Letters
June 2006
Part 2 >>> Part 1
June 27
I get sick to my stomach
On Hossein Hajiagha's cartoons:
I know the Iranian.com's motto is "Nothing is Sacred" but an we STOP giving so much airtime to Hajiagha. I love Iranian.com and visit it regularly but every time I see one of Hajiagha's cartoon's I get sick to my stomach. While "nothing is sacred" is a motto worth sticking to, I think you would be well within the rights of your role as the editor to stop publishing him. Many of his cartoons are not funny or satirical and don't make any points other than highlight his personal hate for homosexuality and for what he perceives to be the western culture. If he was worth the fight, he could probably be charged under Canadian hate crime legislation. PLEASE STOP PUBLISHING HIS DISGUSTING CARTOONS.
Maryam Razzaghi
An "Iranian.com" supporter and reader
I'll pay him to shut up
On Hossein Hajiagha's cartoons:
Please don't publish Hajiagha's toons. It is embarrassing for your site and plus he can't get in US because of those rubbish points of view. Thank god he can't get in US. I'll be happy to financially aid him if he stops kissing Palestinians ass and putting down the gays and western minded individuals. You would help him a lot by not publishing those unless you are in the same boat with him.
FAR too much credit
On Meir Javedanfar's "Genuinely popular":
I think that Political Analysts are giving FAR too much credit to Ahmaninejad and his so-called popularity in Iran and amongst the people.
First and Foremost Ahmaninejad best Allies have been many well informed political analysts be them well intentioned or not and who have been playing with the idea of seeing Iran as the counter geo political alter ego to Israel in the Middle East.
If this is the case and if there is some truth or validity in this assessment then we should also take into account the political and moral responsability of such so-called Pragmatists. I am not including you Sir for I do not think that you are supporting the current theocracy. And I noticed and read your nice comments in a very interesting article in Reuters not long ago.
However even if Ahmaninejad's comments coming from the President of a Non Arab country appears as if it is indeed favorably supported by many arab countries it strangely finds an echo from the same news sources such as the San Francisco Chronicle, which in a recent past has not hesitated to distort historical facts by claiming such absurdities as the Historical Responsability of Imperial Iran (That of the Pahlavi Regime) in the Holocaust.
These arguments were refuted by well known and respected Iranian Historian Abass Milani who himself is not particularly known for being either pro-Pahlavi nor belongs to a political organization opposed to the Islamic regime of Tehran to be biased in his arguments >>> Full text
Who took this poll?
On Meir Javedanfar's "Genuinely popular":
Dear Mr. Meir Javedanfar,
The essential question that needs to be answered is who took this poll about Ahmadinejad's popularity? Seems to me that Mr. Javedanfar took it upon himself to decide how popular Ahmadinejad is inside the country based on his own assessment in the West or those associates he regularly contacts inside of the Islamic Republic.
It's unfortunate we have such a dishonest group of individuals who take it upon themselves to spew such propaganda all in the name of selfish grandosity.
I have contacts inside of the country as well Mr. Javedanfar, all across Iran and the last thing Ahmadinejad is considered is 'popular'.
Here's Here's the truth on Ahmadinejad and Iran: ONE YEAR AFTER ELECTION, AHMADINEJAD IS WEAKER
We sucked bad
On Guive Mirfendereski's "The cup that ran empty":
Excellent article. Yes, we were all proud that finally our National Team qualified for the World Cup. After 3 games, mediocre at best, they are going home in great company of other underachievers (Japan, US, Serbia, Croatia, Czech Republic...). Hell we have something to be proud of, we are in great company, how sad.
Seriously though, we sucked, we sucked bad. This time could have been it, Iran finally advances to the Round of 16 and possibly being massacred by Argentina, may be beat them too (my sweet dream). Well, it did not happen. All of our European stars (yeah right), are they bench warmers? Our retarded and useless Captain Ali Daei who will probably be the next Head Coach for Team Melli (sad, no?), .......Of course a semi-retarded coach too, while Australia advances we are going home, and that stinks, really stinks. You bet your yellow card that I am pissed, really pissed.
So Bacheha motshaker neesteem, you broke one hopeful Iranian's heart.
