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Thursday
November 30, 2000
* Not me
I would like to clear something up. I have been receiving hateful emails regarding
a letter that was posted on your site. However, I did not post
this letter.
Someone is using my email to behave offensively, or they have a very similar email
to mine. I just wanted to let you know that I myself am not a hateful person, and
whatever that lettter or article said, it did not come from me.
Sarah Harrison
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* So little progress
In response to Iraani, you should have lived in Europe of the
Dark Ages; you would have found the social conditions much more to your liking.
I am at a loss though as to this chicken and egg situation; does your stupidity
stem from your inhumanity and bigotry or is it the other way around?
Your letter is a grim reminder of how little, as a species, we have progressed
since our kind left the caves.
Yari Ostovany
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* Love is blind
In response to Iraani,
I would say that her letter stinks of prejudice and makes it quite evident that she
is quite a biased person when the colour of the facial pigment is concerned.
If a man likes a woman [Maryam
and Daryl] and they understand each other or vice versa then I think that there
should be no barriers of caste , colour or creed. because love is blind.
Syed Zaki Abbas
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* Other heroes
In the past few weeks you have had articles about our "heroes" ["Making a hero"].
I am sending these photos in celebration and remembrance of some other heroes of
the not-too-distant past (Fadaaiye Khalq) >>>
SEE HERE
Morad Shoorideh
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Wednesday
November 29, 2000
* Unbelievable stupidity
In response to Iraani, the real disgrace is that you have no
shame in publicly expressing such a racist opinion. You cannot claim to speak for
"all of us" or "our kind".
I for one do not share your opinion, and I have never felt so angry at any letter
yet published on iranian.com. I've long known that Maryam and Daryl are both wonderful
people [Maryam
and Daryl], but I'm only beginning to fully understand how courageous they are
in standing up against the unbelievable stupidity of people like yourself.
Zara Houshmand
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* Tearing down individuals
In response to Iraani,
I hope she realizes that racism is exactly what her closed-minded and judgemental
message portrays.
It's clear that Iraani feels that the actions of Iranians speak for the Iranian
community. However, in making that the statement that she did, I feel that Iraani,
not Maryam [Maryam
and Daryl], is depicting a negative picture of her community >>>
FULL TEXT
Kyra Liston
Chicago
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* She LOVES him
In response to Iraani's email: it's people like you who make
Iranians look so freakin' backwards sometimes.
What is your kind, anyways? Another spoiled, rich, half/half kid who takes pride
in the fact that she has "Indo-European" blood in her who will marry some
rich, fat doctor.
I for one am glad that Maryam married a Black man, because she LOOVES him, not
because he's Black [Maryam
and Daryl].
I guess that love comes second, third, or fourth for you, however. Good luck finding
a man who will tolerate you in the future.
Qtipp
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* No need for radicalism
I read the interesting analysis of Dr. Ali Akbar Mahdi ["Making
a hero"]... The only point with which I disagree is the underlying assumption
of the article that any social change necessarily involves violence and rejection
of social institutions. In other words, a prescription is implied that more unrest
and more radicalism, or otherwise "ghahr-e enghelabi" are essential tools
for any institutional change in Iran >>>
FULL TEXT
Poopak Taati
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Tuesday
November 28, 2000
* Right on the money
Ali Akbar Mahdi ["Making
a hero"] is right on the money when he suggests that Ebrahim Nabavi made
a mockery of the court by engaging in a theatrical resistance to his captors and
making the whole trial look like a farce.
For those who are familiar with his work, Nabavi's performance in court was indistinguishable
from some of his published writings. His "defense" was perhaps by far the
best piece of satire produced by him.
It is a sign of Nabavi's genius that he has been able to use his own "trial"
to communicate his satire to his audience, now that he can no longer publish his
works.
Arash Alavi
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* Married a Black man?!!
I was very upset to see that a person degraded herself so much that she married
a Black man [Maryam
and Daryl]!!! This is a disgrace to all of us!!!!
AND worse than that you put her picture on your site as if she was some kind of
hero or something!!! Even though she is not all that but still it is big disgrace
to our kind!!!
Iraani
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* Streak in Iranian character
Well done to The Iranian Times for publishing the letter entitled "Proud to be Persian" right below the utterly disgusting
piece written by our learned friend Mr Farzad Farahani. I suppose the irony will
be lost on Mr Farahani.
Mr Farahani demonstrates a streak in the Iranian character (both male and female)
which makes me feel ashamed of being Persian.
Katayoun Jarrah-Layegh
London
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Monday
November 27, 2000
* Deny satisfaction to the Black Menace
The prerequisite for gaining admission into the Iranian political folklore, more
often than not, has called for fortitude to bear physical and/or psychological pain
["Dictators
create heroes"]. Pain inflicted at the hands of the henchmen of various
regimes struggling to elongate their master's despotic rule.
