My Son the Fanatic explores the complex relationship between Parvez, a Pakistani immigrant taxi driver, and his son Ali, who turns to religious fundamentalism, highlighting themes of cultural identity, generational conflict, and religious radicalization in modern Britain.
Key aspects:
- Parvez represents assimilated first-generation immigrants embracing Western lifestyle
- Ali symbolizes third-generation youth seeking identity through religious extremism
- Story explores themes of cultural alienation and father-son relationships
- Narrative culminates in physical confrontation highlighting the cycle of fanaticism
- Written by Hanif Kureishi, published in The New Yorker (1994)