Final answer:
Assef's racist attitudes and comments towards Hassan reveal his racism, despite being only half Pashtun, in The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini.
Step-by-step explanation:
In The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini, Assef reveals his racism when speaking to Amir and Hassan, which is ironic because Assef is only half Pashtun. This acts as a reflection of the racial tensions and discrimination prevalent in Afghan society in the 1970s.
Assef's racist attitudes are evident in his derogatory comments towards Hassan, who is Hazara, a minority group in Afghanistan. He sees himself as superior to Hassan solely based on his own Pashtun heritage.
This instance highlights a deeper theme of prejudice and discrimination in the novel, showing that even those who are themselves marginalized can exhibit prejudiced beliefs. It serves as a reminder that racism exists in various forms and can be perpetuated by individuals from different backgrounds. "The Kite Runner," Assef's racist beliefs are exposed in a chilling conversation with Amir and Hassan, ironic given that Assef himself is only half Pashtun. His words unveil a deep-seated prejudice, emphasizing the toxic nature of ethnic biases in Afghan society. Assef, with his menacing demeanor, taunts Hassan, asserting the superiority of the Pashtuns over Hazaras, using derogatory language. The irony lies in Assef's own mixed heritage, highlighting the irrationality and absurdity of such prejudiced beliefs. This encounter underscores the pervasive influence of societal prejudices, even within individuals who don't conform entirely to the discriminatory ideals they propagate.