Baba and His American Cultural Background

society, mostly the diasporic experiences are caused voluntarily because they want to move to find a better place or life. Amir and Baba are also a part of voluntarily diasporic experiences when they seek a better life in the US. They leave Afghanistan out of fear of being killed or persecuted. Just like Safran says diaspora communities still have a strong connection with their home country Safran, 1991:48. Amir and Baba also have a deep attachment to the Afghanistan as their original country. As a part of diasporic community, Amir and Baba move from one place to another. This movement also causes a change of cultural background and more diverse spheres of life. Hence, a change of one’s identity is also inevitable. As Gandhi states that diaspora experience cultural dislocation. The people face disruption on their original cultural identity Gandhi, 1998: 131. As a result, it is essential to disscuss the identitity formation in diaspora. In order to survive and adapt in a new place, Amir and Baba also undergo changes. In accordance to the theory of identity, this research apply the concept of identity in the perspective of post-modern conception Hall, 1993: 276-277, identity is something fragmented, not single. An individual processes identification in open-ended way. The identity shifts and changes at different times. Subsequently, in pursuance of analyzing the identity of Amir and Baba, it is essential to scrutinize the changes of identity before and after they move to the US in the lens of those aspects. In regards of the notion of identity, Amir’s and Baba’s identity are also dynamic and keep changing throughout the novel since identity is something that is not fixed. Therefore, it is important to trace every single change and shift of the PLAGIAT MERUPAKAN TINDAKAN TIDAK TERPUJI identity of Amir and Baba. The first phase is the identity Amir and Baba acquire in Afghanistan before they move to America. Their identities in Afghanistan are closely affected by their background and environment. Amir’s identity is built and manifested around the character of Baba and the social system of Afghanistan society.In analyzing further how the transformation of the identity of Amir and Baba occur, this research utilizes the concept of self-categorization and self identification to form one’s identity. It means a certain identity is related to a certain social groups. An individual attains identification by categorizing themselves belong to a certain social group. Then, the similiarites are used to define one’s identity in a social group Hogg and Abrams, 1988.It means that this research examines how Amir and Baba do self-categorization and self- identification on social groups in their life. Thus, they constitute their identities based on what social categorization or social group they belong to. This section is essential to establish the comparison of their identities before and after move to the US in order to scrutinize the possible factors of hybridity and resistance on their identities.

1. Amir’s Identity Disposition

In accordance to the aforementioned theory. Amir’s identity changes are as follows.

a. A Priveleged Unloved Boy into a Poor Loved Son

In Afghanistan, Amir is a priveleged, however,an unhappy child.When Amir comes to the US, Amir finds a new place to live with a new fresh start. Big changes happen, Amir likes his life in the US because he can bury his past. PLAGIAT MERUPAKAN TINDAKAN TIDAK TERPUJI Eventhough everything changes, life in the US suits him fine since Amir is able to be himself without so many expectations from Baba and the society. There is no longer Afghan masculine standard that suffocates him. He is no longer a son of a rich man with many financial benefits, now he is categorized as the member of lower class society with a small house and a second-hand car. Amir does not have luxurious toys and plenty of money. He needs to go to school as the oldest one in class. People do not spoil and acknowledge him anymore. How Amir identifies himself in the US has changed completely. Nevertheless, Amir is loved by Baba in the US.Amir and Baba’s father and son relationship gets better. They talk more and help each other more partly because now they only live together without other people. Hence, the frequency of their interaction increases. Baba even initiates intimate physical contacts with Amir. He hugs and congratulates Amir with affection when he graduates from high school. Baba accepts Amir as who he is and Baba is proud of his son. “He walked to me, curled his arm around my neck, and gave my brow a single kiss. “I am moftakhir, Amir, he said. Proud” 2007:143. Amir also sees Baba as a father and normal human being. He no longer idolizes him and tries so hard to win his love. Baba, in the US, gives love to Amir unconditionally. Amir does not need to adhere to any standard or to win any masculine competitions. Baba also supports Amir’s decision to take the major of English creative writing. Baba embraces Amir’s traits and passions. Therefore, Amir is able to pursue his dream to be a successful novelist 2007:197. Amir takes EFL classes to improve his English 2007: 138. He takes his education seriously. Hence, he PLAGIAT MERUPAKAN TINDAKAN TIDAK TERPUJI