Oppression in the “Happy” Multicultural Land in Zadie Smith’s White Teeth

Zadie Smith’s White Teeth (2000) is a complex and paradoxical work since it presents portrayal of England in the late twentieth century employing characters from various racial religious groups. The novel focuses on relationships between three families: Bangladeshi Muslim Iqbals, English-Jamaican Joneses, Jewish-British Chalfens. It depicts multicultural society, yet also reflects oppression experienced by certain characters, who are marginalized due to their differences mainstream society. This raises question whether celebrates or criticizes discourse multiculturalism. study considers novel’s attitude towards multiculturalism through representation oppression. aims explore theme with regard issues race, religion, gender, sexual orientation because these intertwined categories determine an individual’s sense self social relations different In light Tariq Modood’s conception multiculturalism, which underlines importance some principles, such as recognition other, positive difference, equality, more inclusive version national identity, this argues that does not seem optimistic its treatment kinds oppression, discrimination, violence, stigmatization, indifference, haunt lives disempowered trigger counter-attacks oppressed group. While impeding other’s integration into situation poses threat order. reveals embraces all cherishes diversity, dream difficult be realized portrayed novel.