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Persepolis Essay Do you ever wonder what people around the world think of the United States? Many people think of us as a cruel empire. But are we? You may hear about Iran, and it’s probably not something good, probably something about fanaticism. But in the book Persepolis by Marjane Satrapi, we learn that Iran is not necessarily what it seems to be. We don’t hear what Iran has to say, and Miss Satrapi gives us a view from someone who grew up there. Iran is often misinterpreted, because its history is not too different from the US, not everyone supports the new regime, and Western Culture heavily influences Iran. Iran’s not what it seems to be since Iran’s history isn’t wholly different from that of the United States. For one thing, Iran rose from Ancient Persia like America rose from the British Empire. The introduction states: [Cyrus the Great] established the Persian Empire…. Iran was referred to as Persia until 1935. Also, Iranians didn’t want a despotic shah, like the US didn’t want a king. The people on page 18 are shouting: “ ‘Down with the King!’ ” Between rising from great nations, and revolting against their kings, I’d say Iran and the United States have similar histories. Iran is also misinterpreted in that not every citizen supports the regime. For example, the maid was upset over trading her son for a key; after so many years, she’d lost him for a cheap accessory. On page 99, “ ‘they want to trade this key for my oldest son.’ ” In addition there were many non-supporters who were executed- thus were at least some who openly rejected the regime. The book says, “Those who opposed the regime were systematically arrested and executed together.” (117). Executions and trading children for keys… Iran is not happy about it. Iran’s not what it appears to be: Western culture also influences Iran. For one thing many people (including Marji’s family) hold wine parties, which is strictly forbidden in all Islamic countries, including Iran. It says, “In spite of the dangers, the parties went on.” (98) Also, you see Marji wearing western 80s clothes, symbols of the 80s movement in the US. It says: “I put my 1983 Nikes on… and my denim jacket with a Michael Jackson button.” (131). Both parties and these clothes reflect Western culture, which was and still is forbidden in Iran, (and all Muslim countries). Obviously, we don’t hear everything about what happens in Iran. Iran’s history isn’t much different from the US, our culture influences them and not every Iranian supports the current regime. Iranians are people, like everyone else on this planet. They are not to blame for what their government does. And would Iranians look at us as ruthless warmongers for being the most powerful nation in the world?

Works Cited Satrapi, Marjane. Persepolis. New York: Pantheon Books, 2003.