Hamid 125). Changez’s internal reflection demonstrates his disillusionment with attaining an American identity. His new cynical attitude towards American culture pushes him to embrace his Pakistani identity more strongly. His decision to grow out a traditional Pakistani beard is his physical representation of an “ostentatious dissociation” from the U.S. and his way of accepting Pakistani identification (Olson 12). He feels the consequence of looking Muslim at this caustic time through “verbal abuse by complete strangers” and “whispers and stares” at his place of business (Hamid 148). The reaction of the Americans to Changez’s attempt to incorporate more of his Pakistani background into his identity, demonstrate the alienating effect of prejudice. The events are a stimulus for Changez to become more conscious of his personal
Changez explains how, in Manila, “[he] learned to tell executives [his] father’s age, ‘I need it now’; [he] learned to cut to the front of lines with an cxtraterritorial smile; and [he] learned to answer, when asked where [he] was from, that [he] was from New York” (Hamid 74). Changez’s suppression of his Pakistani identity can be seen through his contradiction of fundamental Pakistani values, such as respecting elders and demonstrating courtesy, and his blatant denial of nationality. The stark differences between the two cultures widen the gap between Changez’s identities. Du Bois explains that when groups are demeaned by others they may react in three main forms: “a feeling of revolt and revenge, an attempt to adjust all thought and action to the will of the greater group, or, finally, a determined effort at self-realization and self-development despite environing opinions” (Du Bois 722). Changez’s attempt to mimic American behaviors to gain acceptance and respect clearly reflect the second of the three forms. Loosening his original Pakistani beliefs in order to fit the American mold, however, only leaves him more confused in terms of his identity. Changez admits that “[he] did not know where [he] stood on so many issues of consequence; [he] lacked a stable core. [He] …show more content…
Upon his arrival, Changez is first ashamed by the lowliness of his childhood home, but quickly realizes that his disdain is a habit from assuming an American identity. When he reanalyzes the house from a Pakistani perspective, he thinks “it was far from impoverished; indeed, it was rich with history. I wondered how I could ever have been so ungenerous—and so blind— to have thought otherwise” (Hamid 125). Changez’s internal reflection demonstrates his disillusionment with attaining an American identity. His new cynical attitude towards American culture pushes him to embrace his Pakistani identity more strongly. His decision to grow out a traditional Pakistani beard is his physical representation of an “ostentatious dissociation” from the U.S. and his way of accepting Pakistani identification (Olson 12). He feels the consequence of looking Muslim at this caustic time through “verbal abuse by complete strangers” and “whispers and stares” at his place of business (Hamid 148). The reaction of the Americans to Changez’s attempt to incorporate more of his Pakistani background into his identity, demonstrate the alienating effect of prejudice. The events are a stimulus for Changez to become more conscious of his personal