Interrogating Hybridity: Approaching Identity Clash in Hanif Kureishi's My Son the Fanatic

Abstract

This article explores the challenges of assimilating strange traditions into one’s identity as depicted in Hanif Kureishi's My Son the Fanatic by analyzing the religious conflicts encountered by Parvez and his son, Ali, as they reconcile their Pakistani heritage with the prevailing British influence and identity challenges. Kureishi's short story illustrates the intricacies of merging many cultures and customs via the characters' experiences and struggles to attain a sense of belonging. The study sheds light on the burden of reconciling cultural identities and the tensions that emerge between personal liberty and societal conventions. Furthermore, it explores the political ramifications of hybridity by emphasizing its importance in transforming identity and culture within a global context. Kureishi employs narrative techniques and symbolic imagery to scrutinize diversity, contesting rigid generalizations and advocating for a nuanced perspective on identity. This study underscores the transforming potential of embracing influences.