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Letters

January 16, 2004

Page 4
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* Great asset to Dean's campaign

I enjoyed reading Mr. Ramin Ahmadi's outstanding article called "Mapping Dean's Iran".

I believe that he is right when he says that there are fundamental cultural and religious differences between Iran and the Arab world and there is a strong pro-America, secular movement for democracyin Iran. I also agree that "The main struggle in Iran has not been between the moderate and radical version of Islam, but rather between a secular democratic movement and the theocratic dictatorship."

It seems that Howard Dean has more supporters among the elite who are aware of what's going on in this world and get their information about politics and other issues from the more reliable sourses such as books or internet rather than Rush Limbough or Fox News!

The Iranian -American community which is one of the most intelectual communities in this country could be a great asset to Howard Dean's campaign.

Pari Mostovoj

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* Cool guide

This pocket guide is extremely cool [Pocket guide to Iran]. I'm going to use it for teaching purposes this semester (HIST 341: Literature and History in 20th Century Iran) at UM-Dearborn.

I was wondering if anyone out there has copies of The Dispatch, a newsletter produced by/for US servicemen serving in Iran during WW II?

Cam Amin
University of Michigan

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* They are everywhere

I can't believe I'm responding to yet another objection to my review of this movie [House of Shohreh], but this one needs a response.

Ms. Nemati objects to the portrayal of Iranian women as "submissive and uneducated." [Good and bad] Wake-up my dear and smell the roses! No matter how many Shireen Ebadis come out of Iran, it remains a male dominated society. Especially now, with the Islamic laws that consider two women the equal of one man. In fact, isn't that why we need more people like Ms. Ebadi?

That said and done, this movie was based on a book. You don't take a book and change the characters.

Now, considering that Shohreh is a liberated woman, she did a fantastic job of playing a role that was not her. Don't tell me you have not met women like the character she played. They are everywhere. They are our mothers, aunts, neighbors and friends. But when it comes to books and movies, we don't want to see them. We want to show the world that we are a nation of Shireen Ebadi and Mehrangiz Kar's. God only knows how much I wish that were true. But the road is long and unless we acknowledge the diagnosis, there will never be a cure.

As an Iranian woman, and an educated one at that, I know what I'm talking about. It's still a man's world out there, and much more so in Iran. Shohreh's portrayal of such women came so natural, those who don't know her personally, believe her to be the same as the character she played. That's good acting by any standard.

Yes, we all would have loved to see a strong Iranian woman on the screen, but that's not how the book was written. It is so Iranian to want to show the good, the strong, the well accomplished, and brag. Colonel Behrani's wife actually had a good life. It could have been far worse, and still stand true.

Let us put our petty pride aside and be content that for once the truth was told and not exaggerated in any way. Many Iranians struggle to make a living in this country and in most such families, the power continues to be in the hands of the man, the bread winner, the boss. That may not be your case or mine, nevertheless, it applies to many. She was not an intellectual, but successfully portrayed the understanding, tolerant and compassionate Iranian woman. That's what has won her much praise.

As for the ending, Not only it was far too tragic for a scenario that dealt with an average immigrant life, but I can't see an ex-colonel suffocating himself in a plastic laundry bag. Army officers are peculiar about that. He would want to die with dignity and honor. As much as I am all for gun control, in this case I would have preferred a bullet!

Zohreh Ghahremani

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* Too bad if the truth hurts

I agree with Ms. Nemati about the weak portrayal of colonel's wife character in the movie [Good and bad] . But, it sounded to me that Ms. Nemati does not know that the film is based upon a book by the same title. Therefore, I would not condemn the film industry for depicting this kind of portrayal, since they are working with a book by Andre Dubus III, House of Sand and Fog.

Another point is whether we like it or not, and with exceptions like Ms. Shirin Ebadi, most Iranian wives are like "Nadi" in the movie. If they hadn't been like that, they couldn't stayed married.

Too bad if the truth hurts.

Mahvash Shahegh

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* If the family was Black

Ms. Ghahremani's piece on the movie about the movie "House of Sand and Fog" missed the point [House of Shohreh]. The movie is about an Iranian immigrant family that purchased a foreclosed house. Typical, an Iranian pro-Shah family immigrates to the U.S.A. and steals a house that belongs to an American that has fallen on hard times.

