2006-09-20 15:34:52 · 6 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Cultures & Groups ➔ Other - Cultures & Groups
Let me further qualify that by saying that they always say they are from Persia.
2006-09-20 15:41:40 · update #1
the simple answer is : because they (we) are !!!
now to dig deeper : there is a difference between nationality and ethnicity. People from Iran are Iranians by nationality (almost all of 'em), and they are (mostly) Persian by ethnicity. It's a fine line most people fail to notice. As an example, someone from Azerbayjan (the province in Iran, not the country) is Iranian, but not necessarily Persian, they are mostly Turk by ethnicity. Some people living in the west of the country are Kurds, although still Iranian by nationality.
Also, what I have noticed is that, because of neighboring Arab countries and being located in the Middle East, many people in the Western world confuse us with Arabs (make a mental note not to make that mistake!), so we call ourselves Persian to make sure that distinction is made.
One other reason is that Persians are proud of being a Persian but, sadly, not so proud of the Iranian regime.
So, there you have it.
I hope it answers your question.
2006-09-22 12:32:03 · answer #1 · answered by Kamran the Great © 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Because the country of Iran was originally called Persia, that's why. In fact, a lot of the current troubles and conflicts in the Middle East have to do with the fact that the U.S. and Britain carved it all up after WWI and also WWII. I don't think Iranian's are ashamed at all, but probably proud of their ancestry. If any people should be ashamed these days, it's us Americans for the way our Bush administration in running the worst tyranny since Hilter.
2006-09-20 22:58:20 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Persia existed long before the named country of Iran. They are correct in just identifying what they truly are.
Iranians are basically good people, with a rich history. The problem is their leadership.
Most young Iranians are pro American as well. Hopefully they will be able to overthrow their government. That would save us all a lot of grief.
2006-09-20 22:39:46 · answer #3 · answered by TG Special 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Probably cuz Iranian is their nationality, while Persian is there ethnicity. There may be more than one ethnicity in Iran.
2006-09-20 22:38:53 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋
Nooooo...it's that Persian is the proper name for their ethnicity.
2006-09-20 22:38:39 · answer #5 · answered by GreenEyedLilo 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Funny how you changed your question after you got slapped by the facts.
2006-09-21 08:26:47 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