Together with members of your group and students in other sections, you’ll be reading Persepolis over the next several weeks. Although you're not required to take notes while you read, it would be wise to keep track of important events and characters for your own clarification. You are, however, expected to participate regularly and thoughtfully in an online discussion of seven essential questions.
Here's how it works:
Divide your book into two roughly equal halves. You need to have read and blogged about your book by the due dates below.
- There are two kinds of posts in this discussion: comments and responses.
- Post at least SIX comments altogether: at least THREE for the 1st half of reading and at least THREE for the 2nd half.
- You must comment on at least five essential questions over the course of your reading.
- You may comment on only two questions more than once.
- One of your six comments can be a "free response" post.
- Post at at least TEN responses altogether: at least FIVE for the 1st half of reading and at least FIVE for the 2nd half.
- In addition, you will post at least ONE comment and ONE response to the question about Veils, the Portland Stage Company production on March 6. [Note: If you do not attend this production, you will need to post an additional comment and response to the book questions.]
Due dates:
- Post your first three comments and five responses by FRIDAY, FEB. 28.
- Post your final three comments and five responses by TBA (date to be announced in class).
- Post your comment & response about the play by MONDAY, MARCH 10.
- How do the characters assert their individuality within a repressive society?
- Where do the characters find sources of inspiration in their lives?
- How are the characters affected by events/changes in society?
- How is the practice of veiling (or restrictions on dress in general) reflective of cultural attitudes toward gender roles? How do these attitudes affect characters’ lives?
- How does our cultural background shape our perception of women and the practice of veiling (or wearing a head scarf) in other countries?
- How do the characters’ personal stories expand your understanding of the societies in which they live?
- Should there be one standard for gender equality throughout the world? Why or why not?
Essential Question for Veils: (play by Tom Coash at Portland Stage Company)
The main point of contention between Intisar and Samar in the play is their differing opinions on
the practice of veiling. Which character makes the more compelling argument, in your opinion?
Why?
Assessment: To earn maximum credit, post thoughtful responses that are at least a short paragraph in length—and carefully proofread! Do not misspell characters' or authors’ names! Also, be sure to include specific references to the text (either details or short quotations).
In order to post, click on the "comments" link.
ReplyDeleteI think that god if a symbol for her faith. She told people what she thought and did or tried to act upon it.
ReplyDeleteWhat do you mean?
DeleteWell she interacts with the god. As a child it could be her interpenetration of the concept.
DeleteI agree, and I also think that God is a big inspiration to her, especially when she was very young at the beginning of the book. I noticed that as she grew older, she didn't speak to God as much.
DeleteI think God was also used as a symbol for her naiveness and comfort as a child. He was shown as a big old kind comforting character. We see she stops talking to God after her uncle is killed, which is the symbol of her growing up.
DeleteLoss of innocence = coming-of-age moment—great insight!
DeleteGod seems to be a very important inspiration for how she behaves, but I don't believe that she used it as a crutch. She saw God as a powerful force, and she respected it, but unlike some other characters in the book, she did not let God cloud her rational judgement. She made her decisions in life based on what she thought was right, not what she thought God would want.
DeleteAlthough God can be seen as a symbol of her faith and personal interpretation of God and religion and faith, I believe God was a symbol of her overall faith and hope in life; not just in religion. Like Stefan said, a symbol for how naive she is. She is so sure about many things she hears, she has a stubborn opinion, as most children do. When she gets in trouble in class for speaking of things she shouldn't, she's confused. This shows how naive she is, because she thought saw it as normal to express an opinion, or a thought. God is by her side throughout this stage of stubbornness and confusion. When her and God get into their fight and she tells him she never wants to speak again, he is only brought up few times. Her realization of how cruel the world can be and her realization of who she could be, and who she is, happens near this time.
DeleteI found that I understand the social classes better after it was addressed. Does anyone else feel that way???
ReplyDeleteYes, like I said in another comment it's like you're learning about her society with her.
DeleteIt was almost as though you were growing up with her, as she grew and became more mature, the topics (and the way they are addressed) mature as well.
