Examining Pragmatism In Nigeria Through The Lens Of The Kite Runner

Felix Dubois

5 min read

Post on May 20, 2025

4.4

Share

Parallels Between Afghan and Nigerian Societal Structures

The Kite Runner, set in Afghanistan, depicts a society rife with social hierarchies, power imbalances, and deeply ingrained traditions. Strikingly, several parallels exist between the Afghan societal structures depicted in the novel and those found in Nigeria. Understanding these similarities allows us to better grasp the context within which Nigerian pragmatism flourishes. The "Nigerian social structures" are characterized by:

• Corruption and its impact on daily life: Both Afghanistan and Nigeria grapple with widespread corruption, impacting everything from access to basic services to economic opportunities. This necessitates pragmatic adaptations from citizens to navigate these flawed systems.
• Influence of tribalism/ethnic divisions: Similar to Afghanistan's complex ethnic landscape, Nigeria's diverse ethnic and religious groups often influence social dynamics, power structures, and access to resources. This necessitates pragmatic strategies for individuals to navigate inter-group relations.
• The role of tradition versus modernity in shaping individual choices: The tension between traditional values and the pressures of modernization shapes individual choices in both contexts. Pragmatism often involves finding a balance between upholding cultural norms and adapting to modern realities.
• Examples of pragmatic adaptations within these structures: From informal networks for securing essential services to strategic alliances based on ethnicity or kinship, pragmatic adaptations are crucial for survival and advancement within these complex societal structures. These adaptations reveal a “cultural pragmatism” deeply embedded in daily life.

Pragmatic Survival Strategies in Both Contexts

In The Kite Runner, characters repeatedly make pragmatic choices to survive and navigate their difficult circumstances. Amir's choices, for example, are often driven by self-preservation and a desire for acceptance within his patriarchal society. These actions, while sometimes morally questionable, highlight the pressures of a challenging environment. Similarly, “Nigerian resilience” is shaped by pragmatic survival strategies:

• Economic hardship and resourcefulness: Nigerians often exhibit remarkable resourcefulness in the face of economic hardship, adapting their skills and strategies to generate income in creative and sometimes unconventional ways.
• Navigating bureaucratic systems: Dealing with complex and often inefficient bureaucratic processes necessitates pragmatic approaches, such as leveraging personal connections or informal payments to expedite processes.
• Maintaining social harmony in conflict-ridden environments: In areas impacted by conflict or social unrest, pragmatic strategies for maintaining social harmony and avoiding violence are crucial for survival.
• Examples of "bending the rules" for survival: The reality of limited resources and systemic challenges often leads individuals to bend or break rules to secure their basic needs, showcasing "economic pragmatism" in action.

The Moral Dilemmas of Pragmatism: A Comparative Analysis

Pragmatism, while often a necessary survival mechanism, frequently presents moral dilemmas. The Kite Runner explores this tension brilliantly, showcasing characters who make ethically ambiguous choices in pursuit of self-preservation or personal gain. This mirrors the "ethical compromises" often encountered in Nigeria:

• Examples of moral compromises in The Kite Runner: Amir's silence about Hassan's assault is a prime example of a pragmatic choice with profound moral implications.
• Similar moral dilemmas faced in contemporary Nigeria: Issues such as corruption, bribery, and patronage create ethical dilemmas for Nigerians navigating daily life.
• The tension between personal ethics and societal pressures: Individuals often face pressure to compromise their personal ethics to conform to societal expectations or survive within a corrupt system, showcasing the complexities of "Nigerian morality."
• The concept of situational ethics and its relevance: The concept of situational ethics – where moral choices are judged based on the specific circumstances – offers a valuable framework for understanding the ethical complexities of pragmatism in both contexts. This highlights the concept of “ethical pragmatism.”

Hope and Redemption: Finding Meaning in Pragmatic Choices

Despite the challenges and moral ambiguities inherent in pragmatism, both The Kite Runner and the Nigerian experience offer narratives of hope and redemption. The novel showcases acts of kindness and compassion that counterbalance the pragmatic choices driven by self-interest. Similarly, “Nigerian hope” finds expression in:

• Acts of kindness and compassion as counterpoints to pragmatism: Despite widespread hardship, acts of charity, community support, and resilience shine through.
• The search for justice and accountability: The ongoing struggle for justice and accountability in Nigeria reflects a persistent hope for a better future.
• The role of community and social support systems: Strong community networks and social support systems provide crucial buffers against hardship and foster resilience, emphasizing "community resilience."
• Examples of positive social change in Nigeria: Positive social change initiatives, grassroots movements, and individual acts of defiance against injustice demonstrate a continuing pursuit of a more equitable and just society, promoting “positive pragmatism.”

Conclusion: Re-examining Pragmatism in Nigeria through The Kite Runner

This analysis has highlighted significant parallels between the pragmatic choices depicted in The Kite Runner and the realities of life in Nigeria. Both contexts reveal how pragmatic strategies, while often necessary for survival, present complex moral dilemmas and highlight the intricate interplay between individual agency and societal pressures. Understanding these pragmatic adaptations is crucial for analyzing the socio-political realities of both Afghanistan and Nigeria. Continue exploring the complexities of pragmatism in Nigeria and its reflection in literature like The Kite Runner. Further your understanding of Nigerian pragmatism through continued study and critical analysis.