Race, Gender and feminism in America

Mohsin Hamid 's novel The Reluctant Fundamentalist is a work of fiction but its story is one that could have very realistically happened to a Pakistani individual living in New York , especially in the aftermath of the bombing of the Twin Towers on September 11 . Through the memories and reflections of narrator Changez , the reader is given a unique perspective on how the relationship between Americans and foreigners living in America changed after the events of that day . Hamid 's novel also is a vivid illustration of racial and gender roles and stereotypes

br both in America and Pakistan . Though the novel is told after the events have occurred and Changez relates them in a friendly tone as memories of his experiences in America , it 's easy to see how his experiences could be those actually experienced by foreigners living in New York during this time . It shows how race , gender and feminism can affect the lives and attitudes of people all over the world , and how those attitudes can clash with one another in the wake of a major or life-altering event

Erica plays a significant role in the book as Changez 's love interest and also as a character representative of gender roles and feminism in America . When Changez first meets her when they 're both traveling abroad in Greece , she seems to embody many characteristics of feminism . She 's independent , she shows that she 's comfortable with her sexuality by sunbathing topless , and even though she is pursued...