DeleteI agree with all of you. The differences between the social classes is scary, considering classes start to be based on how religiously commited a person is. I agree with Sam because when she was a child, she explained things in a more fantastic way, like talking to God. Once she grew older, she started to explain things and events on her own.
DeleteI have a separate comment. Did anyone else know what types of punishment there were. It sound horrible. Is it true WE thought them THAT!
ReplyDeleteWhat do you mean by "We thought them that"? Is it true that the regime was torturing people in those ways?
DeleteI think she meant "taught them that," as in that the CIA taught the torturing techniques.
DeleteIt is disturbing that we, the United States of America, try to portray ourselves as the symbol of democracy and justice in the world, yet we are responsible for some of the most horrible and brutish attacks on human rights in the modern era.
DeleteYeah, I really don't like the Bias that in the media toward the Middle East, I feel like they need to be shown in the different light
DeleteI don't understand how our country is seen is such a bright light by some countries when we are responsible for such things, but I also don't see how some countries view us so badly when our intentions are usually good. (Usually)
DeleteHow do the characters’ personal stories expand your understanding of the societies in which they live?
ReplyDeleteThe book is told from a child's point of view, which gives a new perspective on the Islamic Revolution. Everyone around her says that the men who went to jail were heroes, so she wishes her father could have gone to jail so she could be proud. She also believes the when the news says that 99.99% of Iran's population voted for the Islamic Republic which shows there really were people who believed numbers like that.
I agree with you. Children are innocent and because of that the story was given a very unique perspective.
DeleteYes, seeing through her naive eyes you experience a point of view in her society that you don't often see. And through the book she learns more and more about her own culture from her parents and books so it's like you're learning about the culture with her.
DeleteI thought in the story she seemed to jump to conclusions too quickly? While she is an innocent young girl, I thought it was kind of odd how she took what she heard and immediately took it as true.
DeleteYeah there was questing part of her once she was given an answer. She is inquisitive but when she is give an answer she takes it as truth
DeleteI really like what you're saying here. I think the book does a really nice job of showing how innocent and clueless a child can be to concepts as large as the ones she was facing. Marji was also trying to understand things that were nearly impossible for a child to grasp; I think this is relatable for all of us.
DeleteI think you could use her being a child as a metaphor, for how the world sees the Middle East because there are a lot of complex issues in that area, it could easily not be understood by the outside world.
DeleteI like the way you put this because it shows how the media can portray very false facts, depending on who is in charge. I liked the way she told her stories because she had a view on what was really happening, and what she was supposed to see.
DeleteHow do the characters assert their individuality within a repressive society?
ReplyDeleteShe asks questions about the revolution and her family and reads many books to understand what is happening around her.
I agree she asks about everything. She is very inquisitive.
DeleteShe is really inquisitive, but I think her parents help her with that by being part of the revolution, and I think her parents want her to learn about her world around her
DeleteIt is very important to know what is going on in her society, even though it is hard to understand at a young age.
Deleteresponse #5
DeleteI agree, she asks about everything and says exactly what she's thinking, even though sometimes it gets her in trouble. (this is at the beginning of the book)
Where do the characters find sources of inspiration in their lives?
ReplyDeleteShe is inspired by god and her family. Her religion and relationship with god inspire her to want to be a prophet. And her parents who go out to demonstrations inspire her to want to be involved as well and go to demonstrations with them.
I think that more than anything her uncle, the one who went to prison, she cherished him. Although it could be part of the belief that those who went to prison are heros.
DeleteYes thats true does any other person find it strange that she accepted his so quickly
DeleteI do agree it was sort of strange how quickly they bonded, but that could also be to do with the fact that he was a hero in her opinion.
DeleteI think you have to keep in mind that this was a book and it didn't clearly state how long he was there, plus the author most likely exaggerated in some ways to make her relationship with her uncle seem clearly special.
DeleteYes that is very likely, but I also think she is showing how she found people like her uncle as heroes, and that's why she liked him so much so quickly.
DeleteAt the beginning of the book, God and her family are her biggest sources of inspiration. As the book goes on, her family is her main source of inspiration, but I think, at least by the end of the book, her inspiration comes from within. After everything she went through and saw, I think she learns to be independent. I think her and her uncle may have had more background than the book explained, or he was there for longer than it seemed, like Carmen said. (#6)
DeleteWhere do the characters find sources of inspiration in their lives?
