Integration and Identity Conflicts: Multicultural Dynamics in Zadie Smith’s White Teeth

Abstract

Focusing on how migration and diaspora influence personal and communal identities within contemporary Britain, this article examines the multicultural and postcolonial themes in Zadie Smith's novel White Teeth (2000). The paper analyzes the consequences of decolonization and subsequent immigration from the Commonwealth to Britain, which instigated a blend of cultures and the emergence of a multiracial society. Through a detailed exploration of the novel’s characters—predominantly the Iqbal family and the Jones family—the article illustrates how individuals navigate their complex cultural landscapes and how they often grapple with dual identities and a sense of rootlessness. Utilizing theoretical frameworks from prominent scholars like Said, Bhabha, Ortiz, and Pratt, the paper argues that the novel serves as a microcosm of London, showcasing interactions among diverse ethnic groups that challenge traditional notions of Britishness. Smith’s narrative’s structure, which weaves between past and present, underscores the persistent impact of historical contexts on contemporary lives. Hence, the article highlights Smith's portrayal of ‘transculturation’—where characters somehow adapt and form hybrid identities, reflecting broader postcolonial realities. Overall, what is emphasized in what follows is White Teeth not only captures the essence of modern British multiculturalism but also critiques the lingering effects of colonialism on identity formation in a postcolonial world.