Carry it Forward: The Kite Runner

It is the emotions in The Kite Runner which will always resonate with me and will influence my decisions in the future.  The image of Amir standing by while his friend Hassan is being raped is extremely emotional and will no doubt affect my future actions.  The pain this causes Amir so many years later will not be a part of my future because I am lucky enough to have been able to know what consequences such a choice can have.  Amir loses himself when watching this scene, he cannot move, he cannot do what is right.  It’s hard to say what I would have done if I were Amir because we will never know.  I don’t imagine I will ever be in his position, but I do imagine I will be faced with a similar decision; to stand up for what I believe in…or run.

Although most will never be faced with the same dilemma Amir found himself in, I think it’s fair to say that it is easy to find forms of humiliation in the hallways of our school.  Whether we mean to or not, students are made fun of everyday and experience pain similar to Hassan’s.  As much pain as the Hassan’s of the world may feel, it is nothing compared to what the Amir’s of the world should feel.  The ultimate punishment for Amir is the way his father treats him when he comes home with Hassan, having witnessed the most scarring event of his life.  This is the worst punishment which Amir could receive.  His father is proud of him, welcomes him with open arms.  His father finally has a winner for a son, and Amir digs himself deeper into a web of lies by accepting the praise.  Amir is haunted by these moments everyday in his adult life.  He can do nothing to rid himself of his guilt. 

I don’t plan to be an Amir.  If faced with a tough decision, I want to make the right choice and help the person in need, doing what is right, regardless of the consequences.  I realize this is much easier said than done and that is why it is something I will have to work for.  I see myself standing up for someone being made fun of in the classroom.  I see myself defending someone being teased in the halls.  If I can accomplish such goals which do not seem life changing now, once they carry into my future, I will know I have succeeded.