ReplyDeleteMarjane is inspired by her parents. Her father is a photographer. He is fearless in his involvement with the demonstration. Marjane disobeyed her parents by joining the demonstrations at an age that was far too young. She followed the actions of her parents.
How are the characters affected by events/changes in society?
As the country becomes increasingly oppressed, Marjane becomes conscious of how well-off and liberal her family is. She is afraid of the consequences of such status. The weekly parties and her father's car, amongst other things, were disapproved of in the new society.
How do the characters’ personal stories expand your understanding of the societies in which they live?
Marjane's uncle tells his niece stories about their ancestors. Marjane reacts with pride and excitement. Her reactions show how oppressive the society was; in a free country the reaction would be of less excitement. Marjane is thrilled by the rebellion and grit of her family as the faced tough situations.
I wonder what the consequences will be if her family ever gets caught at a party. Will it be mild because they are of a high status?
DeleteEven though they are of a higher class it seems as though they are still have the possibility of being arrested.
DeleteFor the Guardians of the Revolution it didn't matter what social class you were in, if you didn't follow the rules you were punished, as shown by Marjane's grandfather who was a prince.
DeleteErin- I don't think it would be mild, as there doesn't seem to be a real "mild" form of punishment in her country.
DeleteI like your third answer, when we think of someone going to prison it doesn't make us proud of them, her excitement in the fact that someone in her family was fighting against her government really does illuminate how oppressive it really is.
Delete1. How are the characters affected by events/changes in society?
ReplyDeleteThe characters are affected by the events in society because they don’t have as much freedom. In school, Marji is forced to wear the veil, and all the students have to mourn twice a day, which involves the students beating their chests. At home, the characters don’t have much freedom because they can’t play games, have alcohol, or have parties. Also, the demonstrations are affecting the characters because Marji’s family knows people that were dying in the demonstrations. Despite all the deaths, her parents go to the demonstrations everyday, so Marji is constantly worried that her parents might get injured or killed.
2. How do the characters assert their individuality within a repressive society?
The characters show individuality in a repressive society by expressing their freedom, even though the consequences are harsh. They do this by throwing illegal parties and drinking alcohol, with the desire to enjoy life even with the risk of getting caught.
3. Where do the characters find sources of inspiration in their lives?
Marji’s inspiration is her parents because they participate in demonstrations and do what they can to make a difference in their society. Marji has many questions about the war and she always asks her parents for the answers and their opinions about the war.
She looks up to them and wants to make a difference as well. One time she even snuck out to demonstrate because she wanted to be involved.
For your second answer; is expressing their freedom more showing their individuality, or showing how they feel towards the fundamentalists?
DeleteIt could also be all in the same
For number 2... In drinking alcohol and throwing parties I think Marji's family is expressing themselves in a way that is more for self satisfaction than freedom to be seen by the rest of the country. They wanted to prove to themselves that the government couldn't control every aspect of their lives.
DeleteI agree with Carmen, even though they're not supposed to, it is their coping mechanism and helps them express themselves. (#7)
Delete1. How do the characters assert their individuality within a repressive society?
ReplyDeleteMarjane asserts her individuality in such a repressive society by choosing to wear different clothes, such as her Nike shoes and denim jacket. Marjane also shows her individuality with her music and rebellious attitude at school and to others. Her means of showing her individuality conflict with the rules of the fundamentalist muslims, so she has trouble at school and with the Guardians of the Revolution.
Marjane's parents both sort of show their individuality by being rebellious, such as going to parties and having alcohol at their house. Besides that, they do not show much difference from many of their friends who present themselves in the same way.
2. Where do the characters find sources of inspiration in their lives?
Marjane finds her main sources of inspiration from her parents, uncle, and other key rebellious figures. Marjane wants to join the rebellion and fight alongside her idols, and does so. She gets in trouble for joining the demonstrations, but is proud of her choice nevertheless. Marjane idolizes anyone who, in her opinion, seemed like a true martyr in the rebellion. She is overjoyed when she gets to know anyone who was in trouble because of their involvement in the revolution.
