Back from Iran
Nov 10, 2015All Iranians I met stated openly and quickly that they have nothing but disdain for their government, their Supreme Leaders, and, essentially, their state. Iranians are far from being brainwashed: They’re all aware of how isolated their country is and that their basic human rights are infringed upon. Many despise Islam and the way the ruling elite uses religion to justify their intrusion into Iranians’ lives.
The women I spoke to said they hated wearing the headscarf and the hijab, and I was also constantly stressed out about whether or not I was dressed appropriately or my head covered correctly. I was admonished twice to dress “more islamic.” I experienced on my own body how the hijab dress rule is a very effective form of psychological humiliation, if not torture.
Many Iranians asked me why I came to visit Iran, and what they implied was: “Why did you choose such a shitty country for your vacation?” My reply was always the same: Because I can, and because I need to use this privilege to see how the people live who can’t just hop on a plane and skip away.
This trip served as a very humble reminder to always cherish and appreciate my freedom: The freedom to travel anywhere I like, to dress the way I feel comfortable, to state my opinion without any fear of repercussion or detention; etc. — I should never take the way I live my life for granted.
I often felt overwhelmed and shocked about how un-free and depressed Iranians are. Everybody’s got a broken feeling, and no perspective. There’s only disillusionment about the future. Iran is a quiet and lonely place.
Dar Abad, Northern Tehran, October 13, 2015