Afshin
Best picture
On Nader Davoodi's World Cup fan photos "Fans in Frankfurt":
This picture by Nader Davoodi really touched me. Anyway that it can be nominated for the best picture of the Iranian fans during the World Cup?
Deflating the truth
On Rostam Pourzal's "Inflating the truth":
Dear Mr. "Rostam Pourzal", here are the responses to your main points:
YOU: " I learned from an eyewitness whom I infinitely trust that he saw no beating or gassing of the demonstrators"
RESPONSE: It is amazing that we are always asked to believe an unknown trustworthy eyewitness who happens to be friend of a someone but not believe the photos of women being beaten and arrested or the reports of well respected international organizations such as Amnesty International!!!!
YOU: "All together I would say there were between 150 and 200 protesters and between 40 and 60 male and female police officers."
RESPONSE: Lets presume statistics of your trusting friends is accurate. Why would there be such a high ratio of police (1 police for every 4 or 5 persons) ? Was it to maintain peace? Were the women demonstrators armed? what was government afraid of, that wanted to prevent the demonstration ?
YOU: The majority of the women protestors played no active role at all and only by careful attention one could distinguish them from ordinary bystanders... I witnessed a few women protesters being asked by some female police officers to walk away. In response the protestors [sic] started screaming hysterically at the officers and accused them of beating them, an accusation which looked unsound. "Why are you beating us?", shouted a woman protestor at a female police officer, who was visibly shaken and became speechless at such an accusation.
RESPONSE: Why were these woman asked to leave? Did they have the right to be there? Why weren‚t they given the right to have a demonstration? If female police were "asking" demonstrators to leave, why did they have their batons out? Are those photos real or "inflated" and made up? Were those photos taken in Tehran or in Mars?
YOU "Then, for some forty minutes, small groups of women protestors would emerge from different corners of the square voicing their demands for equality of women and against unjust laws and practices. Across the heavy traffic from one corner of the square to another, they would be followed by police officers who would ask them to stop their protest and walk away. Small crowds of bystanders would also converge on these places to see what is going on, as it is typical in the Iranian culture. I did not see any expression of sympathy by these bystanders and onlookers for the cause of the protestors."
RESPONSE: Why did police ask them to stop their protest? You say bystanders showed no sympathy. Are you saying that Iranians do not sympathize or want "equality of women and against unjust laws and practices.'?
YOU: "In two different occasions, I saw two groups of protesters, each about four or five, who were arrested and driven away in vans. In one occasion, a woman protestor who was resisting arrest was treated roughly by a female officer, but I saw no beatings, and no use of batons and gas against the protestors".
RESPONSE: Two groups of 4 or 5 , that is 8 to 10 that your trustworthy friend observed from where he was standing and considering that he was in one spot and has two eyes, would you say that he saw all who were arrested or may be there were more ? Your friend says he saw in one occasion: a women protestor "was treated roughly" but he "saw no beating". So is it ok to be treated Œroughly" ? How is one treated roughly? Does being "treated roughly" hurt? No use of batons ? Then how do you explain these photos?: Are those batons landing on women‚s heads and bodies (photo1) , (photo2) , (photo 3), (photo 4) and are those batons in hands of female police officers or are they ice cream cones? Is this woman in handcuffs on 22 of Khordad or is this (photo 5) from a Hollywood movie?
YOU: "Admittedly, however, I could not be present at all places and at all times to witness all that took place [in the square].."
RESPONSE: Thank you for "honsety", I think even you said enough to prove that the reports were accurate considering that your trusting friend "could not be present at all places and at all times to witness all that took place " but even the little that he saw tells a lot.
No Mr. "Rostam Pourzal" , from what we see and hear including your own trustworthy friendŒs biased report, the actual reports were not inflated by others, you are the one who is deflating the truth?!
Smearing a pioneer for no reason
On Kianosh Saadati's "Is Hoder's era over?":
Mr. Saadati,
You may have a point about Hoder's "baseless, humours or personal attacks with strongest language." But I find that "strong language" is really in the eye of the reader, sometimes more hatred and insult can get through in between the lines without the use of any curse words. It's obvious you're quite familiar with this concept, but allow me to demonstrate:
Well I guess, Saadati is been burned one too many times by blogs!!! I mean, isn't it obvious he hates people talking candidly and sharing their own opinions??? I mean a whole letter with no substance whatsoever, criticizing something that seems very personal!!! Trying desperately to smear someone else who is an acknowledged pioneer in the field!!! Just because he doesn't agree with Hoder politically!!! And how does he do it???