At the same time the public's penchant to disregard a former hero's exploits at
the first sign of capitulation in the form of written and lately, televised "confession"
has not been lost to the very regimes >>>
FULL TEXT
Shahriar Zangeneh
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Thank you for your article, "Defiance
vs. regret". Anyone can speak or write about reform and progress. What separates
ordinary men from genuine heroes however, is the steadfast preservation of one's
convictions through the ugly and horrid flavor of places like Evin.
Akbar Ganji has so gallantly proven that indeed he is a genuine hero. As a member
of Mr. Khomeini's inner circle he has had the opportunity to witness first hand the
corruption of the new system and its culprits. He could have easily taken advantage
of his connections in order to advance his own station and net worth. Yet, as a true
and noble revolutionary, he has been fearlessly yearning, without deviation or distraction,
to help foster the genuine revolution to it's desired destiny. Thus he has been labeled
"a thorn" in the regime's side >>>
FULL TEXT
Kambiz Ameli
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* Harshness repels
I feel very sorry to read your story, "Generation
gap". Recently I was in Madina, and I remember reading the Ayat of the Quran
where Allah says to our beloved Prophet that "We made you kind and gentle, and
had we made you 'harsh hearted' then you would have repelled most of the people".
This is so very true, when you think and imagine how Islam became a religion,
at least in name, for the Arabs who were the most uncivilized of all people, who
needed the guidance more than anyone else.
I am religious (only Allah deserves the praise and thanks for that) and that is
because I grew up in a loving, understanding, and positive environment, but there
was also religious discipline.
Nobody should be physically punished and violated with harsh attitude for it only
serves to 'repel' most of us away from our beautiful religion.
Mahmood Kara, MD, FRCSC Toronto, Canada
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Wednesday
November 22, 2000
* Grow up, for God's sake
If you think there is a single "untouched piece of cake" in Iran, you
are a very dumb man ["Real
Iranian girls?"]. Generation X women in Iran are probably the most "touched"
on this earth. You will have better luck in New York's Central Park.
You know, only dumb fucking men like you buy into that crap. Wake up dumb Iranian
men!! How long will Iranian women be able to fool you? It's all a lie. Grow up, for
God's sake, you are an embarassment to our nation and culture!!! >>>
FULL TEXT
Mojdeh Mohseni
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* That time of the month?
As an Iranian man I resent your article ["Happy
without you"]. You were either very mad at the time you wrote this article
and/or you were on your monthly period.
I have read and listened to many such arguments and most of them were from women
who were deprived of fatherly love. Most of you suffer depression for being overweight,
ugly or suffer from lack of attention from Iranian men who may find you less desirable
>>> FULL
TEXT
Farzad Farahani
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* Be a proud Persian
I would just like to point out how proud I feel to be Iranian. I am half british,
half Persian.
There are a lot of Iranians I know who just seem to have given up on their country,
or are ashamed to say that they are Persian. They are just sell-outs, especiallly
Iranian guys.
I`m not saying that they should walk around carrying the Iran flag, but they should
remember who and what they are, and be proud of their roots.
You should adapt to your surroundings and be broadminded and not think backwards
but, when asked where you are from, you should be proud to say that you're Persian!!?!
Tannaz Hussaini
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Tuesday
November 21, 2000
* We love heroes, but...
I read with much interest, both intellectually and emotionally, the article by
Mr. Baniasadi ["Dictators
create heroes"]... A simple question that I have is what happens to us regular
people when heroes come to our lives? What happens to us when someone comes along
and tries to carry much of the burden that we were supposed to carry? The burden
could be, and most of the time is, emotional, intellectual and involves some action.
Instead of being active participants in the process, we become hopeful and dependent
on that one hero >>>
FULL TEXT
Bardia Saeedi
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* Mouthpiece for half-baked intellectuals
Why does The Iranian not report the speeches and sayings of the leader
of the Iranian nation (Ayatollah Khamenei)? True or empty as his rhetoric may be
(depending on your view of the current regime), it should be publicised.
Iranian.com shouldn't serve as the mouthpiece for out of touch, half-baked intellectuals
and sub-intellectual pop culture kiddies. Please do not publish this.
Anonymous
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* Pontificating
Mr. Jahanbagloo: Who are these "young intellectuals" you seem to like
so much? ["The
fourth generation"] Where are there books? Do they publish out of L.A. or
Tehran?
Your kind is a sad example of a kind of pseudo-intellectual tumor that has been
growing from the womb of Iran Khanum for a hundred years now. The typical claim to
fame: a mediocre Western education and a birthright to bash your ancestral countrymen.
By the way where does this "monistic attitude" from Heidegger and Marx
come from? Why don't you discuss what these thinkers mean instead of pontificating
from your lofty ivory tower? But that would be too hard on your readers.