Marjane also finds inspiration from her rock idols, Iron Maiden and Kim Wilde. She either feels that Iron Maiden and Kim Wilde are rebellious, or that they help her show off her defiant nature. Also, in her earlier childhood, God was a huge inspiration for Marjane. She felt that if she became a prophet she would be able to show God how righteous of a person she was.
3. How are the characters affected by events/changes in society?
Marjane reacts to the events and changes in Iran based on what she hears from others. She is affected by events such as her uncle's death by feeling anger and sadness. This leads to her feeling of rebellion getting stronger. While she must follow the newly imposed laws for wearing a hijab, Marjane keeps showing her feelings of rebellion by wearing other defiant clothing. Marjane's parents react to the events in Iran with complaints and anxiety.
This comment has been removed by the author.
Delete3. Yeah, does react to those things. Also she shows hair even though she was not allowed to.
Delete1. I agree that she has no choice but to rebel if she wishes to make a difference in her society. Changes never happen if everyone follows the rules.
Delete1. How do the characters assert their individuality within a repressive society?
ReplyDeleteMarjane uses her choice of clothing to assert her individuality. She wears her sneakers and jackets to stand out and be herself. Her parents assert their individuality by going to protests and throwing illegal parties with alcohol and such.
2. Where do the characters find sources of inspiration in their lives?
Marjane finds inspiration from her parents and other figures like God and political figures. She wanted to join the demonstrations that her parents went to, but they wouldn't let her. She went on her own and got in trouble, but was still proud of her choice. She also gets inspirations from her favorite rock stars like Iron Maiden. She likes their rebellious nature and wants to be like them.
3. How are the characters affected by events/changes in society?
Marjane is affected by everything that happens around her. She hears about all the bad things happening through family members and books, and it inspires her to make changes. That is why she chooses to rebel and wear different clothing. She hears about things such as her uncle's death, and the fates of prisoners in jail.
I think her choice of wearing a head version instead of full body Vail was also part of it. She chose to show more of herself then she could of.
DeleteI think she chose to show off more because she wanted to be herself and not be like everyone else (Posters and Music help expose this idea)
DeleteFor number 3, she does get inspired by family members and books, but I also think she worked up a grand idea about what it is to rebel.
DeleteI agree with Stefan. I think that her idea of rebellion was a grand one, despite the grittiness that actual rebellion entails.
DeleteHow are the charters effected?
ReplyDeleteWell for one thing as the book progresses she looses some innocence. Also I think her finding that a friends father had been in jail was a surprise for her. I am not positive but I think that it changed her way of looking slightly
In what ways does she lose innocence? Is it just in a mental way, or in her behavior? A part that sticks out for me is when she took a bath and looked down at her hands and thought about how pruned they were. She connected it to the hands of her uncle/grandfather (I'm not sure which) and was shocked by the reality of their situations.
DeleteI can see how she loses some innocence, considering how she was exposed to such gruesome events and lived in such a repressive and strict society, she had to grow up faster than she should have because of all the rules.
DeleteWhen it came to the adults being called in about the children's behavior. I think that what the parents said was good. They expressed there true feelings on the subjects. Like children not being able to act like children. That they needed to respect authority. It shows how much teacher and military have control. With the key as well. Forcing the girls to make hats and boy to prepare for the army.
ReplyDeleteHow do the characters assert their individuality within a repressive society?
ReplyDeleteThe largest way she expresses her individuality is in he clothing. What she wears like her forbidden shoes and pants. Also her obsession with music and posters. Even though she was not allowed to.
I feel like she was obsessed with music, shoes and posters because they were forbidden, which made her want those things even more.
DeleteI think every kid, if not everyone, sort of "wants what they can't have" and she wasn't supposed to have those things, which like Erin said probably provoked her interest in these things. It does help her express her individuality though. (#9)
DeleteHow do the characters assert their individuality within a repressive society?
ReplyDeleteWith the daughter, she does it with her music, and posters and dress, I find it to be really ballsy because she isn't supposed to do that
3. How does our cultural background shape our perception of women and the practice of veiling (or wearing a head scarf) in other countries? I think that the ways the US sees the head scarf as really oppressive, and although most people didn't like them a fair amount of people did.
