Assef

• How does Assef exert power through his appearance?

  • He is tall and "towers over kids" - shows he is imposing
  • Part of the Aryan Race - Blue eyes and Blonde hair
  • Is half German and Afghan
  • Has "brass knuckles" - asserts dominance
• How does Assef exert power through his language?

  • He is passive aggressive
  • He calls Hitler a great leader
  • Nasty talking - "Babalu", "Flat nose"
  • Fascist ideologies
  • Xenophobic to Hazaras when he is not fully Afghan
• How does Assef assert power through his privilege?

  • Blonde and blue eyes is the conventional beauty standard
  • Lived in a "posh, high-walled compound with palm trees"
  • Reputation for savagery kept him well respected
  • His father knew the president of Afghanistan - Daoud Khan
  • He is part of the upper class
  • His father is wealthy - he is a airline pilot
• What does Assef represent?


  National, racist politics
• "Afghan is for Pashtuns, I say. That's my vision" - p38-40

  • Ethnic bias/Division
  • Racism
• "You're a disgrace to Afghanistan." - p38-40

  • Nationalism
• "Your Hazara made a big mistake today." - p38-40

  • Hassan is objectified as a possession
  • Views Hassan as less than human