Diaspora reversed: A post-modern ‘third space’ in ‘the American granddaughter’

Abstract

This paper explores a socio-political and cultural approach to identity-formation for the Iraqi diasporic subject. Projecting diaspora as following a fixed pattern does not serve young-generation diasporists. Ultimately, the aim of this study is projected in the possibility of experiencing diaspora in reverse, particularly in the neglected younger diasporic generation, for the purpose of recreating a subjective self-narrative away from their parents' diasporic experiences. The study of diasporic-identities will be projected in Inaam Kachachi’s ‘The American Granddaughter’, with specific focus on the young protagonist as representative of diaspora in reverse. A ‘Third Framework’ will be utilized for the purpose of allowing the construction of a possible post-modern diasporic-identity, the fluidity of which crosses boundaries rather than falls under a dichotomous choice.