Iranyar
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Monday
November 20, 2000
* Positive toward gay rights
It is wonderful to see that Iranians are taking a more and more positive position
toward gay rights ["Iranian
opposition groups back gay rights"]. It means that Iranians are taking some
steps toward modernism and domocray. I believe in a better future for all Iranians.
Nasim B.
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* Making the point for Ms. Pirazseh
Ms Pirasteh wrote a heartfelt piece about her issues with Iranian men and their
suitability as a husband for her ["Happy
without you"]. At no time did she claim to speak for all Iranian women,
nor did she disclaim the lesson in the saying that every goat has its own grass.
Mr. Tabib's criticism of Ms. Pirasyeh's piece and her opinion on the subject ["Trivial squabbling"]
made Ms. Pirasteh's point for her. So he proclaims that if mad eking, he would send
up the river people who use pronouns and the language in a certain way.
Lovely! Baa andaki kherad daanaa saazi ze naadaan, leek bekharvaar ham nashavad
nafahmee aanchenaan.
Guive Mirfendreski
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* Daagh-e del
This one ["Khaaneh"]
really "daagh-e delam ra taazeh kard". I really miss the crisp cool Tehran
winters. Not to mention how much I miss having a day to just stay in and do a bit
of soul-searching. A real rare luxury here in Boston.
To top it off "delam aab oftaad" from your elaborate description of
the ambrosia you were cooking!
It's time I visited the Iranian restaurant soon.Thanks a million for keeping me
connected with the essence of being a true Shemirani. I relive it thru your incredible
writing!
Nezam
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Friday,
November 17, 2000
* Live and let live
Is it my imagination or is there a major dance of anger going on between men and
women ["Happy
withoiut you", "Nothing
more than cows"]? Assuming it's not my imagination, is this anger restricted
to Iranians and Iranians living in the U.S.?
Actually, let's step back, if you will. Why are you angry? If some of our Iranian
brothers choose to marry our Iranian sisters in Iran, then shouldn't we wish them
well? If some of our Iranian sisters want to continue focussing on their careers
or enjoy certain liberties, then shouldn't we say live and let live?
Am I missing something? Is this a zero sum game?
Shirley Mirzayoff
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* Let's fix our problems
In reply to both Ms. Banafshe Piraste ["Happy
withoiut you"] and Mr. Cyrus Raafat ["Nothing
more than cows"] who have directied thier utmost anger towards each other,
I belive it is no good for either Iranian men or women to try and ruin each other.
The fact is that if there are wrong elements in a culture (which to some extent
exist in any culture including ours), they are going to affect men and women equally
... We should take advantage of this free society to try fix them >>>
FULL TEXT
K.A.
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* Sadness, realness
Your writings [Sadaf Kiani Abbassian]
have a sadness or realness about them. They remind me of Tehran, Fall of 1999. I
was there to bury my mom. It was so sad. She also loved Hafez. From her house balcony,
you can see the mountains.
When I was there 1 1/2 years ago, I made her lots of pots (with flowers of course).
She loved them. Every morning, she would drink her tea on the balcony next to the
flowers and tell me how much she enjoyed her flowers.
I also like your art-work ["Solitude"].
The lady with "blue" necklace. There is a story behind that one too.
Amir
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Thursday
November 16, 2000
* One man one vote
Guive Mirfendereski's article ["Keep
it the way it is"] is very similar to the reasoning I hear these days by
Republicans against the popular vote. Like them, your scare tactic against the popular
vote is targeted towards Democrats...
The simplest reason that the popular vote is the fairest way is that it would
be inclusive of all the voters in an election. The most progressive countries in
the world have adopted this system. I do not have a certain political leaning towards
Republicans or Democrats, but I strongly believe in one man one vote >>>
FULL TEXT
Masoud Fazeli
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* Salieri reading Mozart
I think you owe it to the world to get Sadaf
Kiani Abbassian to commit to writing full-time. Everyone is almost s*&# comapred
to her. Every time I read her articles I feel like I am Salieri reading Mozart's
work!
Ramin
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* Nothing more than cows
Just look into the eyes of one of these Iranian-American girls and you will see
a socio-pathic, ruthless, cold-blooded self-centered attitude fully developed in
this materialistic and hedonistic society. They are so self-assured they are almost
masculine and as "torshideh" as they may become, they are still nothing
more than cows in my opinion. Just looking at their eyes you will see a Western woman.
There is no gracefulness or propriety, just nothing to be coveted >>>
FULL TEXT
Cyrus Raafat
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Friday,
November 17, 2000
* Live and let live
Is it my imagination or is there a major dance of anger going on between men and
women ["Happy
withoiut you", "Nothing
more than cows"]? Assuming it's not my imagination, is this anger restricted
to Iranians and Iranians living in the U.S.?
