Monday
January 31, 2000
* Price to be paid
What is Mr. Mahdi really saying? That by admitting the existence of
three unfortunate Iranian prostitutes in Mexico, we're showing that all
Iranians are prostitutes? Then what are we promoting by forbidding the
publication of such descriptions? That there are NO Iranian prostitutes
anywhere in the world? That our race is incapable of producing prostitutes?
That Obeyd-e
Zakani and Sa'di and many other poets were all liars? That Iraj Mirza
and Parvin-e Etessami were spreaders of untruths? Are we not making an
ignorant bunch out of ourselves, then?
To me, writing about and publishing the ugly truths about ourselves
is a sign of maturity. Let the stone-throwers fling their stones and hurt
us. There's a price to be paid for attaining high culture, and someone's
got to foot the bill.
Massud Alemi
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* Free expression
In reference to what should and should not be covered by The Iranian
It is sad that some of us just don't get it. If The Iranian censured
every letter in its own liking, it would not be a medium of free expression
and not so many of us would read it.
To me, the most important service of The Iranian is that it is
a medium of freedom of expression that is a unique privilege of living
in America. As we know this privilege is in process of erosion all over
the world including America, because it is taken for granted, not used
or abused. As I have indicated in this space before, not only the founders
of America but our own centuries-old culture and our true intellectuals
and mentors have always recommended tolerance and respect for each other's
point of view. This is because we can learn the most by being open, by
reading, and debating the opposite issues.
Modern science, genetics engineering and mapping of our genes have further
supported the the marvels of creation and the validity of the above teachings
the basis of which is individual differences. In fact, observation of spectrum
of ideas should not bother us but should be a source of pleasure, and even
worship and recognition of a higher power. The botom line is that, now
more than ever, we know that although we all share many common traits,
we differ in interpretation of the same things and each of us can support
the others in our own unique way. Preservaion of the Family of Man, freedom
and democracy, depends more than anything on education, dialogue, sharing,
caring and appreciation of views in contrast.
Ali A. Parsa
Website
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* Joojeh kabab does it
I am not sure Iran
Air's ad for their 50th anniversary was a joke. I rather fly Iran Air
to Iran from Europe than fly KLM or Swissair and such, because I feel more
comfortable in it . They all are good airlines but Iran Air is a bit better
in my opinion. In addition they serve "joojeh kabab" and/or "baaghalaa
polo".
Hosain Massiha
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Friday,
January 28, 2000
* Alarmed
I am alarmed by the disparity between your "feature" pieces.
One high and one like this ["Nice
ladies, amigo?"]
What can I say? I am not a moralist nor do I oppose freedom of expression.
However, I wonder why such a piece should be included in The Iranian?
What are the informative, investigative, or literary aspects of this piece
qualifying it for publication? How can one generalize about a community
by visiting one brothel and talking to three girls?
No serious editor will find this kind of individual observation worthy
of publication. Please do not allow The Iranian to be brought to
the level of pieces like this.
Akbar Mahdi
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* Distasteful, but valuable
I do understand your concern. This piece ["Nice
ladies, amigo?"] does not meet high journalistic standards. But
I think it is still interesting as a personal account of an aspect of Iranian
life in America which is never officially talked about. Several of my friends
have told me about how often Iranians go to the brothels in Tijuana and
I have always wondered what goes on there and why. I think this is a social
phenomenon that should be noticed.
Of course I would have preferred an article by a professional journalist
or a scholar. But I think personal stories can be valuable -- even if they
are unprofessional, distasteful or about controversial subjects. Maybe
such crude stories will open some eyes and pave the way toward more serious
discussions and studies.
And another important point, I think, is that Internet-based publications
such as iranian.com cannot be compared to traditional magazines and newspapers.
The Internet is more personal and interactive, and therefore it is not
as polished and heavily edited as the print media. That's why I prefer
the Internet. It is more real, and being real is not always pretty or tasteful.
Jahanshah Javid
Publisher
THE IRANIAN
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* More sleaze than reflective
In reply to J. Javid note:
I understand the nature of Internet and the approach you are taking
in The Iranian. You have never seen me objecting to all those controversial
subjects and diverse pieces you publish. It is fine and they have been
a good source of intellectual soul searching among young Iranians on the
net. As you know, I have often said in my lectures that if one is to get
a glimpse of the Iranian second generation, s/he should look into your
magazine regularly.
But my worries about this piece ["Nice
ladies, amigo?"] has two aspects, one the piece itself and one
its place in The Iranian. As for the piece, I agree with you that
it is personal. However, it claims to be reportive but fails to meet the
criteria. It is more sleaze than reflective. It is more sloppy than investigative.
As for your Features section, you have pieces from Majid
Tehranian, Guive
Mirfendereski, Jeremome
Clinton, or Yahya
Kamalipour, then this one ["Nice
ladies, amigo?"]. Not that all the pieces should be from academics
or even have academic rigor. Not at all. I am not against the kind of issues
raised here either.
See, I was in Tijuana about eight weeks earlier than the time this gentleman
was there. My sons, my wife, and I went to places no tourist goes. We took
the most back roads that one can find. We SAW and learned A LOT about that
country. But, can I really write about my touristic, two days observations
with the kind of certainty this gentleman has? I dare not.
