American Brat

I think the most interesting character in the book is Manek. I think the dynamics of him being from a certain culture but so highly influenced by his stay in America is very unique. For me, Manek embodies all the characteristics of a person who has strong background fundamentals but also is in a place that contradicts those values. In the book, when Feroza came to visit America, what was most interesting was that Manek was almost "showing off America" to Feroza (78) as though he was trying to convince her that America was ideal. Also Manek would also speak to Feroza as though they were from two different cultures. referring to her as "Third World" or a "desi." But eventhough Manek often spoke of America in a good light he still showed his disdain for the people. This is seen when Manek says "Once you know enough whites, you'll realize how ignorant and dirty they are and you'll stop feeling sorry for bastards like him (84)." Manek who lives in America does not let that completely avert him form his culture, which is seen when he goes back to Lahore to marry a parsee woman. I think Manek shows how different cultures can affect a person. On the one hand he has his culuture and the values that he has been taught and he wants to maintain them. But on the other hand he has the values that one picks up from being in America and he knows that he has more opportunities in America. It's people like manek that give insight into the mind of an "outsider."