Actually, let's step back, if you will. Why are you angry? If some of our Iranian
brothers choose to marry our Iranian sisters in Iran, then shouldn't we wish them
well? If some of our Iranian sisters want to continue focussing on their careers
or enjoy certain liberties, then shouldn't we say live and let live?
Am I missing something? Is this a zero sum game?
Shirley Mirzayoff
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* Let's fix our problems
In reply to both Ms. Banafshe Piraste ["Happy
withoiut you"] and Mr. Cyrus Raafat ["Nothing
more than cows"] who have directied thier utmost anger towards each other,
I belive it is no good for either Iranian men or women to try and ruin each other.
The fact is that if there are wrong elements in a culture (which to some extent
exist in any culture including ours), they are going to affect men and women equally
... We should take advantage of this free society to try fix them >>>
FULL TEXT
K.A.
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* Sadness, realness
Your writings [Sadaf Kiani Abbassian]
have a sadness or realness about them. They remind me of Tehran, Fall of 1999. I
was there to bury my mom. It was so sad. She also loved Hafez. From her house balcony,
you can see the mountains.
When I was there 1 1/2 years ago, I made her lots of pots (with flowers of course).
She loved them. Every morning, she would drink her tea on the balcony next to the
flowers and tell me how much she enjoyed her flowers.
I also like your art-work ["Solitude"].
The lady with "blue" necklace. There is a story behind that one too.
Amir
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Thursday
November 16, 2000
* One man one vote
Guive Mirfendereski's article ["Keep
it the way it is"] is very similar to the reasoning I hear these days by
Republicans against the popular vote. Like them, your scare tactic against the popular
vote is targeted towards Democrats...
The simplest reason that the popular vote is the fairest way is that it would
be inclusive of all the voters in an election. The most progressive countries in
the world have adopted this system. I do not have a certain political leaning towards
Republicans or Democrats, but I strongly believe in one man one vote >>>
FULL TEXT
Masoud Fazeli
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* Salieri reading Mozart
I think you owe it to the world to get Sadaf
Kiani Abbassian to commit to writing full-time. Everyone is almost s*&# comapred
to her. Every time I read her articles I feel like I am Salieri reading Mozart's
work!
Ramin
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* Nothing more than cows
Just look into the eyes of one of these Iranian-American girls and you will see
a socio-pathic, ruthless, cold-blooded self-centered attitude fully developed in
this materialistic and hedonistic society. They are so self-assured they are almost
masculine and as "torshideh" as they may become, they are still nothing
more than cows in my opinion. Just looking at their eyes you will see a Western woman.
There is no gracefulness or propriety, just nothing to be coveted >>>
FULL TEXT
Cyrus Raafat
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Wednesday
November 15, 2000
* Electoral system held up well
Mr. Mirfendereski's defense of the U.S. electoral college system ["Keep
it the way it is"] was so elitist that for a few moments I questioned my
own faith in the system. Then I had to revert to my university books and see for
myself why I was for it...
And it has held up well. Mainly because one has to consider that in a country
governed by a federal system, such as the Unites States, there is not really one
election, but as many elections as there are states; in this case, there 50 states
plus D.C., therefore there are 51 elections, each with ITS OWN majority rule. This
satisfies those who seek majority rule (within each state only) and those who seek
egalitarian state representation >>>
FULL TEXT
Ramin Tabib
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* Non-violent struggle? How?
Regarding Mr. Majid Tehranian "More
powerful force", how is it possible to soothe those people who have suffered
these losses to come to grips with the peace proposed by Mr. Tehranian? It is easy
to sit back and say that now that you can't bring back these people let's stop getting
more people killed. While he is right in the sense that the blood shed must be stopped
it is so irresponsible asking those who have suffered the losses to sit at a table
and talk about future with those who have inflicted the losses >>>
FULL TEXT
Jamshid Entesari
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* Funniest damn article
That's about the funniest damn article that I've read on this site ["The
rules"]. Brother, you have humorously outdone most other folks who contribute
with their literary work. Your piece was accurate, to the damn point, and downright
funny as a shitsack fallin' off the Empire State Building. Keep up the good work.
Reza
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Tuesday
November 14, 2000
* Arranged marriage in trouble
I am reaching out to all tose Iranian women to help me in a very hard legal battle
which I have ahead of me with my husband who has simply thrown me out of the house.
I had one of those oversea's arranged marriages, where my family thought it was
better for me to be married to anybody rather than remaining in Iran and listening
to constant negatvie talks behind me...
I don't have much time as the trial date is comming up soon. Please help me with
any information related to my situation >>>
FULL TEXT
A battered iranian woman
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* I am considering a nose job
I am writing from Bangladesh. I have read the article "Eat,
sleep, nose Job" produced by Najmeh Fakhraie. I have read before about the
boom in nasal plastic surgery among the young Iranian generation recently.
