As a general rule, I think it's a good idea, every now and then, to view the world from unfamiliar perspectives. That's what I like about The Reluctant Fundamentalist: the opportunity to view American culture in general, and the aftermath of 9/11 particularly, through the eyes of a Pakistani living in the U.S.
The book takes place at a cafe in Lahore. Changez, a young Pakistani, sits down with an American, whom Changez suspects is miltary or an intelligence agent, and tells his story. Changez grew up in Pakistan, but gets an opportunity to attend Princeton and lands a job at an exclusive Wall Street valuation firm. He lives the American dream, finding success in a high-paying field, meeting a terrific American girl, on track for long-term success and wealth.
But everything is shattered on 9/11. Although he had done well in the U.S., and had no real reason for animosity toward Americans, he felt a sense of elation and gloating when he saw the towers fall. He got a sense of satisfaction that someone more like himself and his countrymen could strike such a blow to the world power. In the aftermath, he feels like people perceive him differently, viewing him with suspicion.
If I place myself in Changez's shoes, pretending, for instance, that I have gone to Germany to study and work, then Americans attack Germany in a terrorist attack, and Germany retailiates, I can appreciate his mixed feelings. When the U.S. attacks Afghanistan, Changez takes it personally. Even if the U.S was wronged, were we always in the right in our responses? Viewing history since 9/11 through the eyes of a Pakistani hasn't turned me against the U.S., but it certainly does make me stop and think, and consider the world from another perspective.
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