Generally, the notion of identity is misinterpreted to be something concrete or even an inherited attribute and hence resistant to changes. However, as we delve deeper into the idea of self and the factors that constitute it, a fact becomes evident: that an individual’s identity is in fact not very rigid but rather fluid and dynamic in nature. A number of societal factors influence the construction of the character that an individual identifies themselves with. Through a close textual analysis of The Last White Man (2022) by Mohsin Hamid, this paper aims to explore the concept of identity in contrast to its conventional definition of something unalterable, and rather look at it as an idea that is constantly in motion. It also seeks to highlight the sociological and psychological factors that impact one’s sense of self. Utilizing Charles Cooley’s theory of The Looking-Glass Self, an understanding is reached about how the societal perceptions play a huge role in the formation of an individual’s self-worth. In a world where it is often argued that equality is no longer a dream, but rather a reality, Hamid highlights how racial bigotry and discrimination prevails even today, due to the fact that it is deeply rooted into the very construct of the society. Using Frantz Fanon’s idea of Black Skins, White Masks, the text is observed through a colonial lens to explain how the existence of racial hierarchies today can be ascribed to colonization and the lasting impact it left on individual’s perception regarding the people of color. It is analyzed that an individual eventually internalizes the societal behavior towards them and start behaving in accordance to the role assigned to them by the society. It is also observed how privilege is linked to certain visual markers and collapses completely in their absence. Hence, the paper calls attention to racial politics, along with a contribution to the sociopolitical dimension in literature and an intent to foster better cultural understanding. 

Keywords: identity, self, fluid, racial discrimination, colonization, societal perceptions, privilege, sociopolitical dimension.