Andy Cho’s Reviews > The Reluctant Fundamentalist > Status Update

Changez is not a "janissary" anymore, finding his true identity as a Pakistani. As Changez and the American are walking through Lahore, Changez is calm unlike the American who is panicking as he constantly looks over his shoulder. His comfort in Lahore and its surroundings indicates that he has stopped trying to fit into a country that saw him as a potential terrorist, and not the person he was.

Changez continues to struggle to focus on his work due to global conflicts involving Pakistan. He still does not know the reason why Erica can not get over Chris. The political and emotional pressure leads to him falling behind on work. Changez, a once-thriving college student who chased after his American dreams, does not only lose faith in his professional ambitions but also starts to lose himself as a person.

Changez realizes the harsh reality of how Americans view him after being confronted in the parking lot. His beard, in the eyes of Americans, becomes a symbol of religion. He thinks about whether he can be innocent for succeeding in a country that promotes inequality towards his country and religion. His discomfort in working for Underwood Samson continues growing due to his concern for the situation of the world.

Changez faces many obstacles in this chapter such as attack on Muslims and his relationship with Erica. Erica and Changez are affected by the tension between countries and religions since 9/11. They are shaken by America being more anti-Muslim. Changez was late to work for the first time and saw Erica "disappearing." All of these events demonstrate changes in Changez's American dreams, represented by his name.

It is obvious that Changez has to deal with assumptions from others based on his appearance. At the airport after 9/11, Changez is forced to go through a secondary inspection, like he was a criminal. He is suspicious from the eyes of Americans as this major event leads to the start of major religious conflicts. These conflicts are still happening as the American talking to Changez seems to be making speculations too.

The relationship between Erica and Changez develops with a sense of connection. When Erica invites Changez to her apartment, he is comforted to see a permanent home since he had been moving a lot in the past years. However, Erica's father starts to mention problems in Pakistan. Changez later admits that he was annoyed, which Erica acknowledges, showing empathy and creating a deeper sense of belonging.

Changez discovers his identity on his first day working for Underwood Samson. Looking at the view from the skyscraper, he starts to think that America is the most advanced city. That reminds him of home, Pakistan, a country that was facing national insecurities. Changez doesn't feel Pakistani as he was thriving unlike his country. He is confident that he will succeed like Jim, who has been in a similar situation.

Being part of a family with high status, Changez is a Princeton graduate who is confident in his abilities. With only two Pakistani students in his class, he believes that non-Americans are more talented. However, he learns that being on track to graduate summa cum laude is normal among Princeton students. This creates doubt in Changez's identity and reminds him that he does not always stand out in the crowd.