2.Where do the characters find sources of inspiration in their lives
She find her inspiration through her uncle who went to prison, and her parents.
I agree. The US sees head scarves as oppressive because many Americans follow the stereotype that all muslims are terrorists.
Delete7.Should there be one standard for gender equality throughout the world? Why or why not?
ReplyDeleteI think there should be a universal standard for Gender equality because well we are all humans and should be treated them same. I also understand that by forcing that you may be infringing on peoples religious beliefs
How is the practice of veiling (or restrictions on dress in general) reflective of cultural attitudes toward gender roles? How do these attitudes affect characters’ lives?
The enforcing of dress shows that gender roles are completely different from our US gender roles, by forcing women to wear what men want them to, shows that they feel that men have control of women, when it should be that they are even.
I like both of your answers because women should be seen as equals to men. By forcing women to wear veils makes them even more unequal.
DeleteHow do the characters assert their individuality within a repressive society?
ReplyDeleteMarjane expressed her individuality by questioning the practice of veiling. She thought for herself and didn't accept everything that society told her. Marjane's family hosted parties and played Western games that were largely disapproved of by their country. I think they did this in a sort of rebellion, and also for satisfaction.
How is the practice of veiling (or restrictions on dress in general) reflective of cultural attitudes toward gender roles? How do these attitudes affect characters’ lives?
Needless to say, men were not required to wear veils in Iran. This leads one to think that women’s decisions were more limited. There was no controversy around a man’s dress, yet there was around the dress of a woman. Choice is a large part of power, and I think the veil represents a gender hierarchy. Marji was undoubtedly affected by veiling. When first forced to wear one, she felt like her voice was taken away. Her parents were outraged.
How does our cultural background shape our perception of women and the practice of veiling (or wearing a head scarf) in other countries?
In our culture, we are fortunate enough to make our own choices. Though certain limits are placed upon us (mostly for the sake of safety and wellness), we are able to dress ourselves, and it’s safe to say the US would not impose the veil (or any type of clothing) on women. It’s because of our rights and freedoms that we find required veiling odd, unreasonable and restricting.
I like your first answer, I agree, I do think it was for rebellion, but also for pleasure. They could have also gotten pleasure out of this rebellion.
DeleteI agree with your second answer because taking away the choice to wear a veil was also like taking away all power from women.
DeleteI really like your first and third answers; the relationship between power and choice and the idea that because we have so much freedom other countries can seem extremely oppressive.
DeleteThe main point of contention between Intisar and Samar in the play is their differing opinions on the practice of veiling. Which character makes the more compelling argument, in your opinion? Why?
ReplyDeleteI think Intisar's argument was more compelling, as it was more thoughtful and emotional than Samar's seemed to be. Intisar was more cooperative than Samar in her beliefs. She was able to see both sides of veiling, and didn't attack Samar's beliefs until provoked. Her actions were less impulsive than Samar's; Intisar didn't throw stones and wasn't quick to attack other's ideas. Intisar's actions were well thought out and meaningful-- she dressed in a burqa to the first protest to hide herself from Samar while still expressing her beliefs. Such an action was admirable.
The main point of contention between Intisar and Samar in the play is their differing opinions on
ReplyDeletethe practice of veiling. Which character makes the more compelling argument, in your opinion?
Why?
In my opinion, I think they were both, sort of pointlessly arguing about the same thing towards each other, the right to choose whether to wear veils or not. But if I had to choose, I would say Intisar was a bit more compelling, and a bit more in the right. She seemed to be more understanding of the people who chose not to wear it, and she didn't bash on Samar's beliefs that much.
I think Samar was the one who was more understanding of the women who didn't wear a veil?
DeleteThe main point of contention between Intisar and Samar in the play is their differing opinions on the practice of veiling. Which character makes the more compelling argument, in your opinion?
ReplyDeleteWhy?
In my opinion, Samar has the more compelling argument. While I do think both characters' arguments were both wrong, Samar had more reasoning behind her argument, and didn't just use God for a reason as Intisar did. Samar saw how some people just wore veils as a fashion statement, for their families' reputation, or even just because of their husbands' wants. Intisar didn't understand these reasons for wearing a veil, and kept using her dedication to God as her reason for wearing it and her reason for others to wear it. I also think both characters are wrong in their argument, because they can't both come to a conclusion that what they both want is choice.
