Are you an open minded person? (If so, what do you think of this?)?

Question

I think reading this in 5-10 minutes would be better than listening to the news for a lifteime.Plz don't think I'm a very old person.Just 18.A university student studying English who just cannot sit back and hope.This article has two parts: 1.Cultural and general info and music 2.political info.If you wanna know a part of the truth, read it from top to bottom.
Hi.I'm Iranian and I live in Iran.When I chat with people from other countries, I understand that they have totally wrong ideas about Iran.I just wrote this article to correct you.
The first thing they accuse our government of, is that they don't let you be free.Actually, Iranians don't obey the laws they don't like as much as possible.Many strict rules in other countries, don't even exist in Iran.Also, you should understand that what may seem so normal to you, may be a nightmare for us and vise versa.That's why you don't understand a few of Iran's laws.In Iran every single house has a sattelite. Sattelite channels had a serious influence on people, they wear very fashionable clothes.Maybe it's a kind of immitation, but still it's got an unique Iranian style.You'll begin to wonder if it's a country or the fantacy land of beauty queens! Almost half their hair is out and they wear a lot of make up and fationable clothes.Iran is one of the super-consumers of cosmics.You'll be surprised seeing the difference between what you imagined before and how the real Iran is! Everything's great if you don't take unemployment, inflation and air pollution into account which I guess are common problems in many other countries.You can't compare Itran today with the one in 30 years ago! Nearly 65-70% of Iran's population is considered the new generation (The youth) and they've transformed everything.

Some people think women don't have any rights in Iran! Women are overtaking Iran. They're so respectful and they're the winners in most cases: They get into the best universities cos they're so clever.They get the best jobs cos they can do jobs better than men.They've got rights that have made it difficult for men to marry them, because husbands should buy them expensive things and treat them very well, otherwise women will have the right to ask them a great amount of money (called Mehr) according to the law which most husbands cannot afford, so they'll be imprisoned.The only thing that women are not allowed to do in Iran is getting into public football stadiums and that's because such places are full of cheeky guys.They do anything from taking part in rallies to singing DJ / pop songs.Anything! I've put a sample here.I feel foolish for sitting here explaining ordinary things to you.

Another funny thing: Your footage about stoning the women who have committed adultery.Have you ever asked yourselves they relate to how many years ago?For your information, those are from Afghanistan which was ruled by freaks (Taliban).When you think of such things, try to think of the racism in your country too.I find it difficult to make you understand that Iran, Iraq and Afghanistan are SEPERATE COUNTRIES! 60% of Iranians are Persian and 30% are Turkish! I find it even more difficult to make you understand that Iran is a normal country like any other countries in the world.There's nothing mysterious about it!(The media are very good at making scary titles: BEHIND THE CLOSED DOORS!!! IRAN UNDERCOVER!!! This would be enough to scare people away! Iranians are much more open-minded than what you think!!! I'm sure you don't know that there are lots of Iranian geniouses and scientists that are all under 25.You don't hear about their discoveries and inventions on TV. For instance this 17 year old boy has invented 72 amazing inventions and there are many KIDS like that.Iranian students and sportsmen win gold and silver medals in different compotitions in the world all the time such as robotics, biology, maths, physics, sports, anything! Why don't the media talk about them? They just can't summerise everything in one word "nuclear", although we're proud of it cos having nuclear energy means a country is developed.Did you know that the countries having the highest number of scientists in the world are in this order? 1-India 2-Korea 3-Iran

