Fear and Freedom

When a country is at war, we think about the military and political aspects of it.  We never think about the families and children in the midst of it all.  The book we read, Persepolis, really brings out a whole new aspect on the war in Iran, and the battles outside and inside homes. 

I personally have never researched about Iran and the issues in it.  I usually just hear about it briefly in the news or people talking.  I never knew the history behind the veil and why Muslim women had to wear the veil with long dark clothes.  I thought it was willingly for their religion.  I was unaware that Muslim women were forced by the government to look this way or they could be thrown in jail.  I also didn't process there are women, like Marji, who despised the veil and disagreed with it.  I was very naive about all of this.

I think fear is a huge theme in this book.  Not only were Iranians in constant fear in their own government, but they were also in fear about attacks from other countries too.  For example, Marji's father is late coming home for work and she feared he was dead.  When the supermarkets were empty because everyone stocked up on food in fear they wouldn't be able/want to leave their homes. When Marji's mother covered her windows with curtains so no one could see them having a party in fear they will be arrested.  I couldn’t imagine living life in endless fear and a lot of countries right now are, such as South Africa, Afghanistan and Uganda (article link below).

Another main theme for this book is freedom (or a lack of it).  Marji gives an example in the lack of freedom, "Since we weren't married, we couldn't kiss each other in public, or give one another a friendly hug to express our extreme joy.  We risked imprisonment and being whipped." Mari never let this lack of freedom and fear scare her.  Her constant acts of rebellion against the regime's unjust rules are very inspiring.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/05/19/countries-safety_n_3303654.html