You might know Iran from that time they stood in the streets chanting death to America. Or that other time they chanted death to America. Or that time Homer Simpson wore an Ayatollah Assaholla t-shirt. If that's your only image of Iran (and it's many people's only image of Iran), you might have a skewed view of its people. They are people, just like anywhere else in the world, and they don't want to be stereotyped. Persepolis explores what it's like to grow up in Iran, and to be misunderstood no matter where you go simply because of where you came from.
Questions About Contrasting Regions: Iran and Everywhere Else in the World
- What are the main differences Marjane notices between living in Vienna and living in Iran?
- How do other countries' perceptions of Iran affect the way Iranians act and feel about themselves?
- Iran acts like it hates Westerners, so why do so many Iranians envy Western culture?
- If you could travel to Iran, would you?
Chew on This
Iranians are a mysterious and grumpy people because people assume they are mysterious and grumpy and treat them as such.
Anyone who has been judged based on where they are from, versus who they actually are, can relate to Marjane Satrapi's story of coming from a misunderstood country.