4. The practice of veiling shows the cultural view towards women, and how women should be covered up unless they are with their man. This shows the gender role of women just being for making and taking care of children. In Persepolis, Marjane doesn't let veiling take control of her life, and does what she can to fight gender roles. Marjane's parents also do not practice veiling unless needed, and do not follow the common gender roles either.
ReplyDelete5. Our cultural background tends to give us a negative view of women who wear veils In American culture we are taught to look at both genders as equals, so when we see women wearing a veil we might assume that their veiling comes from a gender role reason. We might also have more racist views towards veils, as many Americans falsely see Islam as a religion full of terrorists.
6. Marjane's story expanded my understanding of society in the middle east. I did not know that the current day middle eastern problems were all fairly recent, as in the last 50 years. I also learned there was much more freedom when it came to veiling and other laws to do with Islam.
I like you first answer, and how the veiling can make it seem like women are pieces of property that only their husband can look at.
DeleteI personally believe that Intisar and Samar were endlessly debating a topic without fully understanding the most important part of the argument, it should be a personal choice. While Samar had the more compelling argument, she was too rigid in her beliefs. They both said that it was "their way or the highway," despite the fact that your religious expression should be a personal decision between you and whaterver god you pray to.
ReplyDeleteThey should have stopped arguing and accepted that practicing veiling is a choice.
DeleteHow is the practice of veiling (or restrictions on dress in general) reflective of cultural attitudes toward gender roles? How do these attitudes affect characters’ lives?
ReplyDeleteI think that the facts speak for themselves on this topic. The women are very restricted when it comes to the way they have to dress, while the men have no such restrictions. This exemplifies the point that women must be submissive to the men, an archaic and horrible law that belongs in the dark ages.
I can understand veiling to be closer to God or as a symbol of their faith, but in the book, the government is forcing women to wear a veil and they are punished if it's not worn correctly. It's supposed to be a choice
DeleteSam, the men were targeted for there appearance as well. Such as wearing a tie, or having a shaved face.
DeleteThe men did have restrictions/rules on what they had to look or dress like, but women were pushed more. Women are seen as "sexual objects" in the eyes of the repressive society, so if they have a little skin showing or tighter clothes, like Marji did, they get called a "whore." I think that's awful because it's just clothing. Religion should not be an excuse to judge, but the extremists push it that way. (#10)
DeleteWhere do the characters find sources of inspiration in their lives?
ReplyDeleteShe finds her inspiration from the bravery and resilience of her family, especially her uncle and her parents.
How does our cultural background shape our perception of women and the practice of veiling (or wearing a head scarf) in other countries?
I think that the idea of religious law being real law is so foreign to us as Americans that we see it as oppression, but others in different cultures may not see it in the same light that we do.
How are the characters affected by events/changes in society?
Marjane is affected by her society in many ways. She hears about all of the bad things in the world and she wants to change it, so she does the only thing she knows how, she changes herself in an attempt to change the world.
I agree with you first answer but she is also inspired by negative things that she witnesses, being scared and disgusted by the treatment of people in her country (some that she knows and others that she doesn't) also inspires her to rebel: she is seeing and understanding that there is injustice in her country not just following her parents.
DeleteWhat did her uncle and parents do to prove themselves resilient? Are they brave solely because of their opposition to the government, or because of the hardships they were forced to endure?
DeleteI think you make a good point in saying that veiling may not be viewed as oppression in other cultures, but that IS what Marjane and her parents seemed to view it as. What was it that made Marjane's family view this as oppression? Was it because of their already established liberal lifestyle?
Delete4. How is the practice of veiling (or restrictions on dress in general) reflective of cultural attitudes toward gender roles? How do these attitudes affect characters’ lives?
