Baba and Amir have a strained, difficult relationship throughout Amir's childhood in Kabul. Baba is upset that his son does not share his masculine traits, while Amir desperately strives to earn his father's affection, respect, and admiration. Baba continually ignores Amir and seems to favor Hassan, who is more athletic,...
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charismatic, and masculine. Baba tries to make Amir play soccer, which is a sport that does not interest his son. However, Amir attempts to gain his father's affection by watching Kabul's soccer team play, but he cannot feign interest. Amir continues to strive for his father's respect and attention by showing Baba the first short story he wrote. Tragically, Baba completely ignores and dismisses Amir's story.
Whenever Baba takes Amir anywhere, Amir strives for his father's full attention by refusing to allow Hassan to tag along. Amir is fully aware that his father favors Hassan and reveals his jealousy by refusing to allow Hassan to join them. Amir also strives for his father's respect and admiration by winning the kite-fighting tournament. Although Amir wins the tournament and makes his father proud, his positive outlook is short-lived after he witnesses Hassan get raped. Despite Amir's tumultuous, strained relationship with his father as an adolescent, their relationship improves once they immigrate to America.