By making the rediculous claim that blogs are finished for ever!!! By making vailed insults and overuse of punctuation and jokes that only he thinks are funny??? I guess old Saadati is so concerned about democracy in Iran that he actively advocated people NOT participating in elections!!! Makes perfect sense doesn't it??? The problem is only the North Tehrani's whom he and his broadcasting buddies are in contact with listened to him. As a result Ahmadinejad won the elections!!! Thank You, you've done a great service for democracy!!!!
See how it's done? Let me know if you have any questions.
Good blend of humour and erotica
On Faye Farhang's "You are not sexy":
Hmmm, I didn't think I was desperate, maybe I am. But I really enjoy the articles Sarvenaz publishes. I think she achieves a very good blend of humour and erotica, and her pieces are very exciting.
Personally I find Sarvenaz very sexy. And I'm always awaiting her new peices.
Anyways keep up the good work Sarvenaz jan. Im sure there are lots lots more fans like myself.
Elnaz
No wonder
On Vahid Garousi's "Taken by Tabriz"
Thank you for the pictorial tour of Tabriz. Beautiful. No wonder why some of the Azari from uber-Aras want to claim this area of Iran. And no doubt why we will not give it up, as it is a part of all of us. An invitation to the Balouchis, come join us instead. We will welcome you home.
No women? how unnatural.
On Vahid Garousi's "Taken by Tabriz"
The pictures of Tabriz were beautiful and evocative, even though I have never been there. But something is sorely missing. There are no women, at least visibly. How sad; how unnatural.
Nancy
"BELAKH" begole ma Azaria
On joke sent by Babak Sh ("Ali Daei's apology: baa alze mazelat khedmate maldome shalife ilaan baabate baazi baa mexic, gol midam too jaame jahaanie 2010 joblaan konam"):
Dear JahanShah,
I truly enjoy Iranian.com. I read a piece of it everyday, and I see the vast range of the sociopaths, narcissist and ("ahn"tellectuals) to quote the late Pahlavi all in one place enjoying each others company. I'm sure I myself fall into one of those categories or maybe all three who knows.
You know I was very annoyed at a few articles regarding belittling of minorities in Iran, Religious and cultural. I however, respect the fact you published the articles, this shows your determination to maintain a Democratic voice for your writers, regardless of the crap people write and what you may personally agree with or not you publish it for all to see and not being facetious I applaud this. (Considering if I'm not mistaken you yourself used to be a hezbollahi, pro regime youngster back in the day. So good for you now you are Eslah talab..what good that is who knows)
However, you published in your left hand corner a joke regarding a player of our Soccer team who has the highest number of goals scored which is something we should be proud of.. a respected Iranian man in our country , and what did you do.. this was not some article that voiced an opinion it was a small script what you would deem a joke, you humiliated him and you allowed others to humiliate him not something he did such as what some feel is his poor performance in the world cup you humiliated him personally, not only was it disgusting it was degrading to Azars which happen to be 40 percent of your country.
You see many will say its his accent big deal but it is not that simple we have been laughed at because of this characteristic and made to seem we are unintelligent and slow and stupid by these comments long enough. I'm Iranian but let me tell you, when an azar says to me why the hell are you so gung ho on being Iranian the largest on line Magazine called IRANIAN on the first page humiliates you what the hell are you so proud of.. they have a point and its people like you that don't get it. I waited to write in to you to see if anyone else would give a damn.. I see only 2 other people have written in.. on your published letters... KHAK BE SAREH HAMATUN,... it goes to show that this is acceptable a million people would write in about "Che konim sag-haa haaremaan nakonand?" .. but no make fun of the Azars.. this is normal..