I know I am a sociologist and will be in deep trouble if I go about
generalizing my off time observations like this. I do not expect everyone
to be a sociologist either.
I agree with you very much that the issue is worthy of attention and
someone should look into it. In that case, you may want to ask a journalist
(or someone with an interest in investigative reporting) in that area to
do a bit of homework on this issue and write a report. It does not have
to be scientific and with the highest level of methodological standards.
Ali Akbar Mahdi
Associate professor of sociology
Ohio Wesleyan University
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* So low
I am very disappointed in the feature article concerning prostitution
["Nice
ladies, amigo?"]. When I was in Iran I received more respect from
men than I am receiving from your publication. I am sorry to see you sink
so low.
Please remove my address from you list.
Mortazavi
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* So what?
I am so disappointed to read your piece on prostitution, it has nothing
to offer ["Nice
ladies, amigo?"]. it has no valuable information or entertaining
content!
Why do you publish this kind of stuff as your main feature? Why don't
you concentrate on more important issues? A couple of guys go to a Mexican
brothel -- so what? If you want to publish something about this subject
at least find the right material.
Mehdi
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* Most cultures do it
This is in response to the letter wirtten by a Mr. Kamran Behzadian
["Nice
ladies, amigo?"]. It was interesting that you reported on your
curious adventure to Tijuana.
What I found not so interesting was how you misrepresented the title
of your report as if the members of the brothel were indeed Iranians. As
it turned out it was the Iranian men who most often visited this brothel.
Not that I find anything wrong with this behavior, but your report sounds
like we should be ashamed of participating in conduct that takes place
in most cultures.
It is the first time that I have visited this site. Could not help but
notice how fascinated you are with hookers and pimps. Maybe we could diversify
on the subjects a little or we may end up with more brothels down in Mexico
catering to Iranians.
Sima Fard
An Iranian woman
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Thursday
January 27, 2000
* Fantasy
All I want to know is how much was Robin Wright paid to write this ["The
last great revolution"].
Was she actually writing about Iran? It seems like she has written about
a fantasy land that the Islamic government keeps insisting that it exists
but nobody believes them.
Well, now they have found someone that believes in that fantasy.
Bahman
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* Load of bullocks
The result of your survey is a load of bullocks ["Iranians
of the century"]. The Shah of Iran tried to turn Iran into a normal,
free country and people like you survey religeous freaks and name some
shithead ["Mohammad
Mossadegh"] as the Iranian of the century.
Nomehead
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* Abandon emotionalism
I am afraid I have hurt Mr Tabib's feelings more than I intended to,
assuming that he is of a more robust stock than is the case ["Blind
patriotism"]. My contempt is not for Mr Tabib's person but for
his opinion. I am sure he is a valuable member of society who contributes
in his own way.
Now to the crux of the argument: there is some talk of patriotism in
the opening passage of Mr Tabib's letter. It amuses me that he did not
get my point last time. Whether Christmas is of Persian or not has no bearing
on my national pride so that his quote, as touching as it may be is superfluous.
As for juxtaposition of my obligation to respond and my perceived harshness,
I merely invite him to look up the difference between etiquette and politeness.
I also invite Mr Tabib to abandon his emotionalism and speak factually
instead of plead for sympathy >>>
FULL TEXT
Arash Salardini
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Wednesday
January 26, 2000
* Selectively polite
Since when has it been recorded in the short history of Iranians in
America where a guy goes up to an Iranian woman to introduce himself, and
gets anything other than a rude, arrogant response? ["Most
polite people in the world"]
I should qualify this: since when has it been recorded where a man,
NOT driving a BMW or other expensive car, goes up to a good-looking Iranian
woman and gets anything other than a rude, arrogant response?
This I want to know. Or MAYBE beautiful Iranian women reserve their
haughtiness, arrogance, and complexities only for Iranian men. It's a different
story for those fortunate khaareji men who have a decent look about them.
As for Mr. Guillen, all I have to say is that yes, Iranians are very
polite people, but only to non-Iranians.
My friend, if you knew Iranian culture any better you'd realize how
some Iranians treat their fellow countrymen/women, and it is anything but
'polite' and 'classy'.
NN
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* Sad joke
I read that article on discrimination against Iranians in U.S. border
posts, fingerprinting and stuff like that.
Now, this is a new discovery, they would not only make Iranian citizens
miserable to get all kinds of U.S. visas but they would also keep a spouse
from coming to U.S. to gurantee that his wife would go HOME after graduation.
And this rule does not apply if the husband is the student. YES.. Only
WOMEN have to CONVINCE the consular officer that they need to share their
moments with their husband. Because it's set by DEFAULT that men do...
No questions asked. Equal opportunities...Just another SAD joke.
Raha Zand
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Tuesday
January 25, 2000
* Iran. What a land
Iran. What a land. What a people.I have lived away from it for almost
30 years, but, have visited frequently. I love the country, the people,
the desert, the brick walls, the trees, the crows, and the trenches of
water that run in every direction.
I am so saddened by the conditions in Iran. The pollution, poverty,
dirt, illiteracy, lack of medicine and medical facilities. At a time when
the world is accelerating toward technology to better human's living conditions,
Iran is holding back the people in the dark ages.
