Displaced Realities and Negotiated Identities in Migrated Locales: The Constraints of Borderland in Pakistani Diaspora

Abstract

This study examines the intricate dynamics of borders, both physical and psychological, and their profound impact on the lives of immigrants as depicted in Mohsin Hamid's The Last White Man (2022). Borders, usually viewed as political and social boundaries, create contested spaces where cultural, social, and political identities intersect. These borders not only divide nations but also create divisions within societies, leading to confusion and challenges in identity formation. Drawing from Anzaldua's borderland theory, this research explores how psychological borders emerge alongside physical ones, shaping the experiences of immigrants and their interactions with host communities. Through close reading of the novel, the study investigated the role of psychological borders in treating immigrants as "others" and perpetuating societal misunderstandings. Additionally, it examined how these borders contribute to the marginalization of immigrants, keeping them at the periphery and perpetuating radicalized perceptions. By shedding light on the complexities of psychological borders, this study aims to provide valuable insights into the mistreatment of immigrants beyond physical boundaries and the challenges they face in establishing their identities across borders.

Key Words: Borderland, Pakistani Fiction, Psychological Bordering, Hybridity, Identity