I always remember Shariars poem and I shake my head and realize yehki dohta neest moshkele ma.. khodemun melate bad bakhti astim ke hich vaght dorost nemishim. YOU MY FRIEND OWE US AN APOLOGY..there was nothing learned by this stupid joke..its more vulgar to print that than the porn you allow on your site that is just to show people whats out there and shock them maybe say look they are iranian and they exist ... what was this to do? Make us laugh at Iranian Azaris... well ha ha and "BELAKH" begole ma Azaria..
Golnaz Motarassed
In the name of fucking Lenin and Mao
On Jahanshah Javid's "Blasts from the past":
I wanted to thank you for maintaining and displaying this archive so that the world can see how fucked up Iranians are/were for ruining their lives in the name of fucking Lenin and Mao. May all the commies and Mojaheds rot in hell.
Vassfol aish nessfol aish
On Jahanshah Javid's "It was magic":
Dear Jahanshah,
Thanks for sharing your lovely photos with us, my family loves it in the Sierras as well... so vassfol aish nessfol aish sort of thing!
I am so happy to see that you actually have a wonderful life aside from iranian.com! I'd imagine it is so important to keep balanced while you have don't-know-how-many feedback emails coming at you from all over the world with each piece of news!
Good Job taking care of yourself!
Monda
Thanks for the reminder
On the Qajar family group photo:
With so many years past the Kajar (Qajar) dynasty, apparently we have forgotten the crimes they committed against Iran and Iranians. I guess in a few hundred years the Islamic Republic dynasty will celebrate their commitment and contributionto the human race!
Please let us take pride in the current Iranian regime while both the parents generation and the children are alive and kicking!
Ugly shaazdehs
On the Qajar family group photo:
What an ugly looking bunch. Nine out of ten certainly qualifies as ugly. I thought the British royals and the Islamic Republic officials where ugly, but this photo shows an awful progeny of the Qajar dynasty. Are these unsightly and crooked looking offspring truly the products of all those Qajar harems?
Short feisty remark
On the Qajar family group photo:
Just a short feisty remark about the picture on Qajar, Kadjar, or Ghajar family, however the hell it is spelled.
Looking at it for a few seconds, without really wanting to know who is who, one phrase came to mind and stayed with it, even as I'm writing this,
WHO GIVES A FUCK?
Good material for juicy caption
On the Qajar family group photo:
Wouldn't it be fun to put the Qajar reunion picture to a caption competition - it should make good material for some juicy captions :))
Parkhash
Just look at them
On Mazdak's "Tamaskhorism":
I absolutely disagree with Mazdak. Iranian mullas and akhundbaashi are much funnier than any cartoonist and their possible imagination. I don't think anyone can draw a more comical pictures of anything than the true akhund and akhndbaashi. I actually think a caption is not even necessary, just look at them -- that's comedy.
Meeta Nosrati
Fake milk maid (damn)
On Anyway section video "Would you like (my) milk with your coffee?":
So after watching this (several times :-) you see she puts her right hand in her pocket each time to presumably squeeze the bulb or lever. The give-away was she did not look to have been pregnant lately.
The Man With the Hat
You first
On Bardia's "Yes I will die for Iran":
You go ahead and fight, then we will follow you, good luck.
Barry Gohari
Chess mate
Hi! I am a South African trying desperately to contact Shireen Navabi, chess player, by email. She has featured in some of your articles. IS it possible to provide me with an email address so that I may email a letter to her. Thank you.
June 19
You embarrassed me in front of a group of life-long Brazilian friends
On Saeed Nia's "Brazialian youngsters got nothing better to do than kick a round ball all day":
With all do respect... this was one of the dumbest comments I've read on Iranian.com in a looooooong time. This is what you said: "So what if Brazil is the best team in the soccer world? That's because unemployment is high and younsters got nothing better to do than kick a round ball all day."
What's your expertise on Brazilian culture based on? Economics? Education? Politics? Science/Technology? Agriculture/Natural Resource? Religion? Language? Have you been anywhere within 500 miles of Brazil (or south of equator)? How many cities can you name in Brazil? What does their flag mean OR say in green text? What's the name of their capital city (without doing quick google search)?
What was exactly your Iran/Brazil cultural comparison based on? I'm very interested to hear back.
No wonder most Iranians had the illusion Iran was actually better than Mexico!!! You were probably one of them.