"Internet" is sold by Kilo-Bytes, making it expensive and
impractical for many. What do you think would happen if Iranians got educated?
Tehran is drowned in its smoke. People are dying at ages of 40 and 50 of
heart attacks and strokes due to stress and over-exhaustion by working
two jobs >>>
FULL TEXT
A.Forati
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* Opinions so obviously Iranian
It is interesting to have seen this survey and the myriad of results
["Iranians
of the century"]; as well as the different opinions so obviously
Iranian in the fact that they are heated and opinionated!
Being a polisci-major during my undergrad I debated with several Iranian
classmates on this very issue about 10-years-ago: "personality cults"
versus "media attention" versus "real results" (whether
for good or for bad on any particular nation-state, such as Iran) are the
real questions when deciding on who is a man-of-prominence deserving the
title, "man of the century".
For Iran, it is interesting on the one hand to note that there isn't
anyone prominent in the arts or sciences during this turbulent century,
unlike the Iran of bygone-eras with names like Abu Ali Sina, for instance
>>>
FULL TEXT
Cyrus Rafaat
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Monday
January 24, 2000
* All political
I went to two soccer games -- Iran vs. Ecuador and Iran vs. USA. There
was a huge difference. Both in players and audience. However, it was all
about politics and our lives in the U.S. We started our lives here because
of politics and now we somehow want to sweep our past under the rug so
we can justify our lives here and ease our conscience.
The games in general were representative of our dual lives, a paradox
of being semi immigrants. One foot here and one foot ready to move. Or
maybe now both feet are planted here but our past haunts us. The audience
was so determined to be civilized and not to appear political . Was that
for the benefit of American brothers or for the Islamic Republic brothers?
Did we want to show that we are not terrorists? That we are apolitical
soccer-loving immigrants? We were also determined not to put the seal of
approval on the Islamic Republic in a obvious way.
Yekee bood..Yekee nabood >>>
FULL TEXT
S. Irani
Go to tp
* Just a game
Let me start by saying that what a well written .....Reflection ["All
tied up"]. I never thought one could read SO much into a soccer
match. I suppose you can also foretell the weather by the way your bunions
act up?
The Iran-USA soccer match was a friendly game. I wasn't there but watched
the game on TV. I wish I'd have been there to celebrate it with the other
Iranians and Iranian-Americans. My face would have been painted with both
the Iranian and US flags AND I would have been waiving one of those double
sided flags.
In case you have forgotten, we're NOT living in Iran. This is the USA
where one can participate in demonstrations at lunch break, and head back
to work afterwards without a stopover at Evin prison. SAVAMA or Passdaran
don't have much bearings on our daily lives here. So, even though you feel
that the battle for our individuality as Iranians is lost, and we are disillusioned,
how have you won this battle?
You should feel rather content, since I know you're not happy, that
you can write out your "reflections" and not get hauled into
Evin for high tea! Obviously, no nation is without faults. While one brach
of the US government/society is trying to extend ties to Iran yet another
is building attack/strategy scenarios in case Iran comes in possession
of nuclear arms. One hand washes the other. It has been like this in the
US for quite an extended period of time.
However sometimes a game is just that.....a game. This was a GOOD game.
Ali S.
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* Fitzgerald's debt to Khayyam
I enjoyed the enthusiasm that emanated from Mr. Kadivar's article "Great
Omar" and subtitled "Khayyam's debt to Fitzgerald".
I too agree that Fitzgerald's translation is a masterpiece which will remain
the very pinnacle of the art of poetic translation.
However, Mr. Kadivar is wrong, for Khayyam owes nothing to Fitzgerald.
Khayyam's poetry survived hundreds of years prior to Fitzgerald, and will
survive many more. In iran, many are able to recite a few of the Rubaees,
but only a few know Fitzgerald. Therefore it is incorrect to suppose that
"with no Fitzgerald there would have been no Omar". Despite assertions
by some English authors, Fitzgerald's never surpasses the brilliance of
the original. And brilliant it is.
Khayyam's poetry is a jewel that will last for as long as there is humanity;
Fitzgerald made this jewel available to more humans. It is much more likely
that Fitzgerald would have been forgotten had he not been so inspired by
the Rubaees, and so one can say that perhaps with no Omar there would have
been no Fitzgerald.
Korosh Khalili
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Friday,
January 21, 2000
* No food for thought
I don't know if you want to expand The Iranian Times at all.
How about a cooking/recipe column featuring ethnic Iranian cooking -- by
Persian virgins, grandmothers and those who flunked academia. I, for one,
would find that far more appealing than what Robin Wright offers ["The
last great revolution"]. That kind of food for thought is best
offered in journalism schools and by one time poli-sci majors. And what
do they teach or learn as a poli-sci major? Give me ghalieh-mahi any day.
Bahman Djavid
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* Soccer's healing power?
I enjoyed reading Dr. Mirfendereski's reflections on the friendly soccer
game between Iranian and American teams and its implication for U.S.-Iran
relations ["All
tied up"]. He pretty much summarizes the nature of problems between
Iran and the United States. I agree with his views and find him very articulate
on the matter.
In his commentary, he also brings up the subject of the Iranian community
in the United States. He is of the opinion that though this game will not
do much for improving U.S.-Iran relations, it will influence the way the
Iranian community in the U.S. sees and deals with itself. I wonder how?