Now I have come across the name of some good plastic surgeons in Iran while reading
articles about the popular nose jobs in Iran, for example Dr. Ali Akbar Jalali >>> FULL TEXT
Md. Abdul Aleem
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* All those things we call "ma'naviyat"
I simply write to tell you that the variety of stories that The Iranian Times
carries is so wonderful as it keeps me in touch with the romantic, abstract,
feelings, passions, emotions, and all those things we call "ma'naviyat".
It's that and not so much the current news that drives me to click my mouse button
every morning on your icon title on my desktop computer.
Hamid Nazari
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Monday
November 13, 2000
* Trivia amid Gangi's desperate shouts
Who could listen and read about Akbar
Ganji and not have the hairs stick-up on their skin. News like this from our
beloved motherland makes the squabling and bickering about "Iranian girls"
or about pop stars and all the rest that we discuss in this cyber forum seem shamelessly
trivial...
The bottom line is this: how can we in all honesty gather in this cyber-forum
and go on discussing everything under the sun but our real concern and sympathy toward
the struggle for freedom going on in Iran. Here we are endowed with the blessing
of the right to free speech and we waste it on trivia >>>
FULL TEXT
S. S. Javid
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* Kind of irrelevant
I read Mahdiyeh Javid's story "Hoosh
o zekaavat-e irooni," and I think the article, or the story, or whatever
you want to call it was kind of irrelevant.
One might find some sort of truth in the story, but within a certain age group
whose behavior is as such universally.
And why stick to the negatives, when we can emphasize a lot of positives. I know
a lot of Iranian youth who bust their backs trying to make something of themselves
with an honest day's work ­ figuratively speaking.
I guess the verbiage reflects the writer's age and general attitude anyway, so
it was not surprising.
Harf Hesab
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* Cheating not exclusive
Regarding Mahdieh Javid's article, "Hoosh
o zekaavat-e irooni," we should test every idea in the crucible of experience
and make sure that we have considered every idea in our search for truth and in our
attempt to be fair and square.
I especially liked Mahdiyeh's writing in colloquial Farsi which is now common
among the youth of her age as I observed in Iran in my trips. Her style of writing
is admirable and the sign of time >>>
FULL TEXT
Ali A. Parsa
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Thursday
November 9, 2000
* Trivial squabbling
Regarding Banafsheh Pirasteh's "Happy
without you", if I am ever the king the first people against the wall would
be those who can NEVER stop themselves from using words such "you all"
and "generally" without understanding the meaning behind those words...
Ms. Pirasteh has reduced the level of her discourse to that of trivial squabbling.
By reducing women to either Madonnas or Whores and reducing Men to either Abusive
Machos or Pious Geeks all that is achieved is a banal stereotyping, that's all >>> FULL TEXT
Ramin Tabib
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* Not my intention
In reply to Ramin Tabib's letter, "Trivial
squabbling ", I wanted to apologize if I have offended you in any way for
that was not my intention for writing my piece ["Happy
without you"]. I was simply voicing my opinion on Cyrus Raafat's "Real Iranian girls?"
In addition, I would like to inform you that I do not categorize men or women
for we are all different individuals just looking for the meaning of life and trying
to find happiness and peace within ourselves. I understand my piece is bold and well,
a bit rude! >>>
FULL TEXT
Banafsheh Pirasteh
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* Will you marry me?
Banafsheh joon ["Happy
withoiut you"], don't put your hand on my stomach. I understand your pain.
Will you marry me? I am looking for a soul mate. I do not need her to need me. And
she does not have to cook. I can cook. I need to be challenged.
And I need you to be sophisticated and into your career so I don't have to babysit
you. You need to be intelligent so with my looks (5'-3", 285 lbs, chapool, pashmAloo
and three missing right toes) we can make it as a couple >>>
FULL TEXT
khAkeh zireh pAtoon
Asghar Jaragheh
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* What about U.S. divorces?
Regarding Banafsheh Pirasteh's "Happy
without you", I am certain that you are intelligent, sophisticated, classy,
independent, deep and open-minded.
My only concern is your need to bash Iranian men who choose to go to Iran to get
married.
Even if these marriages don't work, can't we classify them among all the other
marriages in the US that end in divorce?
A single Iranian-American woman
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Wednesday
November 8, 2000
* No matter who's president
It looks like George W. Bush is going to be elected as the next president of the
United States. A friend said the following about the president-elect: George W. has
his father's charisma, his mother's intelligence and ex-president Reagan's Alzheimer...
Iran and Iranians should take care of themselves. Regardless of who is elected,
Iranians must participate peacefully in the democratic process and voice their opinions.
