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Gurnah on Racism, Writing, and the Nobel Prize
Abdulrazak Gurnah, 2021 Nobel laureate, discusses his experience with racism, the focus of his writing, and his outlook on the future.
Spanish
Spain
Us PoliticsRacismLiteratureSocial JusticeColonialismNobel Prize
Christ Church CollegeHay FestivalEl País América
Abdulrazak GurnahDonald TrumpPhilippe SandsCarlos UmañaIrene Vallejo
- How did Gurnah respond to receiving the Nobel Prize?
- Gurnah's reaction to receiving the Nobel Prize was one of gratitude for the recognition and the increased global readership that would follow. He emphasized that writers do not primarily create for the purpose of awards.
- What is the main focus of Abdulrazak Gurnah's writing and why?
- Gurnah's writing focuses on ordinary people, reflecting his childhood experiences in Zanzibar, where he interacted with shopkeepers, teachers, and fishermen rather than royalty or heroes. He uses their stories to explore the impact of European colonialism.
- What is Gurnah's overall perspective on the future of human rights?
- Gurnah expressed a cautious optimism about the future, highlighting the cyclical nature of progress and setbacks in human rights. He cautioned against expecting profound wisdom from him, stating that he is merely a writer.
- What was Abdulrazak Gurnah's experience with racism like in England?
- Abdulrazak Gurnah, the 2021 Nobel laureate in Literature, recounted his experience with racism in England after immigrating from Zanzibar. He described an incident where his classmates drew a picture of Europeans covering their noses with his name underneath, illustrating the casual racism he encountered.
- How did Gurnah's arrival in London during significant social movements affect his perspective?
- Gurnah's perspective on the world was shaped by his experiences during the anti-apartheid movement and the American civil rights movement. This period helped him distinguish between personal prejudice and broader global struggles for justice.