Letter

* Iranian-Americas and the age of peace

Yahya R. Kamalipour, writes in "Window of opportunity": "Hence, it is imperative that we, the Iranian community in diaspora, realize the serious implications of our prevailing stereotypical images in the U.S. and elsewhere as they impact upon our social and political relations within the U.S. and other nations. We live in a world of images -- images that can sell as well as enhance and images that can conjure hate and despair... "

Let's take this from a far simpler approach...

Here in the US, the concept of the "Great American Melting Pot" has been rusted through with anxieties and perceptions. Being myself of Jewish heritage, every time Israeli lets a Jewish settler kill another Arab, and does nothing about it, it affects the life of every Jew on the planet, and these perceptions are felt deeply here at home in the U.S.

What seems to work best is the approach I call the "African-American Standard." By illuminating that "you," as a cross-culture, have an identity as "Iranian-Americans," you raise the awareness to others that you are Americans. You repel the myth which attempts to segregate you into being Iranians from the actual truth that you are included in "WE THE PEOPLE." This identity is critical at this time in history, as we, as a nation, heal our wounds and join again with Iran.

As a U.S. citizen (and child), I was never aware of the Shah's evil, his tortures, and his lavishness at the expense of so many others. I can see why Iranians would hate Americans. But those people that represented us, in WE THE PEOPLE, didn't tell us the truth. It's easy to be proud of who you think you are if you do not know what is done in your name.

So, just as we have lost face in the path of our friends, just as we have lost face in the wake of our enemies, somehow we must grow past this. We must again unite to be a brotherhood and sisterhood of faith and trust, for though our paths be different, our quest to keep humans out of the road kill is certainly worthy of our efforts.

I look forward to our new relations with Iran. I hope, this time, that my efforts as an adult will bear better memories upon my children, and yours. It is for our united peace that makes us better people, that makes us better Americans.

So, whether it be Salaam or Shalom, I hope my words help the effort. I believe in people and to be united as a people, that is the gift of being an American -- for you, for me, for peace.

David Brager
Richland, WA
dibrager@owt.com (also Write-On@rocketmail.com)

Homepage: //www.owt.com/users/dibrager

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