Our contributions must be recognized regardless of who is in the office >>>
FULL TEXT
Mohammad Ala
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* Iran has done nothing about stolen mummies
I am both concerned and also very sad about the theft
of royal mummies from Iranian soil and their eventual recovery in Pakistan. One
man was arrested in Pakistan and another in Iran...
Now we know if it was an "aftaabeh" that belonged to some fake imamzadeh,
the akhoonds would have invaded Pakistan by now. But sadly they have always tried
to separate us from our past >>>
FULL TEXT
Bahman
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* Iranian of the day
I don't have a photograph of her, but I nominate Mahdiyeh Javid as Iranian of
the Day. Among other things, I find her to be highly intelligent, affectionate, witty,
an excellent writer ["Hoosh
o zekaavat-e irooni"] and photographer ["Azadeh",
"Voter"].
Shirley Mirzayoff
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Tuesday
November 7, 2000
* Wake up and smell the kashk
In response to Sadaf's letter, "Mind
your own business," you are so full of horse manure. Why don't you wake
up and smell the kashk!?
Your concerns should be directed to why, how and when Iran is going to have a
better economy, less deficit, more jobs, more quality schools, giving more money
to teachers, demanding higher excellence from teachers, reduce air and ground pollution,
eradicating bribery, real respect for human beings and at least hundred other important
issues that affects the daily life of all Iranians, and not the crap you wrote.
Of course, you all have been told that all your problems is the fault of the West.
How typical, blame all your problems and shortcomings on others. When will you wake
up and accept responsibility for your actions?
The misery that all Iranians are suffering is because they are blindly following
their leaders and accepting the horse manure they're feeding y'all.
Aref Eghbalian
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* Oppression forced us to leave
In response to Sadaf's letter, "Mind
your own business," maa az kotah fekri kesaani messl shomaa az iran faraari
hasteem. maa az zoorgooeei faraari hasteem.
khod-e ayatollah khomeinei ham beh hamin daleel dar zamaan-e shah saalhaaye ziyaadi
as mamlekat khaarej bood. haala zoorgooi shekl jadidi gerfteh. aaaya ishaan ham irani
naboodand? ishaan ham dar iran namaand ke zendaan beravand va koshteh beshavand.
kesaani ke haazer neestand zeer tahmil va zoor zendegi konand az kesaani ke messl
bareh harf-e har hokoomati raa ghabool konand vatan parast tar hastand. maa iraniaan-e
vatan parast-e bi hejaab hasteem keh haazer neesteem mesl-e hezaaraan zanaan daakhle
iran doorooghi chaador beh sar koneem.
iran rooz o shab baa maast va maa beh omid khod meeraseem keh yek rooz dar irani
zendegi koneem keh na shomaa na maa bekhaater tarz fekre yaa tarz lebaas pooshidanemaan
baazdasht shaveem va hagh bahss-e aazaad daashteh baasheem.
Mashadi
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* Need votes? Advertise
In reply to Masoud Neshat's letter, "Iranian-American candidates,"Politics
is not much different than business and marketing is a significant part of both.
Iranian-American politicians who want to run for the public office would naturally
need a lot of publicity. And my understanding is that they normally allocate a large
budget for this purpose.
In my opinion, if Iranian-American politicians need Iranian-American support,
they should run paid ads in iranian.com, just like political ads in non-Iranian media.
Abbas Atrvash
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Monday
November 6, 2000
* Iranian-American candidates
I have noticed that you focus significantly on the U.S. presidential election.
However, to my disappointment you tend to ignore the Iranian-Americans who are running
for public office. I recognize that in the past you have given minimum coverage to
some candidates. However, as an information medium serving the Iranian community,
you should have given more coverage to the Iranian-Americans running for office in
the U.S.
Masoud Neshat
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When I first saw only the title of Mr. Hoveyda's article "Curbing
men" , I hoped that he had written about another aspect of sexual morality
in paternalistic society, particularly in my homeland. In paternalistic societies
men enjoy sexual freedom far more than women. In Islam, pre-marital sex is forbidden
as is also in Judaism and Christianity based on their holy books.
In Iran, though, if a man has pre-marital sex and frequent at that or with frequent
partners, he is admired for his sexual prowess. Yet, in Iran, if a woman were to
do so, she would be condemned, abandoned and denied by her own family and often even
murdered. We regularly heard of such news in the ancien regime as well as during
the rule of the current one >>>
FULL TEXT
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* Persian impressionism
These works ["Real
people"] remind me of Mansour Atashzad's works, however some of them are
terrific. Ahmad Vakili has an original style anyway. Nice Persian impressionism!
Faramarz Kaviani
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Friday,
November 3, 2000
* Nader helping Bush
I appreciated Babak Yektafar's piece, "The
other guy". And Ralph Nader - a long-time crusader for consumers' rights
and a clean environment - risks becoming just that: the other guy.
