Pragmatism Vs. Idealism In Nigeria: Parallels With The Kite Runner

5 min read Post on May 20, 2025

Pragmatism Vs. Idealism In Nigeria: Parallels With The Kite Runner

Pragmatism in Nigerian Society

Nigerian society, like many others grappling with complex challenges, often necessitates pragmatic choices. This pragmatism manifests in various aspects of life, from economic survival to political maneuvering.

Economic Realities and Survival

Intense Economic Hardship: Widespread poverty and resource scarcity force many Nigerians to prioritize immediate needs over long-term planning. The daily struggle for survival often overshadows idealistic goals.
Creative Survival Strategies: Nigerians demonstrate remarkable adaptability, developing innovative strategies to cope with economic hardship. This often involves informal economies and entrepreneurial ventures.
Limited Resources and Infrastructure: Inadequate infrastructure and limited access to resources further compel pragmatic choices focused on short-term gains and immediate solutions. Long-term investments are often seen as luxuries.
Examples: Street vendors, artisans, and informal traders exemplify this pragmatic approach, prioritizing daily income over long-term career goals.

Political Pragmatism

Political Maneuvering and Compromise: The Nigerian political landscape is often characterized by complex power dynamics and strategic compromises. Political expediency frequently overshadows adherence to strict moral principles.
Realpolitik and Power Struggles: The pursuit of power and political advantage often involves compromises that may be ethically questionable but deemed necessary for survival in a competitive political environment.
Examples: The history of Nigerian politics is replete with examples of pragmatic alliances formed and broken based on the immediate political landscape, often disregarding long-term ideals of good governance.

Social Pragmatism

Adaptability and Social Cohesion: Nigerians often demonstrate remarkable adaptability, adjusting their behavior to navigate complex social situations and maintain social harmony.
Cultural Practices and Pragmatic Choices: Certain cultural practices, while seemingly at odds with idealistic notions of equality or fairness, are sometimes accepted due to their perceived necessity for maintaining social order or ensuring survival.
Examples: The acceptance of certain traditional practices, despite potential conflicts with modern ideals, demonstrates a pragmatic approach to maintaining social equilibrium.

Idealism in Nigerian Society

Despite the pervasive pragmatism, idealism remains a powerful force in Nigerian society. The pursuit of justice, the adherence to religious and spiritual ideals, and the aspirations of the youth fuel a powerful counterpoint to the realities of daily life.

The Pursuit of Justice and Equality

Social Justice Movements: Nigeria has a vibrant civil society, with numerous movements fighting for social justice, human rights, and equality. These activists often challenge the status quo, upholding ideals despite facing significant obstacles.
Notable Activists and Their Struggles: Individuals and organizations consistently advocate for the marginalized and oppressed, pushing for systemic change and a more equitable society.
Examples: The #EndSARS movement is a recent example of a powerful social movement driven by idealistic hopes for police reform and an end to police brutality.

Religious and Spiritual Ideals

Influence of Religious Beliefs: Religious beliefs significantly shape the lives of many Nigerians, providing a moral compass and influencing their actions, even when faced with pragmatic constraints.
Faith and Social Action: Many religious organizations actively engage in social work and charitable activities, driven by their commitment to ethical ideals and social responsibility.
Examples: Numerous religious charities provide essential services, demonstrating a commitment to social justice and humanitarian aid.

Educational and Aspirational Idealism

Youth Aspirations and Education: Despite the challenges, Nigerian youth demonstrate remarkable ambition, pursuing education and striving for personal and professional growth, often fueled by idealistic visions of a better future.
National Development and Progress: Many Nigerians remain hopeful for national development and progress, working towards building a more just and prosperous society.
Examples: The increasing number of Nigerians pursuing higher education both within and outside the country speaks to their strong aspirations for a better future.

Parallels with The Kite Runner

The complexities of pragmatism and idealism in Nigeria find striking parallels in the narratives and characters within The Kite Runner.

The Theme of Betrayal and its Consequences

Pragmatic Betrayal: Both in the novel and in Nigerian society, betrayal, often motivated by pragmatic considerations, leads to devastating consequences, impacting individuals and society.
Idealistic Betrayal: Similarly, the pursuit of idealistic goals can sometimes lead to unintentional or unforeseen betrayals, highlighting the moral ambiguities of both pragmatism and idealism.
Examples: The betrayal depicted in The Kite Runner echoes similar instances of broken trust and compromised values witnessed in various aspects of Nigerian life.

The Clash Between Tradition and Modernity

Cultural Change and Social Evolution: Both Afghanistan, the setting of The Kite Runner, and Nigeria are societies navigating the challenges of balancing traditional values with the pressures of modernization.
Conflicts and Tensions: This collision between tradition and modernity creates tensions and conflicts, impacting social structures and individual identities.
Examples: The evolving social norms and changing family structures in Nigeria mirror the cultural transformations depicted in The Kite Runner.

The Search for Identity and Belonging

Individual Identity and National Identity: The characters in The Kite Runner grapple with complex issues of identity, reflecting similar struggles faced by individuals in Nigeria navigating diverse ethnic, religious, and social identities.
The Search for Meaning and Purpose: The search for identity and belonging is a central theme in both The Kite Runner and in the experiences of many Nigerians seeking purpose and meaning in their lives.
Examples: The complexities of national identity in Nigeria mirror the search for personal identity depicted in The Kite Runner, underscoring the universal human desire for belonging.

Conclusion: Pragmatism vs. Idealism in Nigeria: A Continuing Dialogue

This article has explored the intricate interplay of pragmatism and idealism in Nigerian society, highlighting the parallels with the themes explored in Khaled Hosseini's The Kite Runner. The constant negotiation between immediate needs and long-term aspirations shapes Nigeria's identity and future. The challenges of economic hardship, political maneuvering, and social complexities demand pragmatic solutions, yet the pursuit of justice, spiritual ideals, and national development are fueled by a powerful idealism. The tension between these two forces defines the ongoing dialogue within Nigerian society. Continue the conversation about the interplay of pragmatism and idealism in Nigeria; share your thoughts and experiences on how this dichotomy affects your life and your vision for the future of the nation.