MONETARY EXPLOITATION OF THE ORIENTS: ANALYSIS OF “THE RELUCTANT FUNDAMENTALIST” BY MUHSIN HAMID

Abstract

Throughout human history the weaker nations have been exploited economically, socially and culturally by the stronger; but this exploitation has gained momentum over the last few decades especially in the glob of post 9/11. This paper seeks to examine the economic exploitation of the Orients as depicted in Muhsin Hamid’s novel The Reluctant Fundamentalist (2007) within the framework of Edward Said’s Orientalism. The paper focuses on the “Orient”-“Occident” dichotomy, the superior image of the West, and the practice of “othering”. Textual analysis, as a research method, employed for the analysis and discussion of data. The three stages of textual analysis, namely preparation, organizing and reporting were utilized to establish a nexus between the theory and data. The finding of the study showed that every human has equal rights to the resources of the world but they have been exploited by the leaders and rulers of the world for their national interest. The study underscores the experiences of the protagonist, Changez Khan regarding broader economic inequalities and cultural tensions that arise from such exploitation. Besides, it endeavors to follow the failed journey of Changez’s assimilation into American society, especially in post 9/11 America.   The paper discusses how Changez Khan, in the pre-9/11 world, thinks high of America, pins great expectations with it and how his dreams shatter when he is marginalized and become a victim of American prejudice in the post 9/11 world.