Babak's questions about Nader's motives are right on target. To my Iranian-American
left and liberal friends, I ask you to consider the impact of voting for a candidate
whose 4-5% will supposedly open up the American political process in a tight presidential
race.
Although Nader may lift the Green Party out of relative and undeserved obscurity,
he seems oblivious to the concerns of those who might be among his natural constituents
- the working poor whose social safety net Bush will shred, and women whose right
to privacy Bush appointees to the Supreme Court would likely overturn.
The choices in this contest a very real, as will be the consequences.
Haleh Vaziri
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* Voters wanted
I am a filthy rich businessman. A well-dressed womanizer who loves to give exciting
meaningless speeches and understands the value of fine wine and hand-wrapped Cuban
cigars. Due to my exhaustion from the enjoyment of an extravagant life and by recommendation
of my psychotherapist, recently I have developed an interest in politics and am planning
to run for office.
Just a few days ago, I have been informed by my political advisors that my wealth
and family connections are necessary but not enough to achieve my goals. Therefore
to properly feed my huge ego and fulfill my twisted needs, I am currently looking
for millions of qualified voters to help me in the upcoming elections.
If you are physically capable of waving the flag and cheering every few minutes
during speechs, specially when you don't understand what the heck I am talking about,
you are qualified. Thinking is not necessary but qualified candidates must be naive
and gullible voters who love to be taken advantage of and willing to actively participate
in our democratic election process.
Saeed Tavakkol
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* Manzoor?
After reading "Positive
attitude" in the Anyway section, the first thing that popped in my mind
was "manzoor?"
If the piece is a statement about one's constitution, then we are getting into
the nature/nurture debate. I've spent the last two weeks serving as a juror in a
murder case. I've had the opportunity, or shall I say misfortune, of delving into
the psyches of angry young people who seem to have never had a break.
Having a positive attitude is fine and dandy, so long as one doesn't belong to
an underprivileged, disenfranchised class. Don't you think?
S.M.
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* Quite didactic
Well put ["Curbing
men"]. Remnants of ancient, phallic nomadic mentality within our culture
need to be annihilated. However short, your essay was quite didactic.
Your suggestion for sexual equality as a means of repenting for past acrimonious
outlook upon women's rights in Persian culture is reverenced. Thank you for the erudition.
Reza
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Friday,
November 3, 2000
* Nader helping Bush
I appreciated Babak Yektafar's piece, "The
other guy". And Ralph Nader - a long-time crusader for consumers' rights
and a clean environment - risks becoming just that: the other guy.
Babak's questions about Nader's motives are right on target. To my Iranian-American
left and liberal friends, I ask you to consider the impact of voting for a candidate
whose 4-5% will supposedly open up the American political process in a tight presidential
race.
Although Nader may lift the Green Party out of relative and undeserved obscurity,
he seems oblivious to the concerns of those who might be among his natural constituents
- the working poor whose social safety net Bush will shred, and women whose right
to privacy Bush appointees to the Supreme Court would likely overturn.
The choices in this contest a very real, as will be the consequences.
Haleh Vaziri
Go to top
* Voters wanted
I am a filthy rich businessman. A well-dressed womanizer who loves to give exciting
meaningless speeches and understands the value of fine wine and hand-wrapped Cuban
cigars. Due to my exhaustion from the enjoyment of an extravagant life and by recommendation
of my psychotherapist, recently I have developed an interest in politics and am planning
to run for office.
Just a few days ago, I have been informed by my political advisors that my wealth
and family connections are necessary but not enough to achieve my goals. Therefore
to properly feed my huge ego and fulfill my twisted needs, I am currently looking
for millions of qualified voters to help me in the upcoming elections.
If you are physically capable of waving the flag and cheering every few minutes
during speechs, specially when you don't understand what the heck I am talking about,
you are qualified. Thinking is not necessary but qualified candidates must be naive
and gullible voters who love to be taken advantage of and willing to actively participate
in our democratic election process.
Saeed Tavakkol
Go to top
* Manzoor?
After reading "Positive
attitude" in the Anyway section, the first thing that popped in my mind
was "manzoor?"
If the piece is a statement about one's constitution, then we are getting into
the nature/nurture debate. I've spent the last two weeks serving as a juror in a
murder case. I've had the opportunity, or shall I say misfortune, of delving into
the psyches of angry young people who seem to have never had a break.
Having a positive attitude is fine and dandy, so long as one doesn't belong to
an underprivileged, disenfranchised class. Don't you think?
S.M.
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* Quite didactic
Well put ["Curbing
men"]. Remnants of ancient, phallic nomadic mentality within our culture
need to be annihilated. However short, your essay was quite didactic.