That plot is so anti-Iranian. If the family was Black the NAACP would be out in Arms protesting in front of every cinema. And furthermore, I know Shohreh Aghdashloo and she can't act. She's a has been that never was. Her best job was playing alongside Behrooz Voosooghi in an Iranian film prior to the Iranian Revolution. Her farsi is god awful and her English also is horrible.

And as for Iranians being up in arms about her bedroom scene in the movie that's all hogwash. Why would Iranians care that an old prune like Shohreh Aghdashloo has a bedroom scene. At present there are two Iranian porn actresses is Hollywood, Persian Princess Diana and Melody. If this movie is awarded any awards somebody must have been paid under the table.

Jacob Cohen
An honest movie critic
New York City

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* Not to be proud of

Look, let's get serious [Good and bad] . Aghdashloo's acting was not one to be very proud of. Let's don't get too political here.

Husband of an Irani

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* Shohreh & Benicio

Shohreh Aghdashloo and Benicio Del Toro would make a very strong chemical connection on the screen as a couple for a mature love story.

Looking at their pictures from various movies, one wonders if the right script and direction could bring these two together and perhaps create a classic such as 'brief encounter' for new generation of 21 century romantics.

(If this ever happens, I hope they remember it was my idea first.)

Tal Khun

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* Reserve judgment for two years

Dear Roya Hakakian,

Thank you for this is heartwarming story [Miracle on 55th Street]. It makes me proud to be an Iranian/American-American/Iranian. I am born American married to an Iranian. I lived, raised two sons, worked and studied there from 1964 through 1976. I was given advice which served me well when I was to go to Iran to marry.

My Iranian roommate at Utah State University said that although she could not think of how I could prepare to travel to live in Iran, she asked me to reserve my judgment about conditions and relationships there for two years -- on the calendar. Hopefully after two years of "immersion" I would understand how things fit together. It worked for me.

I believe that your story about your mother also proves my friend's advice is sound.

Joan ValaNejad

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* If it wern't for Persians

Dear Zohreh, [Persian style Christmas]

How sad that in the name of "fit in" you have chosen to celebrate Christmas. The truth is that if it were not for the Persians, there would be no Christianity and Christmas! Three "wise-men" from Persia testified that Jesus was indeed who he was supposed to be, without that he would have been just another kid!

As for Christmas, the real birth of Jesus was in the summer, possibly in April. The entire Europe practiced the Mithraic (Zoroastrian) religion up to the fourth century, and Dec. 25 was celebrated throughout the Roman empire as the birth of Mitra. However, when the official religion of the empire changed from Mithraic (pagan) to Christianity, the people still celebrated this day as Mitra's birthday.  To replace that, the officials moved the Jesus birthday to Dec 25! All the tradtions (including the tree) practiced during the Christmas are the exact copy of the Mithraic time (in fact Vatican is built on top of those temples that they still exist today)!

Just learn more about your great history and culture that the world tried to follow for centuries, and you'll find out that you should be proud, not ashamed to be an Iranian. Don't let current political climate to break your pride! Learn technology in the West, and combine it with your own culture!

Remember: Good Words, Good Thoughts, and Good Deeds. Are we doing any of those?  One cannot be a Persian by name only, you have to act like one!

Start by helping the earthquake victims, and all those needy people all over Iran!

Peace be with you,

Bahram Goldust

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* Because we are not CHRISTIAN

Who is this poem for exactly?? [[Persian style Christmas]] I grew up here in the US and my brother was born here and we never celebrate Christmas and actually we love Nowrooz. I have friends from all over the world and neither my younger brother nor us ever felt the need to have a Christmas tree because we are not CHRISTIAN.

You don't see American Jews (who are much more American than this lady) or other religions having Christmas trees or having the need to celebrate Christmas so why be so insecure as to celebrate it. Smart parents would know to raise their kids and tell them that Christmas is for Christians and we get gifts for Nowrooz, which is the big Persian holiday.

This is the same concept as Persian parents insisting on only speaking English to their kids and having the kids not know a word of Persian... this is nothing to be proud of.

Ellie Alavi

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* Want to protest

Dear Behrouz Joon,

I saw your piece in Iranian.com titled "Preemptive strike", in which you mentioned you heard a talk radio show host made comments about sending small pox infected blankets to Bam.

I heard that Bill O'Reily made a similar comment, not sure if it's the same person you're talking about or not. Can you please let me know who made those comments, what's the station and name of the show? I know some people who want to protest this.

