Intelligence Squared The Last White Man, with Mohsin Hamid
Oct 7, 2022
Mohsin Hamid, an award-winning Pakistani author known for thought-provoking novels like "The Reluctant Fundamentalist," discusses his latest work, "The Last White Man." He delves into themes of race and identity, recounting the story of Anders, who experiences a dramatic racial transformation. The conversation covers the implications of privilege and the importance of inclusive storytelling in shaping societal narratives. Hamid also reflects on global racial injustices spurred by recent events and the influence of grief on identity formation.
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Shifting Perceptions
- Mohsin Hamid's experience living in the West changed after 9/11.
- Increased scrutiny and suspicion altered his perceived racial identity, inspiring The Last White Man.
Generational Divide
- The Last White Man explores intergenerational love stories amid societal upheaval.
- An older generation's broken promises contribute to a breakdown of generational compacts.
Race as a Construct
- Race is a social construct imagined into existence, not a biological reality.
- Hamid destabilizes this construct in his novel by making race difficult to determine.
