A Narrative of Hybrid Identity of Second Generation Immigrants in ‘The Buddha of Suburbia‘
Abstract
This study examines the difficulties experienced by second-generation immigrants in establishing their identities as depicted in Hanif Kureishi's "The Buddha of Suburbia." It seeks to draw a comparison in identity creation between the characters in this novel and general immigrants today, and how racism, alienation, and intergenerational relationships all work together to shape immigrants' identities in today's multicultural environment applying postcolonial theory. Through thematic analysis from a postmodern viewpoint employing character analysis method, it confirms that a lack of sense of belonging is a universal concern for immigrants everywhere today. The novel's setting exposes a society transitioning to postmodernism, which, among other characteristics, creates a sense of universal meaninglessness, and skepticism. All this eventually gives genesis to the instability of identity as well as a rise in rootlessness and alienation. This study is a humble contribution to knowing the way second-generation immigrants face problems of an identity crisis.
Authors
Dr. Masroor Sibtain
Assistant Professor, Department of English, Government Graduate College of Science, Multan, Punjab, Pakistan
Junaid Mahmud
Assistant Professor, Department of English, Government Graduate College, Jhelum, Punjab, Pakistan
Muhammad Omer
Lecturer, Department of English, Government Graduate College, Jhelum, Punjab, Pakistan