Examining Pragmatic Choices In Nigeria: Lessons From The Kite Runner

Rajiv Sharma

5 min read

Post on May 20, 2025

4.0

Share

Navigating Socio-Political Pressures: Parallels between Afghanistan and Nigeria

The Kite Runner, set against the backdrop of Afghanistan's tumultuous history, vividly portrays the impact of socio-political pressures on individual lives. Similarly, Nigeria, with its own unique challenges, presents a landscape where pragmatic choices are often born out of necessity. While geographically and culturally distinct, both countries share striking similarities in terms of power dynamics, social inequality, and the pervasive influence of corruption.

• Societal Pressures in Afghanistan (as depicted in The Kite Runner):

  • Ethnic conflict and persecution leading to displacement and the need for survival.
  • The rise of religious extremism forcing individuals to make difficult moral compromises.
  • Widespread poverty and lack of opportunity forcing many into desperate measures.
  • Examples like Amir's decision to remain silent about Hassan's assault, a pragmatic choice driven by fear and self-preservation, highlight the weight of societal pressures.

• Societal Pressures in Nigeria:

  • Rampant corruption forcing citizens to navigate bribery and unethical practices to access essential services.
  • Ethnic and religious tensions leading to violence and displacement, creating an environment of insecurity.
  • Economic hardship and lack of opportunity forcing many into informal work and potentially compromising ethical boundaries.
  • Political instability and violence impacting the daily lives of citizens and compelling them to make difficult decisions for their safety and livelihood.

The socio-political pressures in both Afghanistan and Nigeria often force individuals to make pragmatic choices, sometimes at the expense of their moral compass. The Kite Runner provides a powerful lens through which to understand the difficult choices faced by individuals in vastly different contexts yet sharing similar struggles.

The Weight of Family and Loyalty: Moral Dilemmas and Pragmatic Actions

Family loyalty plays a pivotal role in both The Kite Runner and the Nigerian context. In Hosseini's novel, familial bonds dictate many of the characters' actions, often leading to moral dilemmas and pragmatic compromises. Similarly, in Nigeria, strong family structures and traditions often necessitate difficult choices that may compromise individual values.

• Family Loyalty in The Kite Runner:

  • Amir's betrayal of Hassan stems from a complex mix of fear, self-preservation, and a desire to maintain his father's favor – a pragmatic action with devastating long-term consequences.
  • Baba's choices, driven by a rigid sense of honor and patriarchal ideals, significantly impact his relationships and ultimately his legacy.

• Family and Tradition in Nigeria:

  • The importance of extended family structures and traditional obligations often necessitates pragmatic compromises, prioritizing collective needs over individual desires.
  • The concept of "honor" within families and communities can significantly influence decision-making, sometimes leading to difficult choices.
  • Examples include choices related to marriage, inheritance, and community disputes where individual aspirations may be sacrificed for the sake of familial harmony.

The weight of family and societal expectations creates a complex moral landscape where pragmatic choices, driven by loyalty and tradition, can have profound ethical implications.

Survival vs. Morality: Examining the Ethics of Pragmatism

The Kite Runner explores the agonizing tension between survival and morality. Characters are forced to make pragmatic choices that compromise their ethical standards to ensure their safety or that of their loved ones. This moral struggle mirrors the realities faced by many Nigerians who navigate a system riddled with corruption and inequality.

• Survival vs. Morality in The Kite Runner:

  • Amir's silence about Hassan's assault is a prime example of prioritizing self-preservation over moral rectitude.
  • Other characters' decisions to collaborate with oppressive regimes or engage in morally questionable activities for survival are explored throughout the novel.

• Real-life Scenarios in Nigeria:

  • The widespread practice of bribery to access essential services, like healthcare or education, forces individuals into ethical dilemmas.
  • Navigating a corrupt system might necessitate compromises that violate one's personal ethical code.
  • The need to protect oneself or one's family from violence or injustice may lead to difficult moral compromises.

The ethics of pragmatism in both the fictional world of The Kite Runner and the real-world context of Nigeria raises crucial questions about the limits of moral compromise in the face of survival.

The Long-Term Consequences of Pragmatic Choices: A Reflection on Lasting Impacts

The choices made by characters in The Kite Runner have profound and lasting consequences, underscoring the importance of considering the long-term impact of pragmatic actions. This lesson resonates deeply within the Nigerian context where the effects of short-sighted choices, particularly in the realm of governance and development, are readily apparent.

• Consequences in The Kite Runner:

  • Amir's betrayal of Hassan has far-reaching consequences that shape his life and relationships for decades.
  • Other characters' actions, driven by short-term gains, lead to unforeseen and negative repercussions.

• Lasting Impacts in Nigerian Society:

  • The effects of corruption on development and societal well-being are long-lasting and detrimental.
  • Decisions made in the political arena can have generations-long consequences on the lives of ordinary citizens.
  • The cumulative impact of pragmatic choices made by individuals and institutions affects the overall trajectory of the country.

Understanding the long-term consequences of our actions is crucial, particularly when making pragmatic choices in challenging socio-political environments.

Conclusion: Understanding Pragmatic Choices in Nigeria through The Kite Runner

The Kite Runner, despite its setting in Afghanistan, provides a powerful framework for understanding the complex web of pragmatic choices faced in Nigeria. The novel highlights the intricate interplay between societal pressures, personal values, and the often-agonizing ethical dimensions of survival. By examining the consequences of these choices, both in the fictional world and in the Nigerian reality, we can gain a deeper understanding of the moral complexities inherent in navigating challenging circumstances. Examine your own pragmatic choices; consider the long-term impact of your decisions; explore the ethical dimensions of pragmatism in Nigeria. Understanding these factors is crucial to building a more just and equitable future. The insights from The Kite Runner offer a valuable starting point for a deeper reflection on Pragmatic Choices in Nigeria.