ReplyDeleteThe practice of veiling requires women to cover their hair with a scarf. In some cases, they where a niqab, which covers their whole body except their eyes and hands. Women are expected to veil because traditionally, women's clothing should not reveal anything about her body, and should resemble men’s clothing. Most of the characters in Persepolis, including Margi and her mother, do no like to wear a veil because it takes away from their freedom. Margi is kind of careless when she wears her veil because she doesn’t completely cover her hair. One time she got caught by the Guardians of the Revolution, and they almost took her to the head quarters.
Should there be one standard for gender equality throughout the world? Why or why not?
Different genders should be treated the same. Even though men and women different, they are capable of many of the same things. Both genders should be entitled to the same rights and freedoms, and be able to take part in all activities. Men and women in the United States are much more equal than genders in poorer countries, so we don’t personally get to experience what gender inequality is like to people in the poor countries, or what Margi’s experienced in Iran.
5. How does our cultural background shape our perception of women and the practice of veiling (or wearing a head scarf) in other countries?
I think that people in the U.S. connect veils to Islam, and connect Islam to the 9/11 attacks because a muslim was responsible for it. Veils remind Americans of that horrible time, and many Americans follow the stereotype that all Muslims are terrorist.
The main point of contention between Intisar and Samar in the play is their differing opinions on the practice of veiling. Which character makes the more compelling argument, in your opinion? Why?
ReplyDeleteI think that Intisar makes the more compelling argument because she understood and respected Samar’s choice to not wear a veil. Samar understood Intisar’s choice too, but she always asked Intisar why she wears one and referred to it like it was a bad thing. Samar was very opposed to wearing niqab and said she would never want wear one. She believed veiling was unnecessary for to show her faith, and believed that veiling took away from women’s rights. Samar kind of forced this belief on Intisar, and she shouldn’t have because it’s a personal choice to wear a veil. Intisar chose to wear a veil as a reminder of her faith, and there is nothing wrong with that.
But Intisar, at one point, said that by Samar not wearing the hijab she was a bad Muslim.
DeleteI agree that it was largely a matter of respect. At the beginning, Samar seemed very disrespectful of Intisar's choice, and thus made a less compelling argument.
DeleteThe main point of contention between Intisar and Samar in the play is their differing opinions on the practice of veiling. Which character makes the more compelling argument, in your opinion?
ReplyDeleteWhy?
Even though I believe they were both wrong in the beginning, I think that Samar makes the more compelling argument, I don't think that anyone should be forced to wearing something that they don't want to. But she is also goes against what she says that the niqab should be illegal; telling someone what not to wear is just as bad as telling them what to wear.
I especially agree with your last sentence. Though I can't agree that Samar's argument was more compelling, I do think that she made some points that were very agreeable, such as the fact that no one should be forced to wear something. A large fault in her argument, as you said, was how she thought it was fair to tell someone that they CAN'T wear something.
DeleteHow does our cultural background shape our perception of women and the practice of veiling (or wearing a head scarf) in other countries?
ReplyDeleteWe live in a country that gives us the freedom to observe whatever religion we please it makes countries were wearing the veil is law seem terrible. Because media more often shows the oppressive side of veiling people begin to think that if a woman is veiled, she is oppressed, even thought it often isn't true.
How are the characters affected by events/changes in society?
ReplyDeleteIn the beginning Marji just wanted to understand what was happening in her country, but in the end she was a rebel. After everything that had happened in her country and her (the death of her neighbor Neda pushing her over the edge) she was angry and spoke out against teachers and wore, to a certain extent, what she wanted.
I agree that death, especially that of people close to her, greatly affected Marji's actions. At the beginning, death seemed so foreign to Marji, and she was shocked when she learned of how common it was in her country.
DeleteHow do the characters’ personal stories expand your understanding of the societies in which they live?
ReplyDeleteBecause women are the one who don't have a lot of choice in how they dress it shows that they are less powerful than men, because freedom is power. Men being seen as more powerful definitely isn't how Marji's parents (and the rest of her family) think the world should be, and because they are the number one influences in Marji's life it also has an effect on her: she hates being oppressed just as much as they do, so she becomes a rebel just like them.
How do the characters assert their individuality within a repressive society?Mija continues to express herself, and her opinions aside from her repressive society. This causes her some trouble. Speaking out and disagreeing with false facts, expressing her opinions and wearing a jean jacket is not what her society promotes, in fact they punish people who do that. She comes close to getting in serious trouble, but lies her way out of it.
