A POSTCOLONIAL INQUIRY OF ISLAMOPHOBIA FROM PASHTUN BELT TO AMERICAN METROPOLIS IN TAMIM ANSARY’S WEST OF KABUL, EAST OF NEW YORK

Abstract

This paper explores the portrayal of postcolonial dynamics of Islamophobia and identity crisis in Tamim Ansary’s West of Kabul, East of New York, focusing on the representation of Pashtun identity in the outcome of the 9/11 attacks. By using textual analysis method, research examines how Pashtuns particularly those in diaspora are misunderstood and stigmatized as extremists due to their strong adherence to Islamic traditions like Pashtunwali. The paper focus on post-colonial theory, drawing on Edwards Said’s theory of Orientalism and Homi K, Bhabha’s theory of hybridity and third space, to analyse how Ansary’s tries to balance his Afghan background and American upbringing which leaves him stuck in two opposite cultures. Ultimately, showing the struggles to be fully accepted by either side and always feel like he’s in between. The paper uses theoretical comparisons to show that how experiencing being insider and outsider within in a country mirrors with the Gayatri Spivak concept of native informants. Similarly, it highlights that how Islamophobia was spread indirectly after 9/11 through colonizers who stigmatized the Eastern traditions as uncivilized and threat to the modernity in the whole globe. Through the postcolonial lens the paper argues that Tamim Ansary’s memoir is a counter-narrative to the Western stereotypical representation of Islam and reveal that how Western media and politics were used to labelized Muslims as extremist and terrorists.