Your suggestion for sexual equality as a means of repenting for past acrimonious
outlook upon women's rights in Persian culture is reverenced. Thank you for the erudition.
Reza
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Thursday
November 2, 2000
* Read the book
As an Iranian-American who just finished reading Persian
Mirrors by Elaine Sciolino I have to say that I am very surprised and disappointed
at the letters I have read regarding the book in The Iranian. It seems many
have not read the book. For those who are commenting without having read the whole
book, I encourage you to read it in its entirety first before commenting on it. The
excerpt, "The
twelve rules" is a very personal experience for the author and should not
be used to judge the rest of the book. I personally found the rules to be accurate
myself, whether they are human or Iranian characteristics, but again, this is personal...
Laleh Khalili's
letter is even more cliche and uninformed. Her self-righteous and self-absorbed
comments are pointless. Somehow she believes that she, or other Iranians, are the
rightful owners or interpreters of Iranian culture. This is the most dangerous phenomenon
of the Iranian mind. Ms. Khalili, what makes you think your version of reality is
not an illusion? What gives you the right to interpret Iranian culture or Amerian
culture and then call other interpretations and experiences an illusion? Your arrogant
comments are baseless. You may disagree, but at least tell us what you disagree on,
unless it's an illusion, of course. Wait, have you read the book? >>>
FULL TEXT
Mojdeh Mohseni
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* Primitives rule Iran because of the Shah
Dear and esteemed Lida Khanoom, regarding your
rambling letter, I am a successful multinational industrialist with tremendous
self esteem who has a nasty habit of always calling a spade a spade and not a shovel
["Shah should
be fully blamed"]. I mourn for my country every minute of every day and
when I conduct the final calculation of how it all went wrong, logic always takes
my hand and leads me to the serious errors of the late Shah, his secular, self-centered
and centralized regime >>>
FULL TEXT
Kambiz Ameli
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* We love Iran too
Regarding Sadaf's letter "Mind
your own business", I am an Iranian teenager who was born in the U. S. Both
my parents are Iranian and they supported women's rights in Iran during the revolution.
Because of their activism they had to escape by foot in 1982 through the Zagros Mountains
and left every single worldly possession they had in Iran.
My parents loved Iran more than you could ever EVER understand... Please think
twice before saying a comment like that unless you completly understand what the
people you are attacking have gone through >>>
FULL TEXT
Maral
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* Whole new world
I am so pleased to find your translations
of Rumi. I do not read or write Farsi, but these translations have opened up
a whole new world to me. And the way you translate them, someone who is a novice
like me can get a true feeling for the words. I thank you so much and keep up the
good work.
Sarshar
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Wednesday
November 1, 2000
* I know because he was my grandfather
Although Fereydoun Hovyeda's opinion piece titled "Curbing
men" makes a good point regarding the need for men to curb sexual desire,
he has distorted some facts in order to strengthen his point.
The International Herald Tribune article he cites about General Hassan
Akhavi's "order" to ban pretty secretaries was not an attempt to deny work
for attractive women, that is ludicrous. It was an attempt to encourage these so-called
lusty men to hire a woman on her abilities and not solely on her looks...
For the record, I know this General was not a provincial and chauvinistic man
obsessed with stymieing women's liberation and struggle for equality. I know this
because he was my grandfather >>>
FULL TEXT
Negar Akhavi
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* The wrong man
Ramin Tabbib's article ["The
best man"] in support of Al Gore strikes me as naïve. Gentlemen, you
have picked the wrong man. Ramin Tabbib gives us a long list of Gore's credentials
in support of his so-called great wit and fitness for the office. But don't be too
impressed. The guy is as phony as hell. I won't be even surprised if we later learn
that he cheated his way through the college. Surprisingly, Mr. Tabib failed to mention
Al Gor's opportunistic exploits.
Al Gore's obsession with the Jewish vote and power is nothing new. In 1988 Al
Gore run for the president for the first time. This was just a few months after the
beginning of the Palestinian uprising (Intafada). Because of the worldwide publicity
around the Israeli atrocities toward the Palestinians hardly any politician dared
to publicly support the Israeli policy. Al Gore was the first politician to do so
>>> FULL
TEXT
J. Namazi
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* Raw destruction
For those of us who were out of Iran by the time the war wit Iraq had begun, I
don't think it is possible to imagine what must have been happening there in the
early 1980's. It was a period of chaos and terror, and one which we were wholly absent
as we were beginning lives here and around the world.
For the Iranian who left, hearing about the war with Iraq was an unreal, distant
atrocity reported by cold, distant American journalists who often made no mention
of gravity of the situation, nor gave us the images to understand what exactly was
going on over there.
These photos of Khorramshahr ["Rape"]
end any kind of doubt as to what transpired in Iran during the war >>>
FULL TEXT
Roozbeh Shirazi
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