Nigeria: A Comparative Study Of Pragmatism Using The Kite Runner As A Framework

Laila Abdi

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Post on May 20, 2025

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Pragmatism in The Kite Runner: A Foundation for Comparison

The Kite Runner offers a potent exploration of pragmatism, particularly through the lens of Amir's character. His life choices, often driven by a desire for acceptance and self-preservation, serve as a compelling case study. Amir's inaction in the face of Hassan's assault exemplifies the devastating consequences of prioritizing personal comfort over moral responsibility. This highlights a central theme: the tension between individual desires and ethical obligations.

• Amir's self-preservation versus moral responsibility: Amir's decision to remain silent about the assault stems from fear of his father's disapproval and the potential disruption of his comfortable life. This demonstrates a form of pragmatic self-preservation, at a significant moral cost.
• The role of social pressures in shaping pragmatic decisions: The oppressive social hierarchy and power dynamics in Afghanistan profoundly influence the characters' choices, forcing them into pragmatic actions to survive and navigate their complex social landscape.
• The impact of societal structures on individual choices: Baba’s position in society shapes his own actions and significantly influences Amir's choices, demonstrating how systemic factors impact individual decisions.
• Examples of pragmatic choices made by other characters (Baba, Assef, etc.): Baba's pragmatic approach to his personal and political life, and Assef's ruthless pragmatism driven by his violent ideology, showcase the diverse manifestations of pragmatism within the novel.
• The long-term consequences of pragmatic actions in the novel: The novel illustrates how seemingly small, pragmatic choices can have far-reaching and devastating consequences, impacting not only the characters' individual lives but also their relationships and futures.

Pragmatism in Nigerian Politics and Governance

Nigerian political decision-making frequently reflects pragmatic approaches, often prioritizing short-term gains over long-term goals. This is influenced by several factors, including ethnic and religious considerations, and the pervasive issue of corruption. The concept of "Nigerian political pragmatism" is complex and deeply intertwined with the country's historical context.

• Examples of political compromises driven by pragmatic considerations: Coalition building, often based on transactional alliances rather than shared ideological goals, is a common example.
• The influence of ethnic and religious factors on pragmatic political choices: Political strategies are often tailored to appease specific ethnic or religious groups, potentially leading to compromises that may not benefit the nation as a whole.
• The role of corruption in shaping pragmatic political strategies: Corruption significantly shapes political choices, impacting resource allocation and development policies.
• Case studies of political pragmatism in Nigerian history: Examining historical political events reveals patterns of pragmatic decision-making, showcasing the interplay between political expediency and national interests.
• The ethical implications of pragmatic political actions in Nigeria: The ethical considerations of pragmatic choices in the political sphere are critical, raising questions of accountability and equitable governance. The ethics of pragmatism in Nigeria demand further scrutiny.

Pragmatism in Nigerian Socioeconomic Structures

Navigating socioeconomic challenges in Nigeria often requires a pragmatic approach to survival. Poverty and inequality force individuals and families to adopt creative and sometimes unconventional strategies to make ends meet. This section explores "Pragmatic survival strategies in Nigeria," highlighting the role of informal economies and the impact on social mobility.

• The impact of poverty and inequality on pragmatic survival strategies: The high levels of poverty and inequality compel many Nigerians to prioritize immediate needs over long-term planning, resulting in various pragmatic responses to financial hardship.
• Examples of pragmatic choices made by individuals and families in navigating economic hardship: This includes engaging in the informal economy, undertaking multiple jobs, and prioritizing immediate needs over education or long-term investments.
• The role of informal economies in accommodating pragmatic approaches: Informal economic activities offer vital opportunities for survival and income generation, becoming a crucial part of pragmatic survival strategies in Nigeria.
• The relationship between pragmatism and social mobility in Nigeria: While pragmatism often helps individuals to survive, its relationship to social mobility is complex and requires further investigation. Socioeconomic pragmatism is a crucial aspect of Nigerian life and shapes individual trajectories.

The Influence of Cultural Norms on Pragmatic Choices in Nigeria

Cultural norms significantly influence pragmatic decision-making in Nigeria. The emphasis on family and community ties, alongside traditional beliefs and practices, shape individual choices and priorities.

• The role of family and community in influencing pragmatic choices: Family and community obligations often take precedence over individual aspirations, affecting how individuals navigate challenges and make decisions.
• The impact of traditional beliefs and practices on pragmatic decision-making: Traditional beliefs and practices influence perceptions of risk, opportunity, and appropriate conduct, impacting pragmatic choices.
• Contrasts between individualistic and collectivist approaches to pragmatism: Nigerian culture’s collectivist nature influences pragmatic decision-making, often prioritizing group needs over individual preferences.

Comparing Pragmatism: The Kite Runner and Nigeria

Comparing the pragmatism depicted in The Kite Runner and its manifestation in Nigeria reveals both striking similarities and crucial differences. While the contexts differ vastly, the underlying motivations – self-preservation, social pressures, and the need to navigate complex power dynamics – often drive pragmatic choices in both settings. The study of "Comparative pragmatism" between these disparate contexts allows for richer understandings.

• Similarities in the motivations behind pragmatic choices (self-preservation, social pressures, etc.): Both the novel and the Nigerian context show how pragmatic choices often arise from similar fundamental needs.
• Differences in the contexts and consequences of pragmatic actions: The specific circumstances, societal structures, and cultural values shape the nature and consequences of pragmatic actions differently.
• The impact of cultural and historical differences on the expression of pragmatism: Cultural and historical differences significantly influence how pragmatism is expressed and perceived in the two contexts. "The Kite Runner and Nigerian pragmatism," although distinct, present similar underlying human motivations.

Conclusion

This comparative study has highlighted the multifaceted nature of pragmatism, demonstrating its presence in both the fictional world of The Kite Runner and the diverse realities of Nigeria. The analysis reveals both similarities and differences in how individuals navigate complex situations through pragmatic choices, shaped by cultural contexts and socio-political factors. Further research on the nuanced aspects of Pragmatism in Nigeria is crucial to understanding the complexities of decision-making in the nation. By continuing to explore the ethical and societal implications of pragmatic choices, we can foster a deeper understanding of Nigeria's socio-political landscape.