Does he imply that the therapeutic effects of this single game can heal
the wounds of the Iranian community in the U.S.? I wish he elaborated on
this matter and saved me from guessing.
Akbar Mahdi
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* Ethnic slurs
Alex Vaughn's reference to a "greaseball Mexican,"
was deeply offensive. Iranians may not be the "politest people in
the world," and such generalizations about cultures don't do anyone
justice ["Most
polite people in the world"]. But surely we can aspire to expressing
our views without resorting to ethnic slurs.
Gelareh Asayesh
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Thursday
January 20, 2000
* Together
THEY CAME UNDER MANY DIFFERENT FLAGS, NEW AND OLD ["ROSY
SUNDAY"]. THEY CAME WITH MANY BELIEFS, SOME PRO-ISLAMIC, OTHERS
OPPOSING THE CURRENT REGIME. SEPARATELY, THEY COULD HAVE BEEN CONSIDERED
DIFFERENT IN SO MANY WAYS, BUT TOGETHER, THEY WORE RED, WHITE, AND GREEN,
AND TOGETHER, THEY CHEERED AS ONE.
FOR NINETY MINUTES, IRANIANS FROM ALL CORNERS OF THE WORLD GATHERED
TOGETHER AT THE ROSE BOWL IN PASADENA TO CHEER FOR THEIR SOCCER TEAM. NO
MATTER WHO THEY WERE, OR WHAT THEY BELIEVED IN, THEY DANCED TOGETHER, JUMPED
UP AND DOWN TOGETHER, AND APPLAUDED THEIR "BACHEHAA" TOGETHER.
SOME HAD BEEN SEPARATED FROM THEIR HOMELAND FOR OVER TWENTY YEARS, AND
IT WAS BEAUTIFUL AS THEY STOOD AND YELLED FOR THE SAME NOBLE CAUSE,"ALI
DAEI, ALI DAEI, AZIZI, AZIZI!" >>>
FULL TEXT
ASSAL BADRKHANI
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* More lessons on Christianity's origin
Mr Tabib has been busy with his dictionary of late ["Too
paranoid"]. He prides himself on his ignorance of the English
language. However the only thing he learns from my letter is the meaning
of a word that most aptly describes his predicament. He needs to pay more
attention.
He opens with "Mr. Salardini I presume was so infuriated by me
lack of sensible respect for Persia and anything that proves our supremacy
that rushed to my condemnation without carefully reading the few words
I had put down." There are three problems with this statement:
1- There is a difference between fury and contempt and Mr Tabib is clearly
the target of my latter sentiment.
2- Whether Christmas is or is not of Persian origin is of little consequence
to our supremacy or otherwise, our national pride rests on much more than
cultural interchange. However humility does not dictate the denial of the
truth >>>
FULL TEXT
Arash Salardini
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* Blind patriotism
It is interesting that the gentleman [Arash Salardini, "Lessons in
Christianity's origin"], who has never personally known me, confesses
to harboring "contempt" for me and accuses me of an "inferiority
complex." And yet he feels obligated by "the etiquette of correspondence!"
I have touched a nerve, it appears, and it has propelled Mr. Salardini
to launch a search for the holy grail of proofs regarding a causal link
between Mithraism and Christmas.
I, as a "poorly educated man," would like to assure Mr. Salardini
that my years in the poorly educating system (!) of American universities
has taught me at least one thing: Dogmatism and blind patriotism is the
greatest peril that can fall upon a tribe, nation or group >>>
FULL TEXT
Ramin Tabib
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Wednesday
January 19, 2000
* Swiss advice
I'm puzzled about Mustafa Khan's anger for the result
of the poll concerning the Iranian
of the century. It seems you don't understand the word "poll".
A poll is the opinion of a large number of people and is set on the basis
of freedom of speach and expression.
I am a citizen of Switzerland and lived quite a long time in Iran (after
the revolution, notably). I have seen and experienced all the different
problems and upsets in your country but I have seen also the recent fruitful
developments towards a modern country. Of course those developments are
done only in very small steps but they are gradually increasing. Unfortunately
as long as such people like you will express such intolerant thouhgts,
all efforts will be in vain.
My country is a democracy since a very long time and it's still doing
very well. We learned to accept different opinions and to live with different
people. Unfortunately we also have more and more intolerant people affecting
the long lasting peace with their crazy and weird behavior.
Dear Mustafa, don't behave in the same extremist way as many people
do but try to give your constructive effort to build up your beautiful
country into a better future.
Peter Brunold
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* Jealous
Thank you very much for the pictures ["Rosy
Sunday"]. You have done a great job for us who couldn't be in
Pasadena. I am really jealous of the persons who had the honor of watching
the game at close quarters.\
I am very proud of our team -- "teameh-melliyeh-Iran" -- which
always gives me and other Iranians such incredible feelings of excitement,
joy and pride. Bache-haa moteshakerim!!! Bache-haa moteshakerim!!!
Manijeh Hajizadeh
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* Who cares?
Please spare us from these dopey articles ["Most
polite people in the world"]. Who cares if some grease-ball Mexican
likes an Iranian girl and what he thinks of us? Is that really improtant
now. Do we have to ask every ethnicity and nationality for approval on
our behavior or culture or anything?