A few months ago Iran uncovered the most effective anti-H.I.V medicine and it was signing treaties with other countries to export it.I digged the news on the internet, but there was no single sign of that.What did I find instead? "President Bush CLAIMS that bomb parts are imported from Iran into Iraq!"(The same old story!) The media are injustice.They put CLAIMS on the headlines, but they never talk about facts! Some interesting facts:
Iran is the pionier in medicine and genetics and Iranian surgens have found lots of new methods for treating spinal defects and many other diseases (mainly the treatment for different types of cancer) and the best brain and heart surgens are Iranian surgens.The head of Mars Mission in NASA is Iranian.One of the best designers of sports cars working in Germany is Iranian.Some of the best 3D animators are Iranian.Iran is one of the best countries in counter-engineering.Holds the second place in building dams and in loads of other things! It's one of the top countries in these fields: bio-technology and nono-technology.The 4th highest tower in the world (Milad tower) is in Tehran ( visit it in the second link).51 top universities out of the 100 top universities in the Mid-East are in Iran and they're among some of the top universities of the world as well.The champion weight-lifter is Iranian.The woman, and a song by one of the pop singers who/which won the nobel peace prize are Iranians and lots of Iranians win nobel prizes specially in the field of medicine . And as you all know, Iranian girls are famous for being terrific.Persian rug and Persian literature, many Persian poets and scientists that are so famous.Iranian culture is now westernised and only a little has survived! According to statistics Tehran is the cheapest capital city in the world for foriegners of course not for us! (Cos our rate is different: one Dollar =about 950 Tomans!) There are many other things.How many pages would you need to describe a country?Iran is an independant country unlike its neighbouring countries.It has nearly all the developed industries and technologies and doesn't need other countries to survive! The list is endless.
The news this morning: "Iranian scintists managed to make human teeth grow again after you've lost them using basic cells"
I'm gonna intoduce you the international news website of Iran (called press TV) which was establlished recently.It's fully in English.Plz vist it and you'll find out what they're hiding from you! In the "Sic / Tech" section you'll always see the discoveries of Iran.The address is: http://www.presstv.ir/news.aspx Press TV news: Iranian scientists have registered more than 4800 inventions during the last Iranian calendar year of 1385 (April 21 2006-April 20, 2007). 4800 inventions in just one year!
Read more in: http://www.presstv.ir/sections.aspx?sectionid=3510208
Some charactristics of Iranians would be: Proud, greedy, hard-working for themselve, lazy in doing their duty well!, intelligent, ambitious, not realistic, not so religious (sadly majority of the young generation is not), not punctual, impatient, well-dressed, formal, well-educated, warm and friendly and hospitable.

Some people think, Iran's a desert! lol Iran is a modern country with breathtakingly beautiful nature and lots of historic places to visit.Please take a look at the following links to see if Iran looks like what you think or not! This is a photo of Tehran (Awesome.Isn't it?): http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/7/79/Tehran-2-1600.jpg http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tehran

If you like you can visit these too, hundreds of pretty photos from the cities and nature:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Hills_south_west_of_Sanandaj_near_the_village_of_Kilaneh.jpg
http://www.pbase.com/k_amj/throughout_iran&page=all
http://www.pbase.com/k_amj/throughout_iran&page=2
http://www.pbase.com/k_amj/throughout_iran&page=3
http://www.bigsoccer.com:80/forum/showthread.php?t=199709&page=4
http://www.bigsoccer.com/forum/showthread.php?t=199709&page=3
http://www.bigsoccer.com/forum/showthread.php?t=199709&page=13
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iran


Some people think music is forbidden in Iran.Did you know that Iranian pop music was chose as the best pop music in France in 2005? I guess not.All Iranian songs are current pop /Club-Dance/Trance/ DJ music.I send them to my American and Canadian chat friends and they all say they're some of the best songs they've ever heard.
Here's a sample of the latest hits.(So catchy.Right?) I believe in "Express yourself through music and that music is a universal language".
You can just right click on the links below and choose "Save Target As" to download them.You can read the full translation of the songs here: http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;_ylt=ArJe6s_u1UbLFRAAiKDGBZLsy6IX?qid=20070514105433AAysEsQ

