The Misrepresentation of Muslim Community in Post 9/11 English Fiction: A Political Analysis of The Reluctant Fundamentalist and Terrorist

Abstract

This study shows that Muslims tend to be negatively framed, and Islam is portrayed as a violent religion in the context of the 9\11 incident. The researchers have highlighted the issue of misrepresentation of Muslims and Islam in John Updike’s Terrorist and Mohsin Hamid’s The Reluctant Fundamentalist. After 9/11, there came a transformation in the image of Muslims as they have been labelled as fundamentalists, fanatics, and terrorists. The study attempts to explore the politics of Western fiction after 9\11. The Muslims were held responsible for the happenings of 9/11, and this allegation was used as an excuse to augment the antagonism towards Muslims in the name of patriotic sentiments. Western fiction and media have been promoting this pseudo-patriotism since September 11, 2001. It has been depicted in such a biased way that it portrays America and the Western world as a victim of Islamic aggression and bigotry. Muslim bashing has become socially acceptable in the United States and European states. To carry out the analysis, the researchers chose the theory of social constructionism as a basic framework. The study is based on a qualitative research approach and has been carried out by textual analysis of the selected excerpts from the novels. The study attempts to make the world realize the fundamental reasons and core factors that perpetuate aggression and violence in Muslim states. Further, it highlights the main factors behind this intolerance and extremism worldwide. The findings reveal that the neo-colonial approach, imperialistic policies, and vested interests of the superpower breed hatred for it around the world, and such policies are not in favour of its land and people.