Alex Vaughn
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Tuesday
January 18, 2000
* Very well done
Thank you for a job so very well done ["Rosy
Sunday"]! The football match between Iran and USA was not transmitted
here in Europe until it was over. Your photos brought tears of ecstasy
and agony. The themes were all good, and the pictures were all perfect.
Again, thank you.
K. Gorgin
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* Wonderful moments
Thanks for capturing such wonderful moments ["Rosy
Sunday"]! I enjoyed every one of the photos. Keep up the good
work!
Faranak Ravon
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* Talking pictures
The pictures are beautiful, exciting and talking ["Rosy
Sunday"]. I felt I was there and had a lot of fun looking at the
painted faces.
Sudabeh
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Monday
January 17, 2000
NONE
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Friday,
January 14, 2000
* My neighbor, Googoosh
I don't remember Googoosh in the film "Qesaas".
But I was her neighbor when we were kids. We were almost the same age.
Back then she was about 11-12 years old and living with her father, stepmother
and stepbrother. They had rented an apartment across from our house on
Bahar Street, Kouche Saarem, in Tehran.
Googoosh also went to the same elementary school as I did (Dabestan-e
Vedadi). By the way our principal from that school now lives in Maryland,
where I live.
As kids we were curious and we would go on the roof top to watch Googoosh's
house and we could see how she had to do a lot of house work and the stepmother
was not nice to her at all.
When I recently asked our principal about Googoosh for an article I
was writing, she said that because Googoosh was working at nights and was
also bothered by her stepmother, she could not attend school long and could
not continue.
For the same reason the school was not that eager to have her as a student
either -- She used to sing at night clubs at that age.
Simin Habibian
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* Not popular, but important
The result of the Iranian
of the century survey is skewed by emotional tangents. By no means
am I a fundementalist or even vaguely religious, but as a historian - I
assure you that the Iranian who has most impacted our society, socially,
politically and in respect to our future, has been R. Khomeini.
M. Mossadegh is an emotional choice - a man that didn't quite fulfill
his legacy. And we all like to dream that had he fulfilled his legacy -
we may have avoided the revolution of 1979. Hence, we look at him with
much nostalgia.
Like it or not, man of the century doesn't neccessarily have to be the
most popular individual - democratically speaking. Khomieni changed Iran
like no one before... and that is a fact.
Manou Marzban
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* Just ask in the kucheh
That's great! You have simply showed how BIG is the population of the
late Mosasdegh's fans (363 x 0.42 < 160) ["Iranian
of the century"].
For sure, you have done your best to get as many votes as possible by
sending your questioner to SELECTED people.
However, if you really mind whom the Iranians in GENERAL respect and
follow -- and still you don't know-- just go to Iran and ask the people
of "koocheh va baazaar".
Alireza
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Thursday
January 13, 2000
* I am UPSET
Please take me off your email list. Please. The reason is that I am
disappointed that you have chosen Mossadegh as your Iranian
of the century. That shows that your magazine is not worth reading.
It's understood that Ayatollah Khomeini is the Iranian of the century
-- no doubt . Whether for bad or good, he shook the world. He certainly
was the Iranian of the century as well as MAN OF THE CENTURY OF THE WORLD.
I am UPSET . We used to subscribe to your magazine but not any more.
Please take me off your email list. My friends are going to do the same.
Mustafa Khan
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* Amazed
I recently read "An
American in Iran". I was amazed at how well you understood and
appreciated the Iranian culture. But your flawless comprehension of Iranian
people, their feelings, and views, was the most impressive.
I am 15 years old, and sitting here with my grandfather who just recently
traveled from Iran to America for a knee surgery. We have lived back and
forth between Iran and America until I was nine, but finally we were able
to "flee" and come to live in the great U.S. permanently.
It has only been a year since my family has settled down and all together
again. Through the struggles we went through, I have changed quite a bit.
But I will never forget my roots. I actually went back to visit my family
last summer, and I felt just as you did. Even though I had lived in this
country, everything seemed so unorganized and less than what I had remembered.
I am fascinated that an American is so interested and fond of our culture
and country.
Reyhaneh Fathieh
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* Behrouz Vosouqi
In reference to Nostalgia photos:
Behrouz
Vosouqi used to live in Los Angeles. He now lives in the San Fransisco
Bay Area. Roumor has it that he owns a cafe. Haxamanesh
He became one of the followers of Mr. Angha who has set up his own Khanehghah
and Moreed-dom in the San Fransisco Bay Area. Moftaki
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Wednesday
January 12, 2000
* Tacky, sexist
Your "Bucket of Hilary" item [Anyway
section of The Iranian Times, Tuesday Jan 11] had under it a
note that said "Thanks to ..." I fail to see what there is to
be thankful for, either to the person submitting this item, or your publication
in choosing to print it.
The same issue that refers to one woman's "small breasts and large
thighs," included a letter that described the last sighting of a Miss
Iran candidate and informed readers that (Thank God!), she is "still attractive."
I read The Iranian to stay up-to-date about events in Iran, and
to experience the ideas and emotions of fellow Iranian expatriates. I'm
not interested in reading about how women's bodies measure up, or fail
to measure up, to beauty ideals.
