Wealth

In Persepolis, one of the many themes I thought was very significant was wealth. Money is the main source of survival that provides us with food, clothes, and something as simple as a place to live. In Persepolis, we witnessed the effect that money had during the revolution. For example, we noticed how Marjanes maid, Mrs. Nasrine, was impacted by the priceless life of her son. “It is a plastic key painted gold. They gave this to my son at school. They told the boys that if they went to war and were lucky enough to die, this key would get them into heaven. They told him that in paradise there will be plenty of food, women, and houses made of gold and diamonds (99,100).” This shows how the fundamentalists compared a lower income kid to a plastic colored key painted gold. They were fooled by their deepest aspirations. Being in a lower income household where they have a mother as a maid proves that their situation is completely different to Marjane’s family. To the point of believing that they would obtain everything that they didn’t have in the real world, but if they joined the army and were lucky enough to die they would obtain everything they desired, even women(99). Even though the fundamentalist were recruiting children, they were making exceptions because children who were in a higher class were not given the key in exchange for their lives. An example is when Marjane calls her cousin Peyman; after listening to her mom’s conversation with Mrs. Nasrine, to see if her cousin had also been given the key(100). While children with a lower income were being thrown into battle, others were planning parties. “In spite of all the dangers, the parties went on “without them it wouldn’t be psychologically bearable,” some said. “Without parties we might as well just bury ourselves now,” added the others. My uncle invited us to his house to celebrate the birth of my cousin (106).” Once again we can see how Marjane’s family was a lot more worried about keeping up with their parties and reunions in which they had everything that had been banned such as, alcohol, board games, and music. They even said that there life’s were practically over if they didn’t have their parties. Alcohol and parties were what they couldn’t live without while many poor young kids died in minefields with a promise to a better life (102). Money helped Marjane’s family get away with a couple of things. An example is when they were driving back from a party and were pulled over by religious police (basijies) and were followed all the way home (zohrehs blogspot). Marjanes father had to pay the fundamentalists for them to forget about searching their homes for possible things that were banned. “Where’s the guy? Where indeed! Their faith has nothing to do with ideology! A few bills were all he needed to forget the whole thing (110)!” In conclusion, money plays a very important issue in this novel. According to the book, before the Islamic Revolution people that were rich stayed rich and those that were poor stayed poor. Yet, when the Iraqis took control people that used to have lower income jobs; but supported the beliefs of the Iraqis, later became important people with no experience necessary. An example is when Marjanes uncle Taher had a heart attack and had to be seen at another hospital in England because they were not properly equipped where he was staying (121). “Only my aunt was allowed in. She had a big surprise. The director was her former window washer. She acted as if she didn’t recognize him to avoid offending him (121). Because they could not obtain the permit for Taher to leave they decided to seek for help elsewhere. Marjane’s father found another alternative to send his brother to England, a fake passport which was sold in the amount of $200. Once again money seemed like it was their way of resolving the passport concern.            

Violence

Whenever facing a dangerous situation our reaction is usually an escape. There are also situations in which instead of improving they become worse and often times, endless. On page 64, we notice how the situation seemed to be getting worse to the point that people began to seek refuge in other countries. Marjane’s families were also debating on whether they should also leave the country, however they were afraid of change. An example is when Marjane’s mother says, “Maybe we should leave too” and is quickly responded by her husband “So that I can become a taxi driver and you a cleaning lady(64)? I truly relate to this because it reminded me of immigration. My parents were born in Mexico. They came to the U.S. for a better life in 1986 and they didn’t care whether their jobs would be as a taxi driver or a cleaning lady, it would still be a better paying job than staying in Mexico for no job at all. Twenty five years later the immigration issue is not over. Because of the struggle among drug cartels against the Mexican government there have been many deaths and people fear for their safety. As result, many try to cross the border in means of a better life. In the U.S., the border patrol has gotten stronger and propositions worse. For example, the law SB 1070 in Arizona which identifies, prosecutes and deports illegal immigrants. Although it was not passed many other states have been influenced by this law and have created their own. The Islamic revolution reminded me of the immigration reform that people are currently fighting for. Marjane’s passion for her beliefs and rights reminded me of the immigrant people fighting now with the same enthusiasm as Marjanes family.    

In Persepolis, escaping seemed like it would have been a better idea than staying. One by one people were being killed. First Mohsen who had been found drowned in his bathtub (Satrapi 65). Then Siamak, however his sister was executed in his place (65). Last Anoosh, Marjane’s uncle who was imprisoned and killed the day after (65). Another example is when Marjane experiences her first demonstration against fundamentalist and witnesses’ violence (76). These are all examples of how the revolution kept getting worse. There is also a passage in which aircraft is involved in which Iraqis bombed Iran cities (80-81).   

The author is showing us different examples of control and power and the consequences of their disobedience. For example, something as simple as wearing a veil or not wearing one could signify a bad reputation and access for men to insult and harass women even to the point of being raped (74).  This proves how their laws were spreading because of fear of opposing it and being killed.    

