The United States versus Iranian
Revolutionaries*
*Not a war this time
In Marjane Satrapi’s eye-opening book ‘Persepolis’ religion is a major part. The whole revolution
caused enormous changes in the everyday life. Suddenly, for example veils were made mandatory to
wear. All of this was a response to the Shahs Westernizing of Iran. ‘But why is that so bad?’ one
might ask. Well that difference is very intriguing and raises the question: “How could Persepolis be
read and interpreted differently by two different readers?”
First of all, let’s take a look at the American point of view. A lot of American have false pretences
about people from the Middle East; they are all terrorists, they all support dictators and that they
are full of hatred. However, in reality this of course could not be more incorrect. Though, by
believing in some of these stereotypes they begin to interpret the chapters in a more radical way.
For instance, one of the first chapters, ‘The Bicycle’, the children are shown demonstrating in the
garden, with what looks like military clothing on.
“Today my name is Che Guevara”
“I am Fidel”
“and I want to be Trotsky”
An American would be more likely to interpret this in a negative way. Namely, that the children are
being indoctrinated by the parents and henceforth radicalising into child soldiers.
“Down with the king! Down with the king!”
Idolising people such as Fidel Castro, which of course a lot Americans might recognise from the
Cuban Missile Crisis. Castro was to prepared and willing to go war with the United States of America.
Even urging the Soviets to strike first, according to the History channel. This attack would have …
Revolutionaries*
*Not a war this time
In Marjane Satrapi’s eye-opening book ‘Persepolis’ religion is a major part. The whole revolution
caused enormous changes in the everyday life. Suddenly, for example veils were made mandatory to
wear. All of this was a response to the Shahs Westernizing of Iran. ‘But why is that so bad?’ one
might ask. Well that difference is very intriguing and raises the question: “How could Persepolis be
read and interpreted differently by two different readers?”
First of all, let’s take a look at the American point of view. A lot of American have false pretences
about people from the Middle East; they are all terrorists, they all support dictators and that they
are full of hatred. However, in reality this of course could not be more incorrect. Though, by
believing in some of these stereotypes they begin to interpret the chapters in a more radical way.
For instance, one of the first chapters, ‘The Bicycle’, the children are shown demonstrating in the
garden, with what looks like military clothing on.
“Today my name is Che Guevara”
“I am Fidel”
“and I want to be Trotsky”
An American would be more likely to interpret this in a negative way. Namely, that the children are
being indoctrinated by the parents and henceforth radicalising into child soldiers.
“Down with the king! Down with the king!”
Idolising people such as Fidel Castro, which of course a lot Americans might recognise from the
Cuban Missile Crisis. Castro was to prepared and willing to go war with the United States of America.
Even urging the Soviets to strike first, according to the History channel. This attack would have …