Usually when I read The Iranian I find it informative and intellectually
stimulating. With this issue, I wasn't sure if I'd stumbled across a fraternity
party or a "dowreh" where a woman's weight and how "shekasteh"
she's become or not; are debated over tea.
This was tacky. This was puerile. This was sexist. This was not up to
your usual standards.
Gelareh Asayesh
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* Fair-minded
I am a young Iranian who has never visited Iran. I was born in Africa.
I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for your wonderful magazine
because of your fair-mindness and willingness to tackle issues.
I especially want to thank you for choosing Abdul-Baha, the son of the
founder of the Bahai faith, among your Iranians
of the century. It is only when we learn to respect each other's beliefs
that we can as Iranians enter a new century where peace and harmony reigns.
Sahba Sobhani
EDITOR: The choices made for the Iranian of the century were all
made by readers, not The Iranian magazine.
Go to top
* Impressed
I was impressed and proud when my fellow Iranians recognized the very
notable Iranian, Abdul-Baha ["Iranians
of the century"]. His contribitions, love, and service to all
Iranians as members of a world family really raised the worth and greatness
of our wonderful mother country, Iran. Although there is great hesitation
in admitance of this, Abdul-Baha lived his life in the true Iranian spirit.
Thank you very much.
Yasaman
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* Too paranoid
I couldn't pass on the opportunity to reply to the man who thought me
a new word: Asinine ["Mithraic
roots of Christianity"]! Mr. Salardini I presume was so infuriated
by me lack of sensible respect for Persia and anything that proves our
supremacy that he rushed to my condemnation without carefully reading the
few words I had put down.
Let me reply to some of his reasons for calling me asinine (and I love
this word!).
Mr. Salardini starts with: "The roots of Christmas in Mithraism
is well known and not subject to much debate." Well, not until you
have me around. That is the whole point of this forum: to debate.
Then he asserts: "Before 12th century the Christian symbol was
largely the fish (PX sounds like the Latin word for fish and PX is the
reverse of XP i.e Xi Rho that are the first two letter of Christos in Greek).
" To this I have no comment! It is too paranoid for even me! ...
... In response to my assertion that we were never the center of the
world, Mr. Salardini corrects me that: "Mr. Tabib is obviously unfamiliar
with the history of the Achaemenian empire." To which I have to say
that: No, I am not unfamiliar, but I am also keenly aware of a 20-something
boy-soldier named Alexander of Macedon who attacked the Persian empire
with a small army and outwitted the rulers of the world and laid their
empire to waste. Does that make Alexander or the Greeks the center of the
world and the spring-board of all civilization? Never! Neither can the
Persian empire of the old make that claim >>>
FULL TEXT
Ramin Tabib
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Tuesday
January 11, 2000
* Mithraic roots of Christianity
I am prompted by the facile and pseudo-intellectual letter
of Mr Tabib who being chuffed by his netsearching skills proceeded
to aptly demonstrate the common wisdom that little knowledge is more dangerous
than none.
The roots of Christmas in Mithraism is well known and not subject to
much debate ["Borrowed
ideas"]. The Aurelian Mithramas was on the 25th December. The
identification of Jesus with Mithras, the central figure in the Mithraic
Mysteries was more than coincidence. Mithras (originally Persian Mithra)
was also a messianic figure who was to renew life and redeem all with sacrifice.
He, like Yima, would slay the primordial bull Gush Urvan whose blood would
revitalise all. The symbol of Mithraism was in fact the cross that happily
co-incided with the mode of execution of Jesus himself ...
But what I find interesting is all the half truths that Mr Tabib uses
to advance his point. Firstly he asserts that all ancient peoples worshipped
the sun. True, but the word Mithra and Mithraism were not Egyptian or Celtic
or anything else but Persian. He then enumerates a assinine mixture of
historical festivals to no effect ...
He requests that " we all accept that we are not the center of
the world and never were". Mr Tabib is obviously unfamiliar with the
history of the Achaemenian empire. However in all fairness there is one
of his assertions that I agree with and that is that Mr Tabib is not "...
an expert in Christian traditions, or any tradition for that matter".
Ms
Shashaani was largely correct in her article. I find it interesting
that even when the West, in a rare instance of honesty, credits us with
something however insignificant, there should be an Iranian who refutes
it >>>
FULL TEXT
Arash Salardini
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* Nice try Jack
Ms. Shashaani ["Borrowed
ideas"] argues interestingly that Christmas may have something
to do with shab-e yalda and other old Persian traditions of that
period of the year. This is a fascinating and enjoyable article and the
author obviously knows her subject matter well.
However, I must say that I find the notion of attempting to relate Christmas
to the astrological/astronomical basis of shab-e yalda rather far-fetched.
Maybe she is right, I am no expert, but sometimes things are just simple
coincidences. Would anyone, for example, try to connect the Islamic Republic's
day (Farvardin 12) with April's Fool's Day in the West? ...
For example, did the Persians really make much significant contributions
to astronomy, as opposed to mainly borrowing concepts from the people that
they forcefully brought under their rule, such as Babylonians whose civilization
reached its height before it was invaded by the Persians?
Also while the word Magi may have been derived from Mogh (Zoroastrian
preacher), the origin of the three wise men is a lot more uncertain than
the article suggests. I am puzzled, in particular, how the author claims
that they came from the religious city of Qom when this city gained its
religious status only many centuries later and in the context of a different
religion, namely Islam.
