In the graphic novel Persepolis, by Marjane Satrapi, being raised as an Islamic female has many struggles to be her own. The author make the conflicts come to life by showing the truth and lies in the monarchy at this time and well hidden they were as to when the government changes to democracy and all the lies are unhidden.
Marjane Satrapi uses clothing such as veils to cover up the dissembled government secrets. "Then came 1980: the year it became obligatory to wear the veil at school. We really didn't like the veil, especially since we didn't understand why we had to." (Satrapi, 3). The government was corrupt and trying to cover up what they believed the public did not deserve right to know. A cultural revolution was veiled and blended in just like the young women of the Islamic race. Not only was public eye blinded, but they were just as well as confused. "I really didn't know what to think about the veil, deep down I was very religious but as a family we were very modern and avant-garde." (Satrapi, 6). Democracy was now in power and the war had started, but to distract the public eye veils were once again strictly enforced. "Soon they're going to actually force us to wear the veil and you, you'll have to trade your car for a camel"(Satrapi, 73). War wasn't the only deed trying to be blanketed. Other injustices such as rape were as well covered within the veils, "And so to protect women from all the potential rapists, they decreed that wearing the veil was obligatory."(Satrapi 74). How could they blame women? HOW? It's just so unethical to punish women for unintentionally attracting me by having their hair down? That's SO insane!!!
The veil was not the only thing blinding the public. When the war had started bombs were dropped on Iran the news had to be spread somewhere. The television, radio and newspaper were the medias way of releasing news. Right before the news of the bombing was released, a distraction occurred. "suddenly, I heard the Iranian national anthem coming from the TV, our start spangled banner. It had been forbidden and replaced by the new governments Islamic Hymn"(Satrapi 83).They did this to distract the public from the lies or harsh truth. My question is why would they draw attention to the TV or radio right before they released the news? Were they supposed to be drawing them to the news of the bombing to distract them from something else, to have more lies?
Hidden lies and truth are perpetrated in the book Persepolis, by Marjane Satrapi, by blinding the public from the harsh reality. This not only happens in foreign country, but just as well as the U.S within politics, budgets, wars and laws. We all only see, what we are shown.
I totally agree with you. The government is suppose to guide and protect the public but like in the story the government lies and manipulates the public into thinking their corrupt decisions are good.
ReplyDeleteI totally agree and reading this book makes me question whats going on with our government, the things they may lie to us about all the time. Makes you question what you can and cannot believe. How can a institution put in place to protect you be so cruel.
ReplyDelete