A Stubborn and Strict Father into a More Compassionate One

Amir is a hybrid character who stands in between two cultures—his identity is the mix of both. In this section, the researcher examines the process and the behaviour that make Amir a hybrid. A hybrid possesses both cultures—the colonized and the colonizer’s culture. It means Amir is not entirely American but not a fully Afghan either Bhabha, 1994:112. Amir comes from two different cultural backgrounds; Afghanistan and American cultures. Hybridity is the state of inbetween-ness between two cultures. Baba also explicates that a hybrid is not only double voiced but also double languaged, two individual consciousness Bhabha, 1994:58. Hybrid identity can be seen by analyzing the character of Amir. First, in the matter of language usage, Amir is a hybrid. When Amir lives in America, he uses both languages. For instance, Amir still uses the Afghanistan language salaam alaykum, bachem, tashakor but also uses distinctly American language goddamn, bastards and so on. These are the instances of Amir’s hybrid languagae; “I am sorry to be mohazen, I didn’t mean to disturb you” 2007:158, “You bastards...You goddamn bastards” 2007:240. Amir also uses the combination of two cultures regarding the concept of marriage—his marriage to Soraya. American culture does not judge women who have past sexual relationships. However, it is not the case in Afghan culture, a woman who has been with a man outside marriage is seen as dirty and impure. That is why in the novel Soraya suffers from social judgement before meeting Amir. Amir embraces American point of view by accepting Soraya and her past life which is unacceptable for most Afghans. This paradigm is shown when Amir still wants to marry Soraya after she tells her past. “Does it bother you enough to change your mind?” “No, Soraya. Not even close,” I said. “Nothing you said changes anything. I want us to marry” 2007: 178. However, Amir still retains part of his culture; no matter how much Amir has become open minded, Amir admits that his pride and his honor as a man is being insulted and mostly he does not want to talk about this matter 2007: 178. The reason is that Amir has been educated by his Baba to value honor as a Pashtun man. This condition shows Amir’s inbetweeness in taking stances regarding sex outside of marriage. At certain point, he follows the American view, but also retains his Afghan view. The realm of hybridity is also extended into the stance of Amir regarding gender. Amir also revaluates how his own patriarchal culture is unfair with women when it comes to sexual relationship. When the men do the same thing, the social judgement is not as big as the judgement directed to the women. Amir also absorbs equality between gender as the western culture 2007: 161. He also supports Soraya when she wants to study and become a teacher. At the same time, Amir also retains the concept of patriarchy in term of gender role. Amir still strongly believes that it is the man that should provide for the family. It is revealed when he has the conversation with his Baba. He nodded. “And what will you do while you wait to get good and get discovered? How will you earn money? If you marry, how will you support your khanum?” I couldn’t lift my eyes to meet his. “I’ll...find a job” 2007: 146.