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Abstract

The study analyzes the distinguished short story We are not Jews written by Hanif Kureishi, by using the lens of Critical Race theory, examining the critique of systemic racism shown in the story. The short story critiques the internalized racism that is not only present on individual level but is deeply rooted on societal level. The portrayal of racism in the narrative is systemic and pervasive where even children are clear on the level of disrespect they can freely show to people who are Black, Brown, or Asians and the list goes on. By employing Critical Race Theory, this article explains that the unjustified behaviour faced by the family in the story is a case of racial harassment which needs to be addressed but the concept of racism is so ingrained in the entire society that this discrimination on the basis of colour, gender and identity becomes a normal part of everyday life. The study has used the concept of “ordinary racism” given by Delgado and Stefancic to scrutinize the deep-rooted racism in British society as depicted in the story. By conducting research on racism portrayed in short story We are not Jews, this research contributes to the contemporary discussions about racism in societies, urging that the negative attitudes and discriminatory behaviors are needed to be taken seriously on the government as well as individual level because only than humans can expect to live in harmony and peace without the constraints of hierarchy.