Nigeria: Pragmatism Vs. Idealism – A Kite Runner Analysis

Kenji Nakamura

4 min read

Post on May 20, 2025

4.5

Share

This article explores the complex interplay of pragmatism and idealism in Nigerian society, using Khaled Hosseini's The Kite Runner as a framework for analysis. While seemingly a novel set in Afghanistan, the underlying themes of betrayal, redemption, and the consequences of choices resonate deeply with the socio-political landscape of Nigeria. We'll examine how characters' decisions, driven by either pragmatic self-interest or idealistic aspirations, mirror similar struggles within Nigerian contexts. This comparative analysis offers a nuanced understanding of the ethical dilemmas faced by individuals and the nation as a whole.

Pragmatism in Nigerian Society and The Kite Runner

The Survival Instinct

Pragmatic choices, often born out of necessity, dominate in challenging environments. In Nigeria, this manifests in various ways:

• Corruption: Navigating a system riddled with corruption often necessitates compromising one's ideals to achieve basic necessities or advance professionally. Bribery, for example, can become a pragmatic tool for survival.
• Bureaucratic Hurdles: The complexities of Nigerian bureaucracy often force individuals to resort to informal channels and shortcuts, prioritizing efficiency over adherence to strict regulations.
• Economic Hardship: The prevalence of poverty and economic inequality drives many Nigerians to make difficult choices focused on immediate survival, even if these choices compromise long-term goals or ethical principles.

In The Kite Runner, Amir's initial betrayal of Hassan can be interpreted as a pragmatic act of self-preservation. Facing a volatile social context and fearing for his own safety and standing, he chooses to prioritize his own well-being over his friend's, a decision rooted in self-preservation rather than inherent malice. This mirrors the difficult choices many Nigerians face daily in the pursuit of survival.

The Politics of Pragmatism

Nigerian politics is frequently characterized by a pragmatic approach that prioritizes short-term gains over long-term ideals. This can manifest in several ways:

• Political Corruption: The prevalence of corruption within the political system often leads to decisions driven by personal enrichment rather than public service.
• Patronage Systems: Patronage networks and clientelism can shape political decisions, prioritizing the interests of powerful individuals and groups over broader national interests.
• Prioritization of Personal Interests: Political maneuvering frequently involves compromises and strategic alliances that prioritize the self-preservation of political actors over adherence to ethical principles and long-term development goals.

The political turmoil and shifting power dynamics depicted in The Kite Runner parallel the complexities of Nigerian politics. The characters' struggles for power and survival, often achieved through morally ambiguous means, mirror similar dynamics within the Nigerian political landscape.

Idealism and its Challenges in Nigeria and The Kite Runner

The Pursuit of Justice

Despite systemic challenges, the pursuit of justice and ethical conduct remains a powerful force in Nigeria:

• Human Rights Activism: Numerous activists and organizations actively work to uphold human rights, fight for social justice, and challenge oppressive systems.
• Anti-Corruption Efforts: While challenging, significant efforts are made to combat corruption at various levels of society. Civil society organizations and government agencies work to promote transparency and accountability.
• Social Justice Movements: Various social justice movements advocate for equality, equity and address social injustices, pushing for systemic change.

In The Kite Runner, Amir's eventual redemption arc reflects the possibility of overcoming past mistakes and striving for idealistic goals, even in the face of overwhelming obstacles. His journey toward atonement mirrors the ongoing struggle for justice and ethical conduct in Nigeria.

The Price of Idealism

Adhering to ideals in a pragmatic world comes at a cost, both personally and societally:

• Persecution for Beliefs: Individuals who stand up for their beliefs and challenge the status quo often face persecution, marginalization, or even violence.
• Risks Associated with Activism: Activism against corruption or injustice carries significant personal risks in Nigeria.
• Maintaining Idealism in a Corrupt System: Staying true to one's ideals in a corrupt system demands constant vigilance and resilience, often leading to personal sacrifice.

The consequences faced by characters in The Kite Runner for their actions, both pragmatic and idealistic, highlight the complex ethical considerations involved in navigating a morally challenging world. This resonates deeply with the challenges faced by individuals in Nigeria who strive to uphold their ideals in the face of adversity.

Conclusion

By comparing the narratives of The Kite Runner with the realities of Nigerian society, we see a mirrored struggle between pragmatic necessities and idealistic aspirations. The novel serves as a powerful lens through which to examine the ethical dilemmas that permeate both societies. The characters' choices, while situated in different geographical and historical contexts, illuminate the universal human struggle between self-preservation and moral responsibility. Ultimately, both pragmatism and idealism play crucial roles in shaping individual lives and national narratives.

Further exploration of the intersection of pragmatism and idealism in Nigerian literature and socio-political contexts is encouraged. Analyzing similar themes in other works can provide a deeper understanding of Nigeria’s unique challenges and the ongoing quest for moral balance. Engage in a discussion on the topic using #NigeriaPragmatismIdealism #KiteRunnerAnalysis.