Seriously ... as an Iranian, you embarrassed me in front of a group of life-long Brazilian friends. They even cheered for Iran because of me!
Good luck to you and take care.
PS. Research/knowledge is a good thing >>> www.google.com
Completely tasteless -- and humilating
On joke sent by Babak Sh ("Ali Daei's apology: baa alze mazelat khedmate maldome shalife ilaan baabate baazi baa mexic, gol midam too jaame jahaanie 2010 joblaan konam"):
The Daei joke was completely tasteless and humilating. This is an example of insensitive and frankly offensive behaviour. He is the Captain of our National Team in the World Cup. We are in very difficult situation over there. We can criticise his game, but why criticise his personality, his accent and humilate him like this.
i am very disppointed at your editors for choosing to put this joke on the front page. At best, this joke is immature. Why did any of your staff think, it was worthy of this exposure.
Go Iran- Good Luck to our young heros on saturday against Portugal
Farbod
I dare say anything because I can
To crisitics of Guive Mirfendereski's "The cup that ran empty":
Why is it that the people who are so disgusted with my or other writers' critique of the players and their coach , then turn around and humorlessly permit themselves to be critical of others.
Turning to substance -- to them, I say -- after three years of playing as a starter on two of Europe's best high school teams (grades 10 through 12), recruited by a college in the Midwest to play soccer for them (which I declined) and one year as the co-captain of the JV team when a Freshman at Gerogetown and later after seven years as a very successful coach in youth soccer league, there is a chance that I know something about playing, watching and coaching the game. I think I am qualified to have a public opinion on the game. If I cannot lace up and go play for Iran or anyone else for that matter, it is because I am way over my prime and, besides, I am busy writing stupid (also informative and humorous) articles for my enjoyment.
To the fellow who suggested that I should seek psychoanalysis, I say, thanks for the suggestion but I rather spend the money on you seeking some head advice from your proctologist.
The person who begrudges my alphabet degrees is a desperate and bitter person, for whom I really have no advice other than to suggest the same aforementioned proctologist tell him about the source of his koun-souzi (I suggest hasoudi, as one possibility, another might be that he has sat on too many of his sisters candles).
The person who thinks that the Brazilian success is due to unemployment, well, excuse me -- then Iran with its worse unemployment problem should have fielded a much better team.
As for the admonition of how and why I dare say anything -- well, because I can and still be always original. If there is a typo here or there, bravo to you az ma-behtaran for catchng it.
Guive Mirfendereski
Assure minorities they have their rights, so they can trust the majority
On Elmira C's "Che konim sag-haa haaremaan nakonand?":
Dear Elmira,
I understand you are showin your angry and frustrattion becasue of ethnic and a ntionality discrimination in Iran. I believe the burden is primarily on dominant groups in a society to assure the minorities have their rights, so they can trust the majority. If this expectation is not met, reacting with anger is not unusual. However, you are using the same insulting language that your opponents might have used, and I wish you could have avoided it, despite being humorous.
As partially informed humans we have a tendency to idealize or devaluate the unknown. As an example humans have created two concepts for their unknowns, a noble supreme being and an unworthy evil being. People also might use insulting humor to explain other basic things that they do not understand fully!
As an example many bright and hard working Azaris are notable for their financial contribution to the economy of Iran, yet their financial success is misinterpreted as stupidity. Many Arabs are notable for appreciation of their wealth or lack of it by relaxing and walking bare feet either in their hot deserts or cool beaches, yet they are misinterpreted as being lazy. Many Gilaki women are notable for their social skills, self esteem to be equal with men, and for hard working habit in their farms and offices, yet they are labeled as promiscuous. Many Kurds are notable for their confidence, righteousness, and courage to oppose inequality, yet they are misinterpreted as aggressive. There are many other misinterpretations about other minoritie's norms and vlaues. I believe in order to be more effective and end the culture of misinterpretation, discrimination, and hatred in a multiethnic society, we are obligated to use a language that promotes understanding and peace!
Kamal Artin
I will contact all Iranian TV and radio stations
On Anyway item "Ali Daei has been replaced":
I was extremely disappointed to see the dirty pictures on your site. The pictures were from a whore on a Teen Prostitution website.
