Social Hierarchy and Injustice: Hazara Oppression

The theme of ethnic and social injustice, focusing on the oppression of Hazaras in Afghan society.

increasingBearing stren­gth in each eventdecreasing

The Invisible Wall

The Invisible Wall The Servants' Quarters Hassan and Ali live in a mud hut in the backyard. Amir rarely visits. The social hierarchy is clear: Pashtuns are masters, Hazaras are servants. The Slurs Hassan is called "flat-nosed" and "Babalu." Assef advocates for ethnic cleansing. The prejudice is pervasive and accepted. The Rape Assef rapes Hassan because he is a Hazara. The act is a manifestation of the ethnic hatred. Amir's inaction is also a product of the same prejudice.

The Massacre

The Massacre The Taliban's Ethnic Cleansing In 1998, the Taliban massacre Hazaras in Mazar-i-Sharif. Assef participates, calling it "ethnic cleansing." The international community does little. Hassan's Murder Hassan is killed by the Taliban for being a Hazara. His murder is dismissed. No one speaks up. Sohrab's Abuse Sohrab is abused by Assef because he is a Hazara and powerless. The novel shows the devastating effects of ethnic discrimination.

1960s to 1970s

1998