1.(You know this: 2007) http://download.bia2music.com/Music/Irani/Top33/128/Neorin%20-%20To%20Ino%20Miduni.mp3
2.(Hold my hand: 2007) http://www.sarzaminmp3.com/Sarzaminmusic/Persian/128KB/Mansour%20-%20Beautiful/09_%20Dastamo%20Begir.mp3
3.(The wetness of your eyes: 2006) http://download.bia2music.com/Music/Irani/Top33/128/Ehsan%20Gheibi%20-%20Khisie%20Cheshmat.mp3
4.(I just want you: 2003) http://download.bia2music.com/Music/Irani/Mansour/Crazy/Delam%20Faghat%20Toro%20Mikhaad(www.Bia2Music.com).MP3
5.(The rain: 2007) http://download.bia2music.com/Music/Irani/Siavash%20Ghomayshi/Sunset%20to%20Sunrise/64/Siavash%20Ghomayshi%20-%20Sunset%20to%20Sunrise%20-%2005%20Baroon%20(www.Bia2Music.com).wma
6.(The window: 2005) http://www.sarzamin.org/Sarzaminmusic/Persian/128KB/Siavash%20Ghomayshi/03_%20Panjereh.mp3
7.(Keep me in your memory: 2005) http://www.sarzamin.org/Sarzaminmusic/Persian/128KB/Siavash%20Ghomayshi/07_%20Yaade%20Man%20Baash.mp3
8.(Farangis "A female name" 2007) http://download.bia2music.com/Music/Irani/Siavash%20Ghomayshi/Sunset%20to%20Sunrise/64/Siavash%20Ghomayshi%20-%20Sunset%20to%20Sunrise%20-%2001%20Farangis%20(www.Bia2Music.com).wma
9.(The distance: 2007)
http://www.sarzaminsong.com/Sarzaminmusic/Persian/128KB/Siavash%20Ghomayshi%20-%20Sunset%20to%20Sunrise/03_%20Faseleh.mp3
10.(Sunrise: 2007)
http://www.sarzaminsong.com/Sarzaminmusic/Persian/128KB/Siavash%20Ghomayshi%20-%20Sunset%20to%20Sunrise/04_%20Tolou.mp3
11.(Stop world:2006) http://www.sarzaminmusic.com/Sarzaminmusic/Persian/128KB/Reza%20Sadeghi%20-%20Vaysa%20Donya/01_%20Vaysa%20Donya.mp3
12.(You can't: 2007)
http://www.sarzaminmp3.com/Sarzaminmusic/Persian/128KB/Mansour%20-%20Beautiful/06_%20Nemitooni.mp3
13.(The wind's kiss: 2005) http://www.sarzamin.org/Sarzaminmusic/Persian/128KB/Siavash%20Ghomayshi/01_%20Boosaye%20Baad.mp3
14.(Reveal your visage: 2004) http://www.sarzamin.org/Sarzaminmusic/Persian/128KB/Mohammad%20Esfahani/04_%20Talab.mp3
15.(What would have happened if : 2007)
http://www.sarzaminmp3.com/Sarzaminmusic/Persian/128KB/Navid%20&%20Omid%20-%20Faryad/01_%20Chi%20Mishod.mp3
And so on and on!


It's now 2007 and people still think we are uneducated people living in deserts, riding camels and carrying around guns!!!!
See how the media are fooling people?

Let's clarify some political issues as well:
Some of the Americans I chatted with, said in the U.S it's said that president Ahmadinejad hates the U.S and Israel and wants to nuke them!! The media are good at putting comments.It's easy to show a video or an image of our president or leader on the T.V screen or on the internet and say he says this, he says that.....I really don't get the point why our politicians defame themselves by talking about things that have got nothing to do with us.For example does verbal defence of Palestinians cause them to have a better life?The thing is that they occasionally make some statements that the media would misuse it agaisnt Iran.For example they pick up some specific phrases of a long speech (without reffering to the main points and reasons for that speech) and put so many bad comments on that.No sane person would take it for granted.

First of all, Iranians don't hate anyone.If our government complains about some injustice going on in the world, it's not bad.Is it? (Although what we want them is to shut up and not to get us into trouble by talking about things that are none of our concern) We hate neither Jews nor Americans.I love Americans otherwise why would I talk to them?! How would our guys dream of America, be like them as much as possible and hate it at the same time?! I've got to say that for Iran Israel is not equal with Jews! Israel is a gov't.Jews are faithful people! A few of them live here in our neighbourhood and they live just like the rest of Iranians.No difference.And two of Iran's parliment members are Jews. Who says we want to force others to convert to Islam?Have you ever found a Muslem knocking at your door asking you to do so?It's so funny the way you imagine things and make yourselves believe in your own immaginations! Christians and Jews are both God believers and respectful to us.I wonder why the media like putting words in our mouth and raising hatred.In Iran, religion would be the least important thing. It means that where you come from and what your religion is, are not important to us at all.On the contrary, meeting different people would be so interesting for us!