My Mother Never

My mother never understood me. Ever since I can remember our thoughts and opinions have always been like oil and water; we just can't mix. I always felt out of order every time I was around her. Before reaching adolescence our relationship was close. My mother was my hero. I truely respected, admired, and appreciated her hard work; not only as a mother but as a wife and employee. She worked at a company named Coffer for ten years, which later closed down. Even though she had a very difficult schedule; she worked from 7pm to 5am , she managed to fulfill her obligations as a mother. She would wake up early to take us to school on time, but not after preparing a good morning meal. My thoughts and respect have always been the same, however our relationship became distant when I began to make my own decisions. Our problems began when I was in eight grade she began to question my friends and even concerned about my clothing. She was so used of picking my clothes out for me all the time. Her concern as an overprotective mother forced her to make decisions for me and to loose trust on my own opinions. I felt like she didn't want me to have my own experiences to possibly learn from my mistakes if I was making the wrong choices. It was not long after our relationship completely fell apart. High school was what drew us farther apart. I made not so bright choices, but very fun and unforgettable events; like ditching school with my friends on a regular basis. When she found out, she began to prohibit me from spending time with my friends, one in particular. My mother thought that these people where being a bad influence on me. I could no longer move forward without her being aware. It got to a point where I couldn't step outside my house without her knowing. I even had her own personal spy, my sister, as her allied. I felt like my life was miserable having my sister around me all the time reporting my every move to my mother. I got so tired of her authority that I became rebellious. I ignored her instructions and did what I wanted. Everything got to a point where there was no communication between us. I would try to keep myself occupied with school and work as much as I could as long as it would keep me away from home. Every time I was at home there would always be arguments between us. She didn't recognize my school efforts and struggles to graduate. Nothing seemed enough to please her. My so called bad conduct almost took me to Mexico, according to my mother, to straighten me out. It was not until my father interfered and gave me what my mother could not, a second chance. I focused on graduating without having to renounce on my friends. I was always criticized by my actions. Every move I made was not after a long speech about my failure in the future. As soon as I graduated I made a life changing choice, I decided to move out. I had been currently working full time. First, I was working as a medical assistant from 8am to 5pm. Then a telemarketing job from 6pm to 10pm. I thought I had life all figured out. To my disappointed, I missed not being at home. I missed being surrounded by my father and siblings and even my mothers delicious cooking. I was so frustrated because I wanted to go back for so many reasons, yet I didn't want to go through the same torturing experieces with my mother. After being away for a while she began to call me to see how I was doing. I then decided to visit her every once in a while. Our conversations where no longer belligerent. It was on one visit that she offered me to come back home which I didn't hesitate to answer. Our relationship improved after I got married and only grew stronger when I gave birth to my son. However, even though our relationship is better we still have strong disagreements. After a very long time I realized that even though we dont agree in surtain discussions or decisions it should not be a reason for us to grow apart. I have learned to deal with her mistakes and she with mine even if she has a hard time approving them.
Its okay for us to be like oil and water because no one is ever the same.         

Iam

      Iam a twenty three year old wife, mother, and student. I consider myself honest, hardworking, responsible, and persistent. I’ am a tall, slender dark featured woman. I am Hispanic, born in California on March 17, 1988 from Mexican parents originated from Guadalajara, Jalisco. Mexican blood runs through my veins and most people’s first impression about my heritage would think me Persian. I believe it is my dark colored eyes, eyebrows, and hair that people resemble with the Persian people. I was raised with the same customs as my parents regarding religion, marriage, and culture. I was married by the Catholic Church on July 11, 2009. My interests are having fun with the people I love. I enjoy going out with my husband to places I have never been to. I also enjoy going out with my friends during the day to the mall, restaurants, or often times take our mutual children to the park. My life became a routine with no direction to the future.      
       Being a full time housewife made me realize that I definately want to accomplish more. In 2009 I was a full time student at San Jose City College. My goal was to continue with school to become a registered nurse. I was engaged, but was not planning to have any children until all my goals were accomplished; however, my life had an unexpected turn. I found out I was two months pregnant. At the time all my dreams had vanished in just a few seconds. I tried to continue attending school, but the morning sickness was unbearable. After a long period of thinking and hours of consultation with my husband regarding the decision I was about to make. I finally came to the conclusion that I would take a short break from school and would have my whole concentration on my married life. My son Alexis is now twenty-one months old and I am now a current student in college.
    Many decisions have changed after a two year break. I noticed that I am not as talented for school as I would like to be. I have always stumbled through school regardless of the subject. It has always frustrated me that I always try to do my best on every class. An example would be when I would end up studying up to five hours for a test or final thinking I would easily accomplish a well deserved grade. To my disappointment, I would receive my grades with no higher than a C. I determined that as much as I would like to be a nurse other options are also available. I gave it a lot of thought of what I enjoyed doing and was good at. I decided to go for cosmetology. It is a short career that I can manage without neglecting my son.