Until now, I was respectful of your web site as a political, artistic, and scientific reference with some funny material. However, these pictures made me think twice before I use your site again. If I do not receive any respond from your management, I will contact all Iranian TV and radio stations and will let them know about this matter.
I am a young woman without religion and extremely against the Iranian government, but I found these pictures offensive and immoral to the Iranian society. How could I ever tell my children to go and read your material?
Sara
Sadly Iranian men don't kick a ball very well
On Nader Davoodi's "Fan fever":
Great shots.
Iranian women are beautiful . The men, of course, had much to do with that. Sadly they don't kick a ball very well.
High regards,
James von Brunn
Warning to Iranian women in Australia
On Shana Yazdi's "My story"?
I read your story and I must say firstly i enjoyed it very much and couple of times i had to help myself to releif. secondly I can say well done. you are a kind of woman we need more in iranian community.
Anyway i am Iranian living in Australia for last 22 years. I have fucked many girls with differnd back ground such as English, soth american, Greeck, American, swedish, Finish and of course many Australian, but i haven't fucked any iranian since I have been In australia. i would give everything to fuck an Iranian girl. Enjoy your life.
Pressed mohr on forehead
On quiz, "Are those horns?":
In your Quiz section there is reference to Mohr on Momenans' forehead that needs more elaboration. Apparently it is mostahab to show your extereme devotion to god and pray to him by this symbolic sign of "overused"! forehead.
In reality though, this darker forehead scarf is created through pressing hot Mohr to the location between and above the eyebras. It causes a burned wound that after healing will remain as a darken circle on the forehead. And there goes the story.
250 countries? Which planet is that?
On Saeed Nia's "Brazialian youngsters got nothing better to do than kick a round ball all day":
I just wanted to point out that the world by most counts consists of 192 countries, so I was wondering where he got the other 48 countries from, since he mentioned that our soccer team made it to the world cup 250 other countries?
Anyhow, here's to Iran not messing up the next game.
Retire immediately!
On Ali Daei:
First and foermost... I am not a football analyst and although I play recreationally I HAVE never claimed to be a tactician or boasted of having great knowledge about the beautiful game. After our embarrasing loss to Mexicanos I read somewhere that Daei, during an interview, has expressed his wish to come to U.S. and play in the MLS. PLEASE STOP HIM! We Iranians are constantly being ridiculed in American media/ publicbecause of the overall situation in Iran. We certainly do not need to add fuel to the fire. TELL DAEI TO RETIRE FROM FOOTBALL IMMEDIATELY AND GO RUN HIS SPORTING GOODS STORE.
Such a fine team
On Iran's 2-0 loss to Portugal:
After watching both the Portugal and Mexico matches, and hearing all the critiques and analysis of our team and why we lost I have just one thing to say:
I am so incredibly proud to be Iranian and represented by such a fine team. The class and spirit they showed was phenominal, especially under such tremendous international pressure against these two soccer powerhouses. These gentlemen sweated and bled a lot to get to this cup, and did so with much much less support than the other 3 Asian qualifiers. It will take trials in the world cup just to get experience playing in such an intense environment, and that is fine. Come on, we have only played 8 matches ever in the world cup, vs. over 60 by Mexico.
Gentlemen, I am so proud of you, and I and Iranians everywhere love you very much. You show the best in us to an otherwise wondering world...
Bacheha Motshakereem!
How rude
On joke sent by Babak Sh ("Ali Daei's apology: baa alze mazelat khedmate maldome shalife ilaan baabate baazi baa mexic, gol midam too jaame jahaanie 2010 joblaan konam"):
I just wanted to say that this is totally uncalled for. I did not find it funny at all, and usually I am easily amused!!!
I believe in freedom of speech, but
On joke sent by Babak Sh ("Ali Daei's apology: baa alze mazelat khedmate maldome shalife ilaan baabate baazi baa mexic, gol midam too jaame jahaanie 2010 joblaan konam"):
To Whom It May Concern:
I was just wondering what did that small script entail. Was it trying to make fun of Daei or his ethnicity? Was it trying to make fun of his accent?
