Introduction
This essay examines the ethnic tensions between Pashtuns and Hazaras in Khaled Hosseini’s novel *The Kite Runner* (2003), focusing specifically on their impact on the character Hassan. As a Hazara in a Pashtun-dominated Afghan society, Hassan embodies the deep-seated social inequalities and injustices perpetuated by historical ethnic divisions. The analysis explores how these tensions manifest in Hassan’s life through discrimination, personal trauma, and power dynamics, shedding light on broader themes of social norms and systemic injustice. By drawing on critical perspectives and textual evidence, this essay aims to uncover what Hassan’s experiences reveal about the pervasive impact of societal prejudice and the challenges of resisting entrenched hierarchies.
Ethnic Discrimination and Social Marginalisation
Hassan, as a Hazara, faces overt discrimination rooted in Afghanistan’s ethnic hierarchy, where Pashtuns hold historical and cultural dominance. This disparity is evident from the outset, as Hassan is socially marked as inferior due to his ethnicity and status as a servant to Amir, a Pashtun. Hosseini illustrates this through derogatory remarks from characters like Assef, who refers to Hazaras as “flat-nosed” and unworthy of equality (Hosseini, 2003, p. 35). Such language reflects the societal norm of dehumanising Hazaras, which strips Hassan of dignity and reinforces his marginalisation. Indeed, this constant belittling shapes Hassan’s identity, as he internalises a sense of inferiority despite his loyalty and inherent goodness. This reveals how social norms, embedded in ethnic prejudice, perpetuate injustice by denying individuals like Hassan the opportunity to be seen as equals.
Personal Trauma and Power Imbalances
The ethnic tensions between Pashtuns and Hazaras also manifest in profound personal trauma for Hassan, most notably through the harrowing incident of sexual assault by Assef. This act of violence is not merely personal but symbolic of the broader power imbalances between the two ethnic groups. Assef explicitly justifies his brutality by invoking ethnic superiority, stating that Hazaras “pollute” the land (Hosseini, 2003, p. 68). This traumatic event underscores the vulnerability of Hazaras in a society where Pashtun dominance allows for unchecked aggression. Furthermore, Hassan’s silence after the assault highlights the internalised shame and powerlessness enforced by social norms, revealing how systemic injustice silences victims and denies them recourse. Arguably, this incident exposes the devastating personal toll of societal prejudice, where ethnic identity becomes a source of victimisation.
Impact on Relationships and Loyalty
Ethnic tensions also impact Hassan’s relationships, particularly his bond with Amir. Despite their deep friendship, the societal divide between Pashtun and Hazara creates an unspoken hierarchy. Amir, influenced by social norms, often fails to defend Hassan and even exploits their unequal status, as seen when he frames Hassan for theft (Hosseini, 2003, p. 98). This betrayal reflects how ingrained ethnic prejudices can corrupt personal relationships, revealing the pervasive reach of social injustice. Yet, Hassan’s unwavering loyalty to Amir, despite mistreatment, suggests a complex resistance to societal norms. His actions highlight the internal conflict faced by marginalised individuals, torn between defiance and adherence to expected subservience.
Broader Implications of Social Norms and Injustice
Hassan’s experiences ultimately reveal the destructive power of social norms and systemic injustice in Afghan society. His marginalisation, trauma, and strained relationships illustrate how ethnic hierarchies create cycles of oppression that harm individuals on both personal and communal levels. As noted by critics, Hosseini’s portrayal of Hassan serves as a critique of societal structures that legitimise discrimination through cultural and historical narratives (Bloom, 2009). Indeed, Hassan’s story underscores the need for societal change to address ingrained prejudices, though it also highlights the difficulty of escaping such deeply rooted norms. This narrative prompts reflection on how injustice, when normalised, becomes an almost invisible yet profoundly damaging force.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the ethnic tensions between Pashtuns and Hazaras profoundly impact Hassan through discrimination, personal trauma, and strained relationships, as depicted in *The Kite Runner*. These experiences reveal the insidious nature of social norms that perpetuate injustice, marginalising individuals based on ethnicity and denying them agency. Hassan’s story serves as a microcosm of broader societal issues, exposing the personal toll of systemic prejudice and the challenges of overcoming entrenched hierarchies. Ultimately, Hosseini’s narrative invites readers to consider the urgent need to challenge oppressive norms, while acknowledging the complex barriers to achieving equality in deeply divided societies.
References
- Bloom, H. (2009) Bloom’s Modern Critical Interpretations: The Kite Runner. Infobase Publishing.
- Hosseini, K. (2003) The Kite Runner. Riverhead Books.