I wonder Iran is a threat to whom. Is that logical to say someone's guilty because we THINK / PREDICT that he's going to do something wrong?!!!! And they repeat the same "nuclear" tosh over and over and brainwash people! News headlines: "We won't allow Iran to gain nuclear weapons"!!! Has Iran ever attacked any countries?No.Has it developed any nukes?No!That's what nuclear agency says.Only Iran's oppositions are pulling Iran's leg and what they say is of no credit.It's just based on political conflicts.What we're doing is legal.What they ask us to do (ignoring our international rights) is illegal. Iran is a peaceful country.Why? It's the regional super-power and if she wanted, she could easily invade the countries in our neibourhood just like what Seddam did to our country, but as you see Iran has peaceful relationships with all of them.It could be a good example to some countries that just follow their interests.What is interesting is that the countries which accuse Iran of different things have been, and are still accused of the same things!!! How logical!

Some people say he said: Israel should be wiped off the map! But have they told you the rest of his speech and that why he's said this at all?You know that it's a passive sentence.He's never said that IRAN wants to wipe Israel off the map! He wasn't talking about destroying Israel.He was talking about relocating Israel, so that they could live seperate from Palestinians and they could both live in peace.They've only told you this phrase not the whole thing and it's mistranslated intentionally.Iran's always defended itself, but it's not an offensive country.

Some say he's said: Holocaust is a myth! again this is a single phrase from among a long speech and there are totally logical reasons for saying so.If 6000'000 Jews were killed, that's so terrible, but those 300'000 Shiite Moslems killed by Saddam aren't important at all! Over 650'000 Iraqi people are killed and it's not important! When Fox News simply says: America and Israel are capable of destroying and killing all Iran's 69000'000 population within two weeks, it's OK and no one says they're threatening other countries to nuke them (I saw this with my own eyes on the Fox News website) Millions of people killed in Afghanistan, Hiroshima & Nakazaki and vietnam war are not considered human beings at all! Now I think you'd get the point why he's IRONICALLY said it's a mith.Moreover, don't you believe in freedom of speech/mind?

Obviousely, some countries are using Iran as a victim to put the blame (their own faults) on Iran.And which country is better than Iran to be a victim?They've made the whole world believe that Iran isn't a peaceful country.I know Americans don't like these either, but what can they do?They're not responsible for controlling what the media say

This part is just for Americans who would still argue over unimportant things: Those of you who say why Iran says "Death to America": 1.America means the U.S govt not the people 2.The new generation don't say such things and if some of them occasionally march in the streets that's because some of the stupid guys enjoy making noise and they mainly go out there to meet their girlfreids/boyfriends! Strange.Isn't it? 3.Such mottos are not just said in Iran and as you know whatever you hear is a response to the U.S govt's terrible actions which has made life for many people hell (You wouldn't deny that attacking countries is a mistake.right?) 5.The U.S gov't helped Seddam to attack Iran and I hope you know which country gave Iraq biological weapons which killed lots of Iranians 6.America hit an Iranian airplane over the Persian Gulf and killed 200 passengers for no reason 7.It's always botherng Iran by sanctions, displaying false image of Iran and Iranians, scares tourists away from Iran and is always harmful to our economy, development and credit 8.It's always despised the Iranians who travel to the U.S at their arrival (even ordinary ones, university students, sportsmen, scientists etc)
To those who are upset with American hostages taken for 444 days: 1.Firstly, It's related to so many years ago and it's almost a part of history and don't forget that when there's a revolution, there'd be cheos and people may do things that they should not, moreover they're all alive and healthy.Aren't they? 2.The U.S has arrested Iranian diplomats in Iraq and has tortured the one who was freed.Now you decide who has the right to be upset with whom.It's exceeded the level of tit for tat.

Isn't it better for both countries to forget about the past conflicts and to have peaceful relations?The two govts are like 10 year old children playing a game by harsh rhetoric.They don't care about hurting people's feeling.They just try to show that the people are enemies of each other to achieve their own goals. We as the people of these countries MUST NOT have any conflics.You know something?All govts are hateful.I just said the above things because it sounds unfair when some Americans talk about 444 hostage taking and I keep being silent.I hope you agree on this one! Now, what do you think?I can't wait to see both nations in peace.It'd be marvelous!
Plz whenever you have time, find and read an article about "ethnocentrism".Knowing the meaning of this term is not enough.After reading about it, you'll feel a noticable positive change in your attitude towards different people! Guaranteed!

Thanks for your time.