In summary I would thank Ms. Shashaani for her very interesting article
but cannot help say nice (and enjoyable) try Jack, but let's not push it,
not everything has its origin in old Persian traditions >>>
FULL TEXT
Hossein Samiei
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* Still attractive
In reference to 1978 Miss Iran finalists:
Nazila
Alasti: She used to be my classmate at Northeastern University in Boston.
She got her BS in electrical engineering and went to Cornel University
to get her masters. After that I have no clue.
Roya
Pegahi: I had seen her in Egypt. Her father was the military attache
at the Iranian embassy. Four years ago when I went back to Iran, I got
invited to a party at her brother's house. She is married with children.
Still very attractive!
Fereshteh Golesorkhi
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* Still see her
In reference to Nostalgia photos:
I know Haleh
used to be a commentator in one of the Iranian TV stations down in Los
Angeles and she even used to live in the same apartment complex that we
lived in (Oakwoods Apartments) in San Fernando Valley where she videod
her programs from inside her apartment. Later she moved to a bigger place
I heard and you still see her occasionally on TV.
Annynmous
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Monday
January 10, 2000
* No gray area
In response to NS's
letter:
No one said that Khomeini was LOVED or reveered ["Runner
up: Iranian of the century"], although he did change history and
therefore -- and unfortunately -- he is an important personality.
The meaning of democracy IS: tolerating, accepting, respecting what
someone else is, eats, breathes, thinks, wears, reads, watches, does. The
reason why Iran is in this pathetic state is because people don't understand
how to be tolerant, accepting, respectful...
If someone IS different, Iranians either worship them or dump on them.
There's no happy medium, no grey area. Iranians will ALWAYS be damned because
of their hot heads and unwillingness to stop JUDGING. I hope this is clarified
a few things.
Banafsheh Zand
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* Frightening remarks
I was astonished to read the comments given about Khomeini being the
most influential Iranian ["Runner
up: Iranian of the century"]. Some people went as far as saying
that the late Ayatollah gave Iran freedom, dignity, and independance. The
absurdness of this statement is indicative of what a legacy Khomeini has
actually left behind for the Iranian people. It is the apathetic complacency
of these remarks that are so frightening.
The reality is that Ruhollah Khomeini was a maniacal patriarch who politicized
women and religion. As an emigre Iranian woman who left Iran more than
twenty years ago, I can honestly say that these remarks saddened me beyond
belief. The only thing that Khomeini did to and for the Iranian people,
was to break them mentally, spiritually, physically, and economically.
I distinctly remember the day that he died. My mother and father threw
a huge dinner party that evening; we had a party in his honor. I was only
about eleven years old than, just young and naive enough to believe that
once he died, so would his policies with him. But the legacy continues
>>>
FULL TEXT
Salmar
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* Brought down communism
I cannot find anyone else who changed the course of the 20th century
as effectively as Ayatollah Khomeni. The West got such a SHOCK by his rise
that it took years for it to recover. Khomeini made Zbigniew Brzezinski
to conclude that a green "Islamic" belt around the then Soviet
Union would contain communism.
Khomeini had this exact picture in mind. This is clear in the letter
he wrote to Gorbachev. Only a shot time later, the 20th century, which
began its journey with the October Revolution and continued through the
Cold War, experienced the shocking collapse of the Soviet Union. This was
Khomeini's contribution to the past century.
A.B.
Go to top
* Shahnz Tehrani & Noushafarin
In reference to Nostalgia photos:
Shahnaz
Tehrani, is living in Los Angeles and used to be very active. Lately
I have not heard or read anything about her, but she always takes part
in the Tanin TV show for Noruz. She has lost a lot of weight and looks
a little better than she used to.
Also, the singer Noushafarin
lives in Los Angeles and was married to the actor, Saeed Raad, who lately
has written a play in which he himself & Kambiz Ghorbani (Googoosh's
son) play the main characters. When Noushafarin left Iran years ago she
lived in India for some time and can speak Indian. She then lived in Canada
for a few years before moving to the U.S.
Simin Habibian
Go to top
Friday,
January 7, 2000
* Really really mad
I just read that Iranians have chosen Khomeini for the second Iranian
of the century. I cannot believe it... I am really really upset right
now. I am mad at those Iranians who are living abroad and having the best
fun and do everything they want to do and then they claim that they love
Khomeini. Why do they live abroad if they love Khomeini? They have to go
back to Iran and live in that country that he has made for Persia ...
People of Iran deserve what they get. They do not deserve a leader who
does everything for his country. They do not deserve a leader who is proud
of being an Iranian. They deserve poverty, high prices, boring lives, many
mollas, no joy, tears, and graves. They deserve to sit there and whatch
the development in the Arab countries. They deserve to move to other countries
and be called primitive, fundamentalist and terrorist >>>
FULL TEXT
NS
Go to top
* Meaningless
Regardng your survey of the iranian of the century, you note that the
survey was mailed to 16,600 people, of which 363 replied. Please note that
your response rate is so low (about 2 percent) that your results are quite
likely statistically meaningless and hence of little interest.