ReplyDeleteWhere do the characters find sources of inspiration in their lives? Mija finds inspiration in many different places, in her parents and the way they raise her, in her Uncle, seeing him as a hero, and in God himself. She “talks” to God every night, and when things start to get worse and he stops “visiting” her, she becomes angry with him, and at the world. Then she puts her faith into more than just God, and puts it into her family as well.
ReplyDeleteHow are the characters affected by events/changes in society? Mija is affected in a few different ways. She is affected emotionally, because she becomes frustarted and confused with what is going on and why it is going on. It causes her to change the way she looks and be more careful about what she says, but it never breaks her spirit. Throughout the entire book she manages to stay optimistic about when things will be better.
ReplyDeleteHow is the practice of veiling (or restrictions on dress in general) reflective of cultural attitudes toward gender roles? How do these attitudes affect characters’ lives? The practice of veiling is religious for some people, but this book shows people who take it to a new level, and use it the way they want to. When Maji didn’t have her hair completely covered and ran into one of the women of the Regime, she called her a “little whore” for having some hair showing. This ties into gender roles because men are aloud to have their hair show, and wear what they want, but women can’t. Some explain this by saying “men are distracted” or woman are trying to “show off” but, if this is true, it is also saying women can’t get distracted by men, that men can’t show off, yet men are still seen as the superior sex.
ReplyDeleteHow does our cultural background shape our perception of women and the practice of veiling (or wearing a head scarf) in other countries? Our cultural background makes veiling seem kind of odd. I understand why women do it, because it is their religion that they want to practice and respect God, and I respect them and their religion. Although, I can’t say when I see someone wearing a veil I don’t look twice, because I always do. It’s never out of judgement, simply curiousity. Especially here, in America, where it is not culturally demanded or expected, I wonder why a woman still chooses to wear a head scarf, if it is out of their love for God, or because they feel obligated. Our culture makes veiling seem like an evil thing to do, like it must mean they are “terrorists” or just forgien. It upsets me to see veiling as a demand in some cultures, because I believe everyone should be able to express themselves and their beliefs. Forcing someone to wear it takes away the point of “loving God.” If a person is supposed to be doing something out of love and respect for God, it should always be a decision. When forcing a woman to wear it, that decision is taken away.
ReplyDeleteHow do the characters’ personal stories expand your understanding of the societies in which they live? Maji, being a young girl, shows a different and interesting perspective. She shows how blinding the government can be if they want to be, how many people disagree with their repressive society/government, but are too afraid to speak out. If they do, it causes lots of trouble, getting arrested, tortured, or even executed. Maji’s story seemed like it was going to be one of lessons, about everything she learned during the war, but at the very end when her mother dies; it shows more than this. It takes her story, her experiences to a whole new level, because it brings the readers emotions into play. I felt sorry for her, I cried at the end of this book. It made me rethink everything she had been through and how emotionally draining these events were on everyone, it helped me understand the events she had been through, more.
ReplyDeleteMadison, consider reading Persepolis II, which follows Marji's ongoing journey through boarding school and eventual return to Iran. Her mother is still alive, by the way. Her beloved grandmother is the one who dies.
DeleteThe main point of contention between Intisar and Samar in the play is their differing opinions on the practice of veiling. Which character makes the more compelling argument, in your opinion? Why? Samar and Intisar both express opinions about the veil that are opposite of their society's, which may have an impact on why some muslims choose to wear, or not to wear a veil. Intisar showed the most compelling view of the veil. She showed that wearing the veil was a choice, and that it represented love for Allah. She is from America, wear the majority of women do not wear hijabs, or any type of veil. Often, women here are judged if they wear a veil. Wearing a veil in a place so foreign to veils, takes courage and dedication. Although Samar shows courage by not wearing the veil, she does not express her love for Allah as strongly as many muslims believe they should, but that is her belief and that should be accepted. Intisar shows that the love and faith she has is stronger and more important than anyone who will judge her. This is a better expression of veiling because it shows her religious commitment, which is important if a person labels themselves as any type of religionist.
ReplyDelete