Shahab Layeghi

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* Lacks that "voice"

Behrouz Joon's stab on humor is lame. I'm sure he can write great political commentaries but his wit is dry and he lacks that "voice" which is essential for good satire. Reading Siamack Baniameri or dAyi Hamid's work might steer him to the right direction.

PE

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* Korosh

Regarding poker,

Here's an Iranian Poker player from England; "Korosh of Iran".

Pedram Moallemian

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* Top 10 in poker

Regarding poker,

I watched the same poker tournament on ESPN channel several times, and had you watched the show from the beginning you would've noticed a true Iranian Poker player on the same table with Farha and Chris Moneymaker.

I can't remember his name (Amini??) but he's very famous amongst Poker players. He was actually favored to win that tournament by one of the commentator, but he bluffed twice in a row with a very weak hand and lost it all. He still managed to finish either 4th or 6th. I remember he collected $600,000. He's ranked very high (probably top 10) amongst Professional Poker players. They said he has won similar tournament before.

I watch these poker game shows regularly, as they're becoming everyone's favorite. They even have them on Bravo and Travel channels with a mix of celebrities and professionals playing the game.

I watched another Middle Eastern looking professional player with Iranian last name, finished second or third in another casino. His first name is Anthony and I think his last name is [Esfandiari]. The total pot was around 500,000 and he took around 200,000 or so. they also talked highly of him. So don't be so disappointed that Farha is not Iranian!!! there are many more, but not as famous.

Gus

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* Iranian poker players

Regarding poker,

There are actually several professional Iranian poker players, including:

- Amir Vahedi
- Mansour Matloubi
- Hamid Dastmalchi

Jubin

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* The Magician

Regarding poker,

If you want an Iranian poker player, Anthony Esfandiari... he's a champion player also called The Magician cuz he makes his living that way. You can sometimes see him on the Travel Channel wed. from 9-11 but he's already been eliminated!

NS

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* As good

No dude, this guy is Arab not Iraninan. Although, in the same show there are 2 Iranians. The older guy is Amir something.  I can't remember his last name. He is as good as Sam Farha.

Naghi Rahmani

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* Motorcycle enthusiast

I enjoyed reading the tale of your journey through Iran [Persian hospitality]. As a motorcycle road-racer and enthusiast, I felt a vicarious connection with you through your adventure. I was particularly rendered emotional upon viewing your picture as you posed with children in Bam.

Farshad Zarrabian

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* Thieving family

I understand that a publicly recognizable and highly despised molla, whose son was recently implicated by Norwegian authorities in the taking of bribes as they pertain to contracts dealing with Iran's oil industry, has been urging his misfit kind to remain active participants in Iran's political process [Moosh bokhoradeshoon].

I would beg to differ and would instead encourage first the shameless man himself and subsequently his thieving family and finally his hopeless troupe to spend the rest of their lives in penance, learning and practising that which they claim to hold so dear but which in reality seems so alien to them. May I simply refer these miscreants to verses 23-39 of chapter 17 of the Holy Qur'an.

Hamid Boroumand

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* Stuck in "good old days"

Perhaps Ms Madani should familiarize herself better with some statistics before presenting such a great view of the "good old days" [Then, why?]. She can start with comparing rural women's literacy rates and child mortality rates and access rates to clean water& electricity before the revolution and after the revolution.

Of course, right about now the standard response by those stuck in the "good old days" is that any improvements are either 1- not enough or 2- would have happened anyway due only to the Shah's pre-existing policies - but then there's no point arguing with such people lost in a mythical past anyway.

J Mohammadi

PS: what exactly were women before the revolution voting for, considering that there was only 1 legally functioning party?

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* Only tool to fight back: Education

For a scientist Ms. Madani you sure as hell seem really lost and confused [Then, why?]. What was the point you were trying to get across?

In case you have been trapped in space, this is 2004 and nearly twenty years past the 1980s. That being said, you are a liar and a closet Monarchist. Where in the hell did you get the statistics? Let me tell you that I hate the current regime as much as I hated the crown cannibal but accurate information should always be granted.

I went to school in Iran during the 1970s and the percentage of female students in universities were no more than 15 percent and I am being generous.

My best friend went to medical school (Tehran University) at the same time and there were 6 females in her class. The percentage of Iranian female doctors was not even 10 percent and for your information most of the nurses had either high school degrees or two years of college.

Well, under the stupid mullahs now 56% of college students and 30% of the doctors are Females. Also, 7 of the top 10 university students are female.