Since your surveying technique as I understand it does not make a random
sample anyway, you are better off simply making an editorial decision as
to the "person of the ...." in your future issues, and then invite
people to send in their reactions and their own choices. Major publications
like Time magazine have obviously already tuned in to this idea.
Peyman Milanfar
Go to top
* Not 2000 yet
Saeid Mahmoudi writes
in response to the Iranian of the century >>>
FULL TEXT IN PERSIAN
Go to top
Thursday
January 6, 2000
* Reza Shah robbed
The
Iranian of the century is for sure Reza Shah Kabir. Without him there
would have not been country named Iran as we know it.
I highly suggest most Iranians on this site take time and read Iranian
history. Prior to the arrival of Reza Shah on the political scene, Iran
was a country of eight to 10 million people with a negative population
growth due to all sort of diseases, malaise, hunger, etc. Each region had
feudal warlords who were running the show for themselves and their foreign
masters.
It was Reza Shah who united Iran, restored peace, laid a foundation
for modern Iran. Despite his lack of education he emphasized the importance
of education, freedom for women, building of infrastructure and so on.
It is sad to see Iranians choosing Mossadegh as the Iranian of the century.
While no one can deny Mossadegh's contribution to the country and his effort
to nationalize oil, fact of the matter is that he was a second-rate, thick-headed
politician who's actions alienated all his supporters in the end, and created
an environment of social instability which would have sooner or later thrown
the country to the arms of the communists, or would have caused the disintegration
of country all together.
Yek Irani Fahmideh
Go to top
* Never progress if...
In response to Behrouz Sadigh's letter: Iran will
never face true democracy, will never progress and will never attain a
civil society unless people can learn to respect and tolerate other's opinions
and beliefs.
Glayol Banaie
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* Earlier beauties
Before Zan-e-Rooz picked up the idea of launching the Iran
Miss Pageant, another leading women's magazine, named Ettela'at-e-Banovan,
carried that idea out successfully in the summer of 1962.
In the beautiful slopes and beaches of the Caspian Sea, Ettela'at selected
an 18-year-old beauty named Homa Kafai of Mashad among many contestants.
The girls aspiring to the title had to be beautiful, poised, intelligent,
academically bright, and had to represent the ideals and values of the
the traditional Iranian society.
Do you have a copy of that particular issue? Or can you gain access
to it? It would be worthwhile if you could advertise the need. someone
may come up with that beautiful page in Iran's recent past.
Amin Fekrat, Ph.D.
Go to top
Wednesday
January 5, 2000
* Respect for other's opinions
In response to Behrouz Sadigh who wrote: "Please remove
my name from your mailing and subscription list. I can and will not support
a publication who lists a communist ["Mohammad
Mossadegh"] as its man of the century. I believe the Shah of Iran
was deserving of that title, but since you own the publication and not
I, it would be better if I were removed from your listing. "
I would have been happy if our friend presented some evidence as proof
of his claim rather than cancelling his subscription just because The
Iranian reported a piece of news. It did not appear to me that this
was the Times' decision at all.
The first lesson we should learn in this free society is respect for
other people's opinion and tolerance for opposing points of view. This
intolerance of others is unfornunately the sign of our time. I constantly
notice that more and more American readers of newspapers and journals cancel
their subscription because they see something in those publications they
do not like! >>>
FULL TEXT
Ali Parsa
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* Human rights violators
One thing that was not mentioned about these "Men
of the Century" and all their accomplices is that they took Iran
to a much higher plateau that deserves the highest recognition in the field
of Human Rights Violation. But who is interested in that?!
History will tell in time what these people did . To expose a blinded
folded nation to light after being in such absolute darkness is bound to
lead to mass blindness. Their motto has been, "If we can't see them,
they can't see us".
Sohrab Sepehr
Go to top
* No relation
Nematollah Aghasi is not Andy
Madadian's father. A lot of people make that mistake. Andy is Armenian
and has become very well known specially in the Spanish community. The
Los Angeles Times and People Magazine had articles about him a couple of
times. Because of the rumor, the two met for the first time last year and
are planning to have a concert together this year.
Simin Habibian
Editor: The mistake has been corrected. Thanks.
Go to top
Tuesday
January 4, 2000
* Mossadegh? Why?
I was truly amazed or, for the lack of better word, disappointed in
the selection of the majority of the respondents to the Iranian
of the century survey. I would have expected by now most but not all
would have figured out what has happened to them in the world of geopolitics
since the last world war. Looking back at the real history, as Mr. Mossadegh
himself commented to his trusted circle, how easily he was fooled to ally
himself with the so-called religious sect (Mr./Ayatollah Kashani, Majles
speaker post 1952).
Mr. Mossadegh was the one who made the choice of calling/arranging for
the late Shah to get back his throne. At his death bed as he confessed
to his mistakes of fighting against the Pahlavi regime, he should have
found a way to work with them and defeat the US/UK/France in their own
divide and conquer game >>>
FULL TEXT
Parviz Zavareh
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* Communist
Please remove my name from your mailing and subscription list. I can
and will not support a publication who lists a communist as its man of
the century. I believe the Shah of Iran was deserving of that title, but
since you own the publication and not I, it would be better if I were removed
from your listing.
Behrouz Sadigh
Go to top
Monday
January 3, 2000
NONE
Go to top
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