And who are you that publishes such an insult and stupid scripts? I believe in freedom of speech and I have tremendous repsect for your site but not when you start making fun of my people or Iranians. You as a webmaster or administrator as well as an Iranian and someone who is mature have the responsibilty to assure that no one insults anyone especillay Iranian minorities. Iranian minorities are already been harassed by ignorant and stupid people like Mr. Babak Sh.
Mr Jahangir I have tremendous repect for you but I will not tolerate if you insult any iranians especially minorities.
I demand an apology from you and an explanation.
Just imagine if an American starts putting on his web site cartoons about Iranians and starts making fun of their horrible english accents I bet with you will be the first one who will object to that.
Please make sure you remove that and stop insulting other minorities. Iran is for all Iranians and not one person.
Zendeh Bad Iran va Irani
Mirzapour pretty badass
On Iran's 2-0 loss to Portugal & Jahanshah Javid's "Bravo":
My dearest daie Janshah,
I really REALLY hope you're not about to make fun of Mirzapour again because in this game, I have to say, he was pretty badass. I understand if u want to bother ali daie (he looked pretty happy on the bench, but i love him anyway) or even Karimi for just randomly going out at 60 minutes because he decided to be lazy, even though if he had stayed he would have probably scored at least ONE goal. But NOT MIRZAPOUR -- that boy played well. He did his crazy gymnastics stunts while saving goals and what not.
ALSO, if you're going to say that someone on that team should be a model, I would have to say that Nekounam is far more "model-y" than Mirzapour. :)
Much love!!
Khod-koshi
On the Iranian concept of suicide:
I have had a curious experience while watching an Iranian film, "Khakestari," and talking with an Iranian friend by email. The film details the worsening situation of a young woman who ultimately is driven to throw herself in front of an automobile in traffic. Huji, her father, says that she has committed suicide, although he knows, and the viewer knows, that the girl is still alive. Similarly, my friend wrote to me in English that an acquaintance of hers had committed suicide several times.
American English speakers commonly differentiate between attempted suicide and completed suicide. This distinction seems to be absent (admittedly, my knowledge is small here) in the Iranian expression: oo khod-koshi karde. There probably are cultural reasons for not making the distinction in Farsi. I would like to know what they are. Of course, the possibility exists that Iranians use other expressions to make the missing distinction.
One reason this might be important is the following: the annual suicide rate for Iranians living in Teheran has been said to be 2,500, which is high. It would be important to know whether this figure includes attempted as well as completed acts of suicide, because suicide rate is usually taken as an index of the livability of a social environment. We need an accurate understanding of Iranian's current social successes.
I have no idea if I am writing to an appropriate audience. If I am out of line here, maybe you could recommend a more appropriate contact that might be able to illuminate my questions.
Ron Hutchison
Champaign, East Central Illinois, USA
GOOD!
On Hossein Hajiagha being barred from USA:
So all of a sudden he is a Canadian now. Isn't this the same guy who has been bashing Canada as hell and all Canadians as whores and fags?
If you don't believe me then just go and look at the cartoons he has been drawing for the last few years and now he remembers being a Canadian, they should take his Canadian passport from him and many others like him if you ask me.
I ran away from people like him and chose Canada as my home and now these same people have filled the street of main cities in Canada. Every time I go to an Iranian store all I see is Bacheh Paasdaars and their sekineh.
If Canada is bad then go back to the shit whole that you came from and if you consider yourself a Canadian then stop bashing this great country.
ONE can be a significant number
On Azam Nemati’s "The exceptions":
In response to Ms. Nemati’s letter, while I agree with many of her comments, I came across one phrase, which I have to disagree with. In reference to personal hygiene, she mentions a lady who had neglected it, but reasons that, “from 300 having one smelling unpleasant is not a big deal.”
Dear Ms. Nemati, I believe that is a huge deal because thousands of people come across that one person. She, as you have stated, is educated, attractive and based on that, people notice her. Unfortunately, stereotypes are not always based on statistics, instead, people come across one or two examples and form an opinion. Someone who sits next to this stinking woman at the movie theater and hears her speaking Persian will later tell others she has a headache due to this stinking Iranian whose body odor nearly suffocated her! She won't say, “Oh, but that was one among three hundred.” And, before you know it, the “Stinking Iranian” has gained a reputation, dragging the rest of us down with her.
