Modern-day orientalism does not only propagate existing stereotypes but also objectifies a community for entertainment and capital purposes. Held as Europe’s favorite Afghan, Khaled Hosseini has earned quite a lot of fortune and fame through his writing. Readers who frequently munch on action thrillers, war documentaries, and trauma-laden tales have at least once been charmed by his writing in their lives; I WAS! Nevertheless, it took a little time, but many of us finally understood the repetitive writing, followed by stripping Afghanistanis naked of their dignity.
Like the rest of the world, Afghanistanis want to be loved and respected for who they are. They have been the subject of focus groups, surveys, interviews, and studies from all corners of the globe for many years. In fact, they have been reduced to a mere group of individuals looked down on and labeled as potential terrorists, fanatics, and tribalists by the propaganda of orientalism. However, there is a very thin line between being an academic subject and being a commodity that is presented as entertainment.
Isn’t it okay to discover the problems that are prevalent in a foreign country? Isn’t it fine to understand the perspective of a survivor? Except for these, there must be many other questions oozing out of your systems to call out my sensitive heart. While you try to learn about a community or a culture, it is equally important to examine the good and the wrong side. This helps us form a better opinion about them and prevents misinformation from being circulated. Projecting specific imagery through writing consolidate inaccurate and incomplete perspective.
Khaled Hosseini’s books create a dystopian circumstance set in 20th century Afghanistan which put forth a compelling story of sacrifice and survival. While there is nothing wrong with setting up such a genre, the problem arises when the entire book and the writer’s collection are based on extreme conditions. There is so much more to Afghanistan than what we read in these stories.
The cruel truth is that the prolonged war has overshadowed the serenity of Afghanistan. Despondency grew steadily, and now a certain group and individuals are capitalizing on their sorrow.
The story’s antagonist is not a fellow Afghan with sadistic motives but the communities that have instigated terror and trepidation. In reality, the families in Afghanistan are similar to any other. Whether a family in America gathering to celebrate Thanksgiving with a turkey meal or a family in Afghanistan observing a fast during Ramadan, it’s all about hope.
Ankita Bansode is a freshman studying journalism at Ohio University. Please note that the views and opinions of the columnists do not reflect those of The Post. What are your thoughts? Tell Ankita by emailing her at ab890621@ohio.edu.
