Pashtun's and Hazara's

The Hazara people are an ethnic group originally from the Hazarajat region in central Afghanistan. In their modern history, Hazara's have faced several wars and forced displacements. Hazaras have faced persecution from the Pashtuns and have been forced to flee from many parts of today's Afghanistan to Hazarajat.

Hassan is a Hazara boy and his lower position in society compared to Amir who is Pashtun is clearly defined in 'The Kite Runner'. 

The Pashtuns live mainly in Afghanistan and Western Pakistan and are intimately tied to the history of modern Afghanistan and Pakistan. Pashtuns played a vital role during the Great Game from the 19th century to the 20th century as they were caught between the imperialist designs of the British and the Russian Empires. For over 300 years, they reigned as the dominant ethnic group in Afghanistan with nearly all rulers being Pashtun.

The Russians are a big part of 'The Kite Runner' and it is shown in detail how they brutally murdered many Hazara families. The difference between Hazaras and Pashtuns is also clearly defined in the book as most wealthy Pashtun families have Hazara slaves.