Nigeria: Pragmatism Vs. Idealism – A Kite Runner Conundrum

Mei Lin

5 min read

Post on May 20, 2025

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A young woman in Lagos, faced with crippling unemployment, accepts a low-paying, exploitative job to support her family. This single act encapsulates the pervasive tension in Nigeria: the constant struggle between pragmatic survival and idealistic aspirations. This article explores this ongoing conflict between pragmatism and idealism within Nigerian society, using the powerful narrative of Khaled Hosseini's The Kite Runner as a lens to understand the complex choices individuals and the nation face. We will examine how economic realities, political landscapes, and societal values intertwine, shaping a nation grappling with its present while striving for a brighter future.

2. Main Points:

2.1. The Pragmatic Reality: Economic Necessity and Political Expediency in Nigeria

H3: Economic Challenges and Pragmatic Choices: The Nigerian economy presents a stark reality for millions. High unemployment, pervasive poverty, and inequality force many to make difficult, pragmatic choices daily. Survival often dictates actions, pushing idealistic goals to the periphery.

• Prioritizing immediate survival over long-term goals: Many Nigerians prioritize putting food on the table today over investing in education or long-term financial security.
• Informal economy dominance: The informal sector thrives, providing a safety net for many but lacking the security and benefits of formal employment.
• Navigating corruption for survival: Corruption, sadly, often becomes a pragmatic necessity for some, forcing them to engage in unethical practices simply to survive.

These "short-term solutions," while necessary for immediate survival, often perpetuate cycles of poverty and hinder long-term development in the Nigerian economy. Keywords like "Nigerian economy," "poverty," "corruption," "survival," and "short-term solutions" accurately reflect this harsh reality.

H3: Political Pragmatism and its Consequences: Nigerian politics is often characterized by pragmatism—alliances formed for expediency, compromises that sacrifice long-term vision for immediate political gains. While such actions may seem necessary for stability, they often come at a cost.

• Alliances based on expediency rather than ideology: Political parties frequently form alliances based on immediate gains, potentially ignoring conflicting ideologies.
• Compromises hindering long-term development: Necessary compromises sometimes lead to the postponement of crucial reforms, impacting infrastructure, education, and healthcare.

This political pragmatism, while sometimes necessary, can impede progress towards a more just and equitable Nigerian society. Keywords such as "Nigerian politics," "power sharing," "political compromises," "governance," and "development" are critical for SEO purposes in this context.

2.2. The Idealistic Vision: Aspirations for a Just and Equitable Nigeria

H3: The Pursuit of Social Justice and Equality: Despite the harsh realities, a powerful undercurrent of idealism flows through Nigerian society. Numerous movements champion social justice, equality, and ethical governance.

• Civil society organizations fighting for human rights: Numerous NGOs tirelessly advocate for human rights, fighting against injustice and inequality.
• Youth movements advocating for change: Youth activism plays a vital role, demanding accountability and pushing for positive social change.
• Religious groups promoting social justice: Religious institutions often act as moral compasses, promoting social justice and ethical leadership.

These idealistic movements offer hope for a more equitable future, using keywords like "social justice," "equality," "human rights," "civil society," and "youth activism" to enhance search visibility.

H3: The Role of Education and Ethical Leadership: Education and ethical leadership are crucial in fostering idealistic values and shaping a more just society.

• Importance of ethical leadership: Transparent, accountable leaders are essential for inspiring trust and promoting good governance.
• Impact of education on shaping values: Education plays a crucial role in instilling moral values and critical thinking skills, fostering informed citizenry.
• Role of religious and community leaders: Religious and community leaders can act as moral guides, promoting ethical behavior and social responsibility.

Investing in education and fostering ethical leadership is paramount for building a future aligned with Nigeria's idealistic aspirations. Keywords like "ethical leadership," "education reform," "moral values," "community development," and "religious influence" effectively target relevant searches.

2.3. The Kite Runner Analogy: Navigating the Complexities of Choice

H3: Amir's Choices and their Parallels in Nigeria: Amir's choices in The Kite Runner mirror the dilemmas faced by many Nigerians. The pressure to conform, the weight of family loyalty, and the struggle between personal desires and societal pressures resonate deeply.

• Prioritizing family loyalty over justice: Similar to Amir's initial inaction, Nigerians often face choices where prioritizing family loyalty conflicts with what is morally right.
• Making difficult choices due to pressure: The pressure to conform or survive can lead individuals to make difficult choices that compromise their ideals.

The novel's exploration of guilt, redemption, and the consequences of choices offers profound insights into the human condition, and its parallels in the Nigerian context are striking. Using keywords like "The Kite Runner," "Amir," "moral dilemmas," "ethical choices," and "societal pressures" connects the literary analogy to the Nigerian context.

H3: Redemption and the Pursuit of Idealism: The Kite Runner's theme of redemption—the possibility of atonement and a better future despite past mistakes—is profoundly relevant to Nigeria.

• Redemption arc in The Kite Runner: Amir's journey towards redemption reflects the potential for societal transformation and national reconciliation.
• Examples of attempts at reconciliation and reform in Nigeria: Numerous examples showcase individuals and institutions working towards reform and reconciliation, despite the challenges.

The pursuit of redemption, both individually and nationally, offers hope for a future where idealism and pragmatism can coexist. Keywords like "redemption," "reconciliation," "social reform," "national unity," and "hope" highlight the positive aspects of this struggle.

3. Conclusion: Finding a Balance – Pragmatism and Idealism in Nigeria's Future

This article has explored the inherent tension between pragmatism and idealism in Nigeria, highlighting the economic struggles, political realities, and the powerful idealistic movements striving for a better future. A balanced approach, incorporating pragmatic solutions guided by idealistic aspirations, is crucial for Nigeria's progress. Understanding the interplay of pragmatism and idealism is essential for Nigeria's future. Let’s discuss how we can achieve a balance between pragmatic solutions and idealistic aspirations for a brighter Nigeria. We must foster a national dialogue that embraces both pragmatism and idealism to create a more just, equitable, and prosperous Nigeria.