Resistance in Post-9/11 Pakistani Fiction: A Discursive Study

Abstract

The discourse of terrorism appears to have taken centre stage in American writing since the tragic events of 9/11 and their aftermath. Following the September 11 attacks, several books were written that either directly or tangentially address how the incident affected people within and beyond the vicinity of United States of America. Western authors often employ Orientalist stereotypes in their works, even when ostensibly addressing the post-traumatic aftermath of assaults. Following 9/11, this negative attitude towards Muslims seems to have solidified and intensified the pre-existing Orientalist rhetoric, portraying all Muslims as terrorists. This thesis
asserts that, in response to this post-9/11 rhetoric, the authors of "The Reluctant Fundamentalist" and "Burnt Shadows" actively embrace decolonization from the Pakistani perspective (the East) and challenge the narrative of colonialism. This aligns with Edward Said's concept that "the East writes back." This study's academic framework is Orientalism by Edward Said. The thesis investigates how current English-language Pakistani literature has been received. The contemporary Pakistani writer has been significantly influenced by factors such as tyranny, martial law, bloodshed, militant extremism, and the colonial occupation of Afghanistan. These elements have played a crucial role in shaping the writer's response to issues like terrorism, fanaticism, violence, and suicide bombings. Alongside fellow citizens, writers find themselves on the margins, where they now raise their voices and grapple with challenges. This includes navigating the complex political and social environment that poses unique obstacles for Pakistani writers. How these writers question and challenge the post-September 11 Western worldview, marked by bigotry against Muslims, and disrupt the existing status quo is a central focus. Additionally, it highlights the writers' fight against post-9/11 preconceptions of Muslims as zealots and radicals in their religion as well as the label of "terrorist" that is assigned to them.