Persopolis #6

                                             Persepolis
 
        Persepolis, a memoir by Marjane Satrapi, is a graphic novel that tells the story of a young girl living in Iran during the Islamic Revolution. I would like to talk further about the separation between classes in Marjane's experience. This story had an amazing impact through image, and voice; I found it intriguing. Through her art, and writing, everything about this book made me want to know more.

        "I finally understood why I felt ashamed to sit in my father's Cadillac. The reason for my shame and for the revolution is the same: the difference between social classes." (P.33).

       At such a young age, the thought of social class differences should not be real. Unfortunately Marjane lived where, and when a revolution begun, a witness to a sad reality. I couldn't relate to the seriousness of her situation in Iran, but I have experiences of my own in the subject. We see other's less or more fortunate, always trying to judge them by appearance, money, and materials. It's difficult for me to understand how people can have such closed minded opinions. No matter much we want our personal belief's to be true, there will always be another way of thinking. Marjane takes on a guilt far too real for such a young girl. There will never be a day when we all agree on what's right and wrong. We will never agree on one way of living.

    "But is it her fault that she was born where she was born??? Dad, are you for or against social classes?" (P.37).

       Adding to the thought of social class separation, Marjane was confused and upset about her father ending a relationship between the maid, and neighbor. In class we discussed the question of her father being in the right or wrong?  I came to think her father made the right choice to intervene, and end the relationship between the two. With all of the trouble and violence already involved in their lives, the father prevented what could have been a large problem. Already people were being arrested, tortured, and murdered for abandoning the rules, I understand that Marjane's father wanted to keep them safe.

       We see in her story the difference in appearance between the men and woman in Iran. I find it unreal to force a belief upon others. It's not realistic to think we can control other's thoughts and opinions. Even if forced to wear the veil, there will be people who disagree with the rule. Putting fear in people to get followers is cruel, and the violence is inhuman. We struggle is all cultures, and countries to accept differences, and it makes it impossible to share peace.

    This story was very different from the others in a way that makes it less personal, and more of an awareness about the place and time for Satrapi. I have a lot of new found knowledge about Iran and the Revolution. We didn't just capture the experience and stories of a young girl, but of a country and it's people too.