The Nigerian Experience: Exploring Pragmatism Through The Lens Of "The Kite Runner"

Chloe Fitzgerald

6 min read

Post on May 20, 2025

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Pragmatism and Survival in the Face of Adversity

The socio-political realities of Afghanistan and Nigeria, despite their geographical distance, share striking similarities. Both nations have grappled with pervasive poverty, endemic corruption, and periods of intense conflict, forcing citizens to make difficult pragmatic choices simply to survive. These circumstances necessitate a form of pragmatism often born out of necessity rather than ethical deliberation.

Parallels between Afghan and Nigerian Struggles:

• Poverty and Inequality: Both countries face significant economic disparities, leading to widespread poverty and limited opportunities. This forces many individuals into the informal economy, engaging in activities outside the formal legal framework to ensure basic needs are met.
• Corruption and Inefficiency: Bureaucratic hurdles and corrupt systems add another layer of complexity to daily life, requiring individuals to employ creative and often ethically ambiguous strategies to navigate the system.
• Conflict and Instability: Periods of conflict and instability, whether internal or external, create environments where survival necessitates a pragmatic approach to decision-making, often prioritizing immediate safety and security above all else.

The pragmatic survival strategies employed in Nigeria are numerous and often reflect the resilience of its people:

• Informal Economy: A significant portion of the Nigerian population relies on informal sector activities, such as street vending, artisanal crafts, and transportation, to generate income.
• Navigating Bureaucracy: Bribery and patronage are often employed to bypass inefficient or corrupt bureaucratic processes, a pragmatic response to a flawed system.
• Community Support Systems: Strong community ties and extended family networks provide essential social safety nets, offering support and resource sharing during times of hardship.

Amir's choices in "The Kite Runner," driven by fear and a desperate desire for his father's approval, often prioritize self-preservation above all else. This mirrors the pragmatic choices many Nigerians make when faced with similar pressures and limited options.

Loyalty, Betrayal, and the Complexities of Relationships

Loyalty and betrayal are central themes in "The Kite Runner," and their exploration offers valuable insights into the complexities of relationships within Nigerian society. The strength of kinship and community ties in Nigeria is well-documented, shaping the way individuals navigate social interactions and make pragmatic decisions.

Exploring the concept of loyalty within Nigerian family structures and communities:

• Kinship and Community: Extended family networks and strong community bonds play a crucial role in Nigerian society, often influencing decision-making processes.
• Loyalty vs. Self-Interest: Situations frequently arise where loyalty to family or community conflicts with personal gain or ambition, demanding difficult pragmatic choices. The decision to prioritize one over the other often carries significant social and personal consequences.
• Patronage and Reciprocity: The system of patronage and reciprocity, while often criticized for its potential for corruption, also reflects a form of pragmatic loyalty, where favors and support are exchanged within networks.

The tumultuous relationship between Amir and Hassan in "The Kite Runner" serves as a powerful illustration of the complexities of loyalty and betrayal. Hassan's unwavering loyalty to Amir, despite the latter's betrayal, highlights the strength of bonds within certain relationships. This mirrors instances within Nigerian society where personal loyalty and commitment prevail despite significant challenges and injustices.

Redemption and the Search for Meaning

The theme of redemption forms a crucial arc in "The Kite Runner," highlighting the human capacity for self-reflection, amends, and personal growth. This resonates deeply within the Nigerian context, where individuals and communities grapple with past mistakes and strive for societal improvement.

Examining the theme of redemption and its relevance to the Nigerian context:

• Forgiveness and Reconciliation: Forgiveness and reconciliation play a significant role in Nigerian culture, offering pathways for healing and moving forward from past conflicts and injustices.
• Social Reform and Activism: Many Nigerians are actively engaged in social reform initiatives, seeking to address systemic issues and create a more just and equitable society. This drive for positive change echoes Amir's journey of redemption.
• Personal Growth and Transformation: The pursuit of personal growth and transformation is a powerful force in Nigerian society, demonstrating a capacity for self-improvement and striving for a better future.

Amir's arduous journey towards redemption offers a powerful parallel to the experiences of many Nigerians seeking to overcome past mistakes and build a more positive future. His quest for redemption highlights the societal implications of acknowledging past wrongs and striving for personal and societal healing.

The Role of Culture and Tradition in Shaping Pragmatic Choices

Cultural norms and traditions significantly influence the way individuals in Nigeria approach pragmatic decisions. Understanding this interplay is crucial to fully grasping the complexities of Nigerian pragmatism.

Analyzing how cultural norms and traditions in Nigeria influence the way individuals approach pragmatic decisions:

• Religion and Morality: Religious beliefs and moral values play a significant role in shaping ethical frameworks and influencing the choices individuals make, even within pragmatic contexts.
• Ethnicity and Identity: Ethnic and tribal affiliations can influence social networks and decision-making, shaping pragmatic strategies within specific communities.
• Societal Expectations: Social expectations and norms surrounding gender roles, family structures, and social status often inform pragmatic choices made by individuals.

The cultural contexts of Afghanistan and Nigeria differ significantly, yet the novel’s themes resonate across cultural boundaries. Comparing and contrasting these contexts reveals how cultural norms often dictate the permissible bounds of pragmatism, shaping its expression and consequences.

Conclusion: Re-examining the Nigerian Experience Through the Lens of "The Kite Runner"

This article has explored the surprising parallels between the fictional world of "The Kite Runner" and the lived experiences of many Nigerians. By examining themes of survival, loyalty, betrayal, and redemption, we have gained valuable insights into the pragmatic choices individuals make within the Nigerian experience. The article's central argument highlights the power of literary narratives in shedding light on complex realities, illustrating how even a story set in Afghanistan can illuminate the complexities of Nigerian pragmatism. The enduring relevance of exploring these complex themes lies in their ability to foster a deeper understanding of diverse cultural contexts and the human condition itself. Continue exploring the nuanced world of the Nigerian experience through the lens of “The Kite Runner,” prompting deeper conversations about pragmatism, loyalty, and redemption in our society.