To Each His Own: The Middle East vs. The West

Zoning in onto a lesser discussed sector of the novel, a lot of embedded course themes shined through.  A major theme that serves as a canopy for other themes was the whole Middle East perception of the West and the Western perception of the East which can also be transcribed to an extent, to Christianity versus Islam.  Some Judeo-Christian projections of evil were evident in the form of “deceit” when it’s learned of the numerous life-altering lies that Baba led Hassan and Amir to believe as their reality.  Baba created an illusion for his (as eventually learned) children.  When Rahim Khan spills the truth and unravels the shocking news that Amir and Hassan are actually half brothers, the news is devastating.  Amir has an identity crisis right then and there.  However, looking at this issue microscopically and picking it apart, although Baba did deceive Hassan and Amir, does this warrant Baba being viewed as evil?  Was he merely just trying to protect his children from the harsh realities?  It is a debatable topic, though other than that Baba displays good character throughout the book.  This brings forth and reinforces ideas that evil acts, do not necessarily have evil written all over them.  Examining intentions are half of the process; the guilty mind and the guilty act.  For instance; in Judeo-Christian tradition, abortions are forbidden, however if a single mother-to-be was widowed when her husband tragically died in combat aborts and is mentally, physically and financially incapable of taking care of herself and her child, is she scorned as evil?

Keeping in stride with Judeo-Christianity and adding Islam and the archetype of The West vs. The Middle East to the mix, the scenario between Farid and Amir stands out.  Rahim sends Amir on this one last journey to try and rectify all his wrong-doings.  He meets Farid, who will be the one to sneak Amir from the sanctuary that is Pakistan, across the border into the warzone that is Afghanistan.  The Taliban pose a serious evil threat.  The book serves as a medium to convey the Middle Easterner’s perceptions of the West.  Farid is skeptical about Amir and his intentions.  He believes Amir is just like every other Capitalist Westerner, looking to capitalize off the rich lands of Afghanistan by selling his property and turning a quick profit (like many other Afghani migrants).  The capitalistic tone this part of the novel takes makes me recall the movie “The Gods Must Be Crazy”.  The film and theory at hand are certainly interrelated.  Both storylines have streaks of imperialism and capitalism within them, contrasting third world countries with a first world country.  This idea is comparable to the Ron Geaves reading where he excellently puts the two perspectives, well, into perspective.  As Geaves states “In general, very few Muslims understand the distinction between being Christian and being from the West.  A common criticism is the identification of Christianity with colonialism, imperialism, capitalism and exploitation.”  The general perception is proved wrong however as Farid and Amir spend more time bonding on their journey, Farid learns Amir is a well-meaning man.   Farid’s thoughts that Amir may be different from the rest of the capitalist Westerners are confirmed when they enter Wahid’s impoverished household and Amir leaves them his watch and some money.