THE POLITICS OF BLASPHEMY: ANALYZING GLOBAL REACTIONS TO THE SATANIC VERSES THROUGH THE LENS OF CULTURAL REALISM

Abstract

This article examines the international sociocultural reactions to Salman Rushdie’s The Satanic Verses (1988) from the perspective of cultural realism—a theoretical framework that emphasizes the influence of concrete cultural power relations and material conditions on literary controversies. Through qualitative analysis of responses from South Asia, the Middle East, Europe, and North America, we explore how historical context, religious sensitivities, and geopolitical tensions shaped distinct national and transnational reactions. The research identifies patterns of discourse, negotiation, and conflict, highlighting the book’s role in global debates over free speech, secularism, and cultural authenticity. Ultimately, this study underscores the necessity of contextualizing literary reception within broader socio-political frameworks.