Liquid hybrid nature of indigenous identity in The Reluctant Fundamentalist is also evident from the use of the name. As Changez
own name, most people do not like the name of pakistan. The identity of the liquid showed the ability to enter another cultural space that allows
the seizure of power. “at Princeton, I conducted myself in public like a young prince,
generous and carefree. But I also, as quietly as I could, held down three on campus jobs- in infrequently visited locations, such as the
library of the Program in Near Eastern Studies- and prepared for my classes throughout the night. Most people I met were taken in by my
public persona….where I saw shame” Hamid 2007, 11 “I was aware of an advantage conferred upon me by my foreignness,
and I tried to utilize it as much as I could” Hamid 2007, 42
In this case, the identity of the liquid is a way to survive and resist the domination of which thus becomes possible in a cultural encounter.
3.3 Critics of the Tradition and Religion
Natives of the hybrid in The Reluctant Fundamentalist is shown capable of keeping a distance to natives generally and Eastern
stereotypes. They represent the indigenous people who could fight, do not dwell on its limitations, is critical of tradition and religion, and care about
the fate of their nation. Idealized representations of indigenous hybrid in The Reluctant Fundamentalist, a hero and symbol of resistance, is a
critique of the roots of tradition and religion, and society is assumed to be based on those values.
Changez is a native figure who is not afraid to step into the foreign culture in order to obtain a tool to survive and resist domination. They
enrich themselves with knowledge of Europe and thus have the power to choose the values and conscious choice.
“I spent four and half years in your country…..I worked in New York, and before that attended college in New Jersey. Yes, you are
right; it was Princeton” Hamid 2007, 3 “we were taught by professor from the most prestigious institutions-
a Wharton woman, for example, instructed un in finance” Hamid 2007, 36
In a narrative level, Changez is a native figure in the most superior reluctant Fundamentalist. Actions are shown as the actions of conscious
and within the framework of resistance against European domination. “I reflected that I had always resented the manner in which
America conducted itself in the world; your country’s constant interference in the affairs of the others was insufferable. Vietnam,
Korea, the straits of Taiwan, the middle east, and now Afghanistan; in each of the major conflicts and standoffs that ringed my mother
continent of Asia, America played a central role. Moreover I knew my experience as a Pakistani- of alternating periods of American
aid and sanctions- that finance was primary means by which the American empire exercised its power” Hamid 2007, 156
In addition to distance from Europe, he was also able to create distance with the roots of tradition and religion. It is evident from his life
choices based on foreign cultures than in Pakistan and Islamic traditions. Actions for drinking, and then act to make love with Erika is the life
choices that are based on some specific considerations as the native hybrid.
“Arriving in town, we found a café near the harbor with tables shaded by blue-and-white umbrellas. She ordered a beer; I did
the same” Hamid 2007, 27 ”we made love with a physical intimacy that Erica and I had
never enjoyed” Hamid 2007, 105
As a native hybrid, distance Changez with his religious roots and traditions are seen when he told how the culture of Pakistan. And how the
style of dating people in Pakistan. “relationship where often conducted over fleeting phone calls,
messages through friends, and promises of encounter that never happened. Many parents were strict, and sometimes weeks pass
without us being able to meet those we thought of as our girlfriends” Hamid 2007, 69
Changez meeting with the European system of education made him critical of the social order, tradition, and Islam in Pakistan as well as a
religious tradition that endured. Hybrid identity as a hero and symbol of resistance in The Reluctant
Fundamentalist revealed by their concern about the future of the nation. Concern is evident from the objectives outlined in the hybridization
process itself. Changez privileges obtained from the position and the descendants of noble families in the community, used Changez to take
sides on the colonized natives. He realizes his role in improving and promoting community and nation.
“I am not poor, far from it; my great-grandfather, for example, was a barrister with the means to endow a school for the
Muslim of the Punjab. Like him, my grandfather and father both attended university of England” Hamid 2007, 9
Hybrid identity as a hero and symbol of resistance was also revealed from the efforts made Changez in encouraging his students to reject
American policy.
“I had in the meanwhile gotten a job as a university lecturer, and I made in my mission on campus to advocate a
disengagement from your country by mine” Hamid 2007, 179 “I was young popular among my students-perhaps because I
was young,….to persuade them of the merits of participating in demonstrations for greater independence in Pakistan’s domestic
and international affairs…come to label anti-America” Hamid 2007, 179
“I became a mentor to many of these men and women” Hamid 2007, 180
“the first of our protests to receive much attention took place not far from where we are now” Hamid 2007, 179
The spirit of resistance in Changez students protested in the streets reject domination by America.
4. Changez Identity Reconstruction