Indeed, sometimes ONE can be a significant number that we can't afford to underestimate. There are those who trash and believe one among the thousands at a picnic is not a big deal, but you only need to visit a park after Iranian picnics to see what a big deal it is. We need to realize that each one of us can indeed affect the reputation of all Iranians. While the number of good Iranians far exceeds the bad, it's unfortunate that human mind tends to remember the bad much easier. When you are under critical observation – and God only knows how Iranians are – good behavior is expected, but make one mistake and you can ruin the repute of an entire nation. This reminds me of the police, who are never there when you need them, but pass one red light and they will appear as if they have all been there, just waiting for you.
For saving Nazanin
For saving Nazanin
For Nazanin, who faces execution in Iran:
Attached you shall find a painting by me. Which I hope will help to get across a message of how we as a nation have been chained for almost 30 years without a slightest breathing space. Our lives has been ruined an so many have lost their life for such simple things that people take for granted in other parts of the world.
My paintings are generally of the Iranian gardens we all grew up in Iran, but in this particular one I have chained my tress and showed how autumn has come over the garden. Exactly what has been happening in Iran.
I believe in saving Nazanin's life and hope this painting can be helpful.
Little knowledge is dangerous
On Farzaneh’s "We're smarter, we rule":
I saw your writings in response to Saeed's article "Yaashaasoon Azarbaijan" by accident while listening to music from Foroughi. Please read with open heart and mind, although it maybe asking too much.
Saeed, your reading and view of Iranian history is rather narrow. While you write of reading more about Iraninan history, you have neglected quite a bit of it. Go back prior to 3rd century when long before there was a Turkish speaking Azerbaijan, that part of Iran was and continues to be a part of Iran. Except a few communists and Toodeh here and there, no one ever wanted separation for Azerbaijan. Have you heard of Sattar Khan and Bagher Khan.
Farzaneh, suggesting Iranians or Persians are not smart enough in not a very intelligent statement, serves no useful purpose, and certainly won't bring a friendly response.
Iranians are to a fair percentage mixed because of all the invasions but what defines us is our culture and heritage not the mixture of our blood. People everywhere in the world, with very few exceptions, are mixed because of changing dynasties, empires, migration, disease and famine. That pattern continues now because people are immigrating and more mobile than ever before.
I travelled to most parts of Iran long before I left for U.S. a few years before the revolution. I have never seen or heard anyone say or claim they are not Iranians even if they do not claim to be Persians. From villages of Hamedan to Shiraz to Tabriz. And I have relatives in all of them.
You two have become victims of the hatred and division that the Islamic regime is promoting. Have you heard of 'divide and conquer'. You are both contributing to the policies of the Islamic regime and doing a major disservice to Iran. Azeri, Persian, Balooch, Ghashghaee... and all.
From what I read from you two, you neither love Iran, nor Azerbaijan. You
certainly do not grasp who/what Iran is, and that they are one and the same.
If you love Iran and Azerbaijan, in one piece or as separate states, make sure you do so with a reasonable view of history and apply a mixture of heart and mind.
"Divide & conquer" started with Pahlavi regime
On Alireza’s "Little knowledge is dangerous":
Dear Alireza,
I should suggest you to be a little fair about judging the history of regimes and philosophy of "divide & conquer" which started with Pahlavi regime, not the present regime. They promoted the animosity between the minorities of Iran specially towards Azerbaijanis for their rebellion against suppression of culture. At least they can write a few newspaper in their own language!
I do not blame you because you have been out of Iran as you mentioned "few years before the revolution" so, you do not have enough knowledge about some positive changes.
I also think you are not in position to accuse me of not loving Iran for the same reason that you left Iran "few years before the revolution"; I left Iran like many other Iranians few years after the revolution for a lot of reasons that is not the core of our discussion.
Yeki bood yeki nabood
Man jek hamwatane iranie hastam wa az shoma jek soaal darm. migam bedonam esme in tarane googoosh chie boode?
"Yeki bood yeki nabood, ye dokhtar ye pesar bood jooneshoon be ham baste bood. Dokhtar pesaro doost midasht,..."
Agar shma begater dareed lotvan braje man mail konied.
Motshakerem,
>>> More letters in June 2006 >>> Part 1
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