Comment on Davis's Post

Camille Kelleher

Dearest Davis,

            I strongly agree with you about Afghani culture being prejudiced against in the United States. At the end of the story, Amir describes how Sohrab sleepwalks through multiple political events including 9/11 and their impact on their home country Afghanistan. After 9/11 there has been discrimination against Muslims in the United States and, while reading the story, I thought that Hosseini might highlight the impact this event had on Afghani life in the US. Although he never detailed the exact impact, it is interesting to see how he included it in Amir’s narration. Also, Hosseini’s illustration of Amir’s perspective about the progression of Afghanistan is moving. As readers, we are given detailed imagery of Afghanistan during Amir’s childhood, when Amir returns from America, and after the 9/11 bombing. When the Taliban seizes Afghanistan, their destruction completely alters Amir’s hometown and almost makes it unrecognizable. Then, with the United States’ quick and impulsive bombs, the Taliban scurry into caves. Its interesting to see the relative levels of power between the US, Taliban, and Afghanistan.

            In The Kite Runner, there is a lot more truth and believable events than in Atlas Shrugged. This story describes an unorthodox coming-of-age tale that is plagued by human vices, clashes of culture, and unconditional love despite the fear and pain it carries. This book has a more lasting and meaningful impression on us because it is relatable and realistic. It also makes us consider our actions and their effects on the people who are meaningful in our lives.