This by no means that mullahs have done anything spectacular but if you were not trapped in space you would know that the smart Iranian female population chose the only tool to fight back this regime and that is Education. Bingo!

And as for your being shocked at women voting, I campaigned for an aunt in 1970s and the number of female voters was appalling.

In case you were still trapped in space, the females of Iran have been voting in record numbers for candidates who campaign on more rights for women. I am all for educated Iranian women writing and sharing information but when they come across as ignorant as you do, I get insulted.

Next time please sit down and tell us something that makes sense so we can understand your point. Also, next time please check your statistics and do not use your imagination.

I will be really scared if my friends who are scientists become as confused as you are!

Azam Nemati

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* Moshk aan ast keh khod bebouyad

Dear Mrs. Nemati, [Trip to Ramsar]

I was born and raised in Khorramshahr, what you were describing in your tale was not an iranian city but rather the la-la-land which you have resided in since you were born. I can not believe that you go through all this trouble just to say repeatedly: "we were or I was the center of attention...".

eading your material proves to be a waste again, how many times do you have to keep on proving yourself to be an "attractive" woman? moshk aan ast keh khod bebouyad.

If you are trying to attract any decent man, you won't be able to accomplish it this way. You need to have a single's ad somewhere and have it read: "Abadani girl: my daddy thought I am pretty, what about you?"

Sarah Firouz

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* Lucky daughter

Dear Ms. Nemati,

I really enjoyed reading part one of your memories from a "Trip to Ramsar". Your article was so close to my heart because I had a similar experience when I visited Gilan/ Ramsar for the first time in 1967. The character of your dad was fascinating to me.

I have a daughter who is a very similar to you or be more accurate a copy of you. At present, she is very successful both academically and in sport.

I hope through the rest of your articles, I learn more about you to understand any potential pitfalls for to grow up so unique. I have a lot of admiration for your father and his outlook for life.

You have been very lucky to have a father like that.

Parviz

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More letters (January 16, 2004)
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January 16, 2004

Azizi's "All Bamed out!"
* Passion overtaking reason
* Frank look
* "Purer" people
* Yes Master!
* Thank you
* Defeatist attitude
* Inflating the West
* Bright robbers

* Most honest
* True to a degree
* Too true to be denied
* All "bummed" out
Majlis
* Letter to MPs
Bam: Haj

* Not taking any trips?
* Problem not money

* God does not need us
* The key is Wisdom
* Quite offending
* Ataturk did it

Bam: Media

* Americans insulated

Bam: Future

* Demand responsibility
Bam: Israeli aid
* Israeli WMDs
* Israel: No conscience
* Don't care: Palestinians
* Israel helped Khomeini
* Human beings first
* Serpant helping allegator
* Arab aid
* Iran and Israel: Friends
Bam: Relief
* Discounting hard work
* Thanks Reza Joooon
* More concerned
Bam: Poetry
* Politicizing the tragedy

* Mixing Bam with mullas
Bam: Photos

* Enlightening pics
Bam: poll
* Where populace stands
US-Iran

* Asset to Dean
* Cool guide

Saddam
* No viable link

* Put Bush on trial too
* Recent US strategies

Unconfirmed
* Where will it stop?
Aghdashloo: Sand and Fog

* They are everywhere
* Too bad if the truth hurts

* If the family was Black
* Shohreh & Benicio
* Not to be proud of
Immigrant
* Reserve judgment
Christmas
* If it weren't for Persians
* We're not CHRISTIAN
* Yalda & Christams
Donation drive
Ostad Shajarian?!

Poker

* Korosh
* Top 10
* Iranian players
* The Magician
* As good

Radio
* Want to protest
Satire

* Lacks that "voice"
* Child abuse?
Quiz
* Chador burning dance
* LA, but not Qom

* 80% take it off
* Sci-Fi

* Anti-American
Rafsanjani

* Thieving family

Iranian

* How fucking distasteful
Revolution

* Stuck in "good old days"
* Only tool: Education
TV
* Power of one
Rap
* Love your shit
* Mani daring, but...
Music
* Thanks & Kooch
* Swiss kiss
* Really amazed

* Wonderful
* More in Las Vegas
Drugs

* Ecstasy in Qom
Azam Nemati
* Moshk aan ast keh...

* Lucky daughter
Travelers

* Motorcycle enthusiast
Religion
* Religious questions
Poetry
* "Roozi ze sar-e sang..."
Lost & found
* Abadani classmates
* Shayan az Shahsavar

 

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