Hybridity in the Light of Post-Colonialism in Hanif Kureishi’s “My Son the Fanatic”

Abstract

The constant struggle of identity is a life-long question for individuals. In addition, the desire of belonging is of major importance, which has its significant cross-cultural implications. Hybrid identities form a source of turbulence in understanding self-image. This is evident not only in colonial eras, but also in the post-colonial stage in which some individuals struggle to understand the forever resonating question, “who am I?” There is no wonder that one might undergo confusion in formulating an answer. Hanif Kureishi, a ‘Hybrid’ British-Pakistani writer, is an ideal example for understanding such turmoil, especially in his short story “My Son the Fanatic” that delves into the matter from what could be a first-hand experience. It is arguably an attempt to portray the fluctuations that one endures while being immersed in the liberal values celebrated in the West in juxtaposition to the teachings of Islam. In a work that raises numerous questions but answers very few, the dominant theme in the story is the son-father clash with its wider implications. This paper attempts to trace the notion of hybridity in the short story’s post-colonial setting.

Keywords: identity, postcolonialism, hybridity, Kureishi, father/son conflict.