Jinwoo Ham’s Reviews > The Reluctant Fundamentalist > Status Update
Jinwoo Ham
is on page 128 of 228
After 9/11, Changez starts to feel the true difference of being seen as an outsider in life. He notices the uneasy looks from stranger, particularly at work. Even though he is still good at his job, he feels less comfortable and more left out from his surrounding. Hamid shows how no matter the circumstances in his occupation, good or bad, he can't change the prevalent prejudice views he gets within the society.
— Jan 25, 2026 06:27PM
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Jinwoo’s Previous Updates
Jinwoo Ham
is on page 83 of 228
Changez starts to notice how differently he is treated in America after 9/11, especially at work and in public. He notices people’s fear and suspicion toward him, which makes him feel uncomfortable and out of place. Changez realizes he no longer belongs as easily as he once did. His acceptance in such conditions is rather normal as it causes less fear among others which further betters the community around him.
— Jan 24, 2026 10:15AM
Jinwoo Ham
is on page 72 of 228
When Erica asks Changez to pretend he is Chris so they can be close, it shows how far he’s willing to go just to feel accepted. He puts aside his true self to make her comfortable, which reflects on how he feels living in America. This moment shows how Changez often has to change himself to take part in a community, especially after 9/11, when being different becomes even more distant.
— Jan 24, 2026 10:11AM
Jinwoo Ham
is on page 61 of 228
Erica's father makes prejudice comments about Pakistan, which makes Changez feel like an outsider despite his fancy job. At work, he is doing great, but his personal life is hard. Erica is still feeling the empty space her boyfriend left behind. This shows that even if Changez is smart and successful, he cannot force people to respect his culture or make Erica forget her past and love him back.
— Jan 18, 2026 05:53PM
Jinwoo Ham
is on page 45 of 228
Erica's interaction with Changez is quite interesting, different from how "classic" americans would interact. Changez's first way of approaching Erica was very subtle, in his mind building relations by small interactions like these are what brings people close together. Once again differentiating from "classic" americans. Hamid's does this numerous times, showing clear differences from the two cultural aspects.
— Jan 17, 2026 07:13PM
Jinwoo Ham
is on page 22 of 228
Mohsin Hamid illustrates the muslim hospitality, something foreigners may not expect, almost like something a salesperson would say to entice the customer. Exposing a cultural difference that some may not expect. Changez has great visual awareness, he picks up that the tourist is american just by how he was "bearing" himself. He utilizes his nationality to deepen the conversation with the american.
— Jan 15, 2026 05:10PM
