Compared to the books we read for Existentialism, Persepolis, is a much more enjoyable read. It takes place during the Islamic Revolution. Not only is it entertaining to read, it gives us the history of the Iranian culture. In the modern Unites States, people look down upon people of Iranian descent or people who live in Iran. Currently, Iranians are stereotyped as bad people. Women are known to cover their heads with veils and men are known not to shave. If one thinks of a person of Iranian descent, they think of them as a terrorist. They do not realize most Iranian people are innocent. Iranians are typically discriminated against at airport security because by racial profiling, they might have a bomb. People forget that not all people of Iranian descent are terrorists and that they should be treated with respect.
While reading Persepolis, one comes to the realization that Iran was not always the way it is now. It was once a country similar to the modern United States. Before the war and revolution, Iran was attempting to modernize. The story of Marji shows how Iran went from being modern to fundamentalist. If a person did not change their way of life, they would either be harassed or killed. They were forced to change their way of life through the upheaval of the government.
You bring up some good points, Anna. I strongly agree with your statement, “If one thinks of a person of Iranian descent, they think of them as a terrorist. They do not realize most Iranian people are innocent.” Because we tend to put greater emphasis on the negative aspects of Iran – its terrorism towards our country – we often forget there are innocent people in that country as well. As a result of our stereotyping, Middle Eastern racial discrimination is frequently displayed on our nation’s media networks and in our homes.
ReplyDeleteBy reading Persepolis, my attitude and opinion towards the people of Iran has changed. I believe Marji gives the reader, especially an American reader, insight as to how the modern day customs and brutality of Iran came about. The transition into fundamentalism is well expressed throughout Persepolis. I now feel sympathy for the innocent people in Iran who are suffering due to the violence and fear brought upon by others in their nation. Despite Marji’s opposition to the newfound fundamentalist ways of living, she knows she must submit to the rules to stay alive.
I strongly agree with what you said, Anna. As the international student, I was possible to understand the feeling of Marji. In the airport, I could easily see the Iranian people discriminated in airport. Even in Korea, an Iranian has to go through the security check. I always feel bad about them when I see that in airport. Even though it had been while, since terror happened, still, the perspective toward an Iranian is same. This one event made all Iranians as the terrorist. Through the Persepolis, like you said, I believe a lot of people probably changed the perspective to Iranian. I am happy because I read the book that I can agree and enjoy and also because it changed the perspective of people.
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