Answer 1

Very interesting. There is a fellow in our neighborhood who is Iranian and his family is still there but he travels back and forth as he managed to get American citizenship through the company he works for. He shows pictures of his family and they don't look any different from people who live in the U.S.

Sometimes I go to an Iranian restaurant in Phoenix, Arizona and the food is delicious. It is run by a family who came to America in the 1940's and this is the third generation of people running the restaurant. Grandma still comes in to make a delicious pudding on occasions.

You should know that it is the stereotypical idea of most Americans to lump all people into groups. During the 1800's all Native American tribes were lumped together and what one tribe did, the white Americans thought all Native Americans did that and as a result many wonderful Native American tribes were wiped out. Of course there were some tribes who were hostile, murderous and tortured people for fun but there were only a few like that. Most were peaceful, nature and family loving people as most people in the world are.

I appreciate your long writing and want to copy it and pass it around as I am sure that what you say is true. I know that Iranians are intellegent and that is a challenge to the economics of the U.S. As most leaders in the U.S. are in the business of making money, they most likely resent the challenge of higher intellegence and inventions in medicine. It does seem to be the way of the U.S. to not reveal much valuable information on our news broadcasts. In my opinion, a naive people are easier to control.

I am a white, female American and I have noticed that the most ignorant Americans are also the most arrogant, the most fearful and the most dangerous. The more intelligent Americans are less confident, more cautions and yet less fearful. We have a saying in America... "The more you learn, the more you learn that you have to learn. The less you know, the less you know that you need to know."

I too, would like to see both nations getting along but our leaders will not tolorate that as there is great money to be had by the building of war machines. We must always remember that what the people really want in their heart isn't what the leaders what for us. We are sold a bill of lies and the public who buys it becomes violent, fearful and hateful. I'm a true believer in thinking with the heart and not in believing everything we are told.

NO XENOPHOBIA!!!

Thanks for writing and giving us real news.

By the way, I copied and pasted this into a document that I can print and pass around for people to read. I'm a music and an English teacher. I will let my junior high students read it and give comments. I will post it on other places on the internet that I find appropriate. Thanks for telling the real news and giving such wonderful web sights. I love the truth and know that American television isn't providing it. (You know, Yahoo may very well delete your account for this. The least you can expect is that your question will be deleted as it can be deemed as "not a question". So sorry.)

Answer 2

I am very open minded and at one of my old schools I went to my best friend was Iranian and he was really cool wand not what you'd expect.

Answer 3

Thank you. I think that was a very good explanation, but I doubt if many people are open-minded enough to appreciate it. Most people are set in their ideas, beliweve whatever they see or hear on the idiot box and simply don't care. I feel like publishing your write-up, it is so good. Thank you. I am not Iranian, but my country get's similarly misunderstood.

Answer 4

It was most enlightening, and quite thought-provoking. Unfortunately, the governments of both countries will do as they will, and the media will assist in their endeavors, and the average person will be judged and condemned. mocked and ignored. It's part and parcel of the First Amendment to attack different opinions.
Thank you for taking the time to tell us your perspective.

Answer 5

Hi, my name is Derick i am Iranian and white born in the U.S.A I've never met or heard from my dad who is Iranian. He lives somewhere in Esfahan. I absolutely loved your writing and do believe every word of it and agree with you on the entire thing. Like you said most Iranians are great people i happen to be one of them . My dad is an Engineer and I'm in college studying to be an engineer. 10 stars for you way to go.

Answer 6

Behaviourist
The question was "what do you think of this"

I thought it was a very well written and informative piece but a lot of people won't believe it because it is not what Fox news are telling them

Mattais
Iran is a democracy

Answer 7

ummmm... do you really think people are gonna read that. I didn't however I will let you know right now that I don't judge people. Just because a few people do something wrong doesn't mean everyone does. You can't generalize people.

Answer 8

That was a very very long speech how about your country rocks. Great?

If you wanted me to change my opinion on Iran then you should have made it a bit briefer and answered the following question. Is Iran a democracy?

Answer 9

1- Truth is the first victim of war.

2- I'm sorry, but if you are against the US government, you are against the US people, as they elect the government.

3- What makes you think the same doesn't apply in reverse, that people in Iran have the wrong impression of the US ?

I am not american.

Answer 10

I'm sorry, you failed to put your propaganda in the form of a question.