Discursive Shifts in Identity: Racial Transformation and Societal Power Dynamics in The Last White Man

Abstract

This article explores the discourse of racial identity transformation in Mohsin Hamid’s The Last White Man using Ruth Wodak’s (2015) Discourse-Historical Approach (DHA), a framework within Critical Discourse Analysis. The research focuses on two key areas: the discursive strategies used to explore themes of privilege, power, and social cohesion, and how the novel portrays the psychological and emotional impact of racial identity transformation on the protagonist, Anders. By analyzing key scenes where Anders grapples with societal responses to his altered racial identity, the study uncovers how language is employed to deconstruct privilege and highlight the fragility of socially constructed racial hierarchies. Through DHA’s focus on socio-historical context, the analysis highlights the fragility of privilege and the role language plays in shaping and dismantling racial hierarchies. The study reveals how Anders’ transformation brings about profound emotional and psychological effects, including alienation, fear, and anxiety, as he navigates a society that redefines his social position based on his new racial identity. Ultimately, the novel critiques broader societal structures that define individuals through race and exposes the deep-seated anxieties tied to racial privilege. This research contributes to discussions on identity, power dynamics, and the role of discourse in representing racial transformations.