Monday
November 8, 1999
Easy to be ignorant
In
response to Mr. Beeler's letter
It is obvious that cruising The Iranian website has not taught
you anything of our very rich culture and heritage. A culture and heritage
that exceeds your comprehension, since your history (that most Americans
can't recite) is so very young. So let me enhance your knowledge by pointing
out a few things about Americans:
- American lifestyle in the eye of most Iranians is not viewed as the
ideal lifestyle. We are bound by familial ties that keep us in touch with
our families, not only during the holidays. We are there for each other
every day.
- Americans rely on their government to carry their butts when they
are too lazy to work as evidenced by the tremendous abuse of the welfare
system. Iranians have had to be smart and business savvy and support themselves
and their families in times of trouble, including a revolution and wight
years of war.
- Racism still runs abundant in the land of plenty and diversity. So
much that you guys are still dragging people of different races tied in
chains behind your pick-up trucks. Iranians can't even comment on racism,
since we are victims of a really lousy U.S. policy and as a result are
living all around the world.
- The number one TV show in America, depicting the heart of American
life-style is The Jerry Springer Show.
So you see, if someone wants to be ignorant, it is very easy to stereotype
a whole nation. My co-workers, patients, neighbors, and some of my best
friends are American. It would terribly undermine their intelligence if
I were to stereotype them as a bunch of rednecks who have beer bellies
and burp hotdogs all day.
Last but not least, I recommend you travel around the world a little
and not limit your world eye view to the media and its representation of
other countries.
Roya Zarnegar