Misc

oh for heaven's sake.

conservative, naive?  this are the questions that everyone asks of iranians.  stop with the media bias crap already.  these are young people who are curious and interested.  and, i might add, are the subject of a documentary (of dubious intent). 

judith.  we'll book a flight together...:-)  my husband is iranian and it's my fondest wish that i will get to see his motherland.  i even have thoughts myself of living there.  let's keep that dream alive!!!

peace out.

The level of ignorance is shocking considering these young

people have 'unhindered' access to information and unhindered freedom of expression. By and large, the questions they raise follow from their official discourse and propaganda about Iran, on the one hand, and a restricted world view and ignorance of multiplicity of cultures, on the other. Terribly conservative, self-centred, naive and tame. Apart from a couple of intelligent exceptions, it was notable how there is little conception of not only different mores and styles and priorities, but also the impact of US/Western propaganda, punishment and continuous threat of war on Iranians' lives and psyche.

I am not Iranian but visited

I am not Iranian but visited Vank Cathedral in Isfahan in 2003. A man there was very clear that while he was officially tolerated, also he faced not-so-subtle discrimination. Like not being able to take a Muslim name. Everyone was incredibly friendly but you will hear that from so many foreigners who have visited Iran. This man took a chance, not dissing authorities really but being pretty honest considering we were strangers. If U.S. ever has friendly relations I would like to teach English there.