The Complexity of Cultural Purity: Analyzing its Depiction in White Teeth

by Crest, bol, iherb 

Cultural purity is a concept that has been debated for centuries. The idea that a culture can be pure, untainted, or uncontaminated by external influences has been used to justify everything from xenophobia to genocide. However, the concept of cultural purity is problematic because it assumes that cultures exist in a vacuum, unaffected by external forces. This assumption is unrealistic, as cultures have always been in a state of flux, shaped and reshaped by external influences.

The novel White Teeth by Zadie Smith explores the question of cultural purity through the lens of the immigrant experience in the United Kingdom. The novel centers on the lives of two families, the Joneses and the Iqbals, who are immigrants from Jamaica and Bangladesh, respectively. The novel highlights the struggles that these families face as they try to navigate their new home while also maintaining their cultural identity.

Throughout the novel, the question of cultural purity is raised repeatedly. The characters in the novel are all struggling to define what it means to be Jamaican, Bangladeshi, or British. For example, Samad Iqbal, one of the main characters, struggles with his identity as a Bangladeshi Muslim in a predominantly white and Christian society. He is torn between his desire to preserve his cultural identity and his need to assimilate into British society.

Similarly, the character of Millat Iqbal, Samad's son, is torn between his desire to be seen as a "proper" Bangladeshi Muslim and his attraction to Western culture. He rebels against his traditional upbringing by joining a radical political group that is dedicated to overthrowing the British government.

The characters in the novel are all struggling with the idea of cultural purity, and the novel challenges the notion that cultural purity is even possible. The novel suggests that cultures are constantly evolving, shaped by the forces of history, politics, and social change. The novel also suggests that the idea of cultural purity is inherently problematic, as it assumes that cultures exist in isolation from each other.

One of the ways that the novel challenges the idea of cultural purity is through its portrayal of mixed-race characters. The character of Irie Jones, for example, is the daughter of a Jamaican mother and a white British father. Her mixed-race identity is a source of confusion and anxiety for her, as she struggles to reconcile her Jamaican and British identities. However, the novel suggests that her mixed-race identity is a strength rather than a weakness, as it allows her to bridge the gap between the two cultures.

Similarly, the character of Magid Iqbal, Samad's son, is raised in Bangladesh but later moves to England to pursue his education. He is torn between his desire to preserve his cultural identity and his need to assimilate into British society. However, the novel suggests that his mixed identity is a strength rather than a weakness, as it allows him to bridge the gap between the two cultures.

In conclusion, the question of cultural purity is a complex and controversial issue that has been debated for centuries. The novel White Teeth by Zadie Smith explores this question through the lens of the immigrant experience in the United Kingdom. The novel challenges the notion that cultural purity is even possible, suggesting that cultures are constantly evolving and shaped by external forces. The novel also suggests that mixed-race identities can be a strength rather than a weakness, as they allow individuals to bridge the gap between different cultures. Ultimately, the novel highlights the importance of cultural diversity and the need to embrace and celebrate the differences that make us unique.