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.
I read your thoughts on Persepolis with kin interest, and you have raised some captivatingly thought-provoking points about Marjane's perspective towards what was going on in her Country, Iran. It's true that through the journey of history goes, we, as human beings, tend to face different conditions--sometimes dangerous ones--like the one which Marjane narrates in her book, Persepolis. However, the fortunate thing is that we learn a historical lessons on those kind of things. " 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". Here, I really liked the connection you have made between the two events that happened to Marjane and your parents back in the days.
ReplyDeleteHonestly, I believe that we all have something in common and that is: we're all immigrants, be it here in the States of elsewhere. You see, Marjane was finally able to emigrate from IRan to France, where livees now according to Persepolis. But immigration has its own causes and reason just like that of revolution, and that is also a fascinating thing to know.
I am another immigrant from Mexico who has suffered the change. It is difficult to live in Mexico as you know, but sometimes it is more difficult to deal with changes. I understand your parents because I am sure they came to the United States looking for a better life. Also,I enjoyed reading the connection that you made with the novel, so that I could relate myself with your parents' situations.
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