Persepolis

The movie Persepolis (2007) is always portrayed as a “coming of age” movie about a girl living and growing up in Iran. But to be honest, though it may seem that way when you’re watching the movie, it is far from it. The movie is essentially about Iran’s history and its political views. It starts off in the 1970s when Iran was about to be under the rule of the Shah. The movie also shows a progression of how the government became so oppressive. In the late 1970s Iran resembled the United States, everyone was able to talk openly about their political beliefs, drink alcohol, the women were able to dress however they wished and for the most part it looked as though Western society was welcomed by the Iranian people. But then came the Shah, the Iran-Iraq War and a totalitarian government that shunned Western/American culture. Political opponents of the new government where executed, women began wearing chadors, alcohol was banned, Islamic religious views were instilled upon the people, which was then taught in schools and universities. This movie is not merely about a “coming of age” story, far from it. This film teaches us that our rights and civil liberties can be taken away from us in a heartbeat. It should show us how life can change from a free and open society, to a conformed and controlling one. This didn’t just happen overnight. We as Americans should be vigilant on how our rights are being taken from us on a daily basis. We should watch and question whether our civil liberties and rights are being violated. We should rise against those who want to question our rights. In a peaceful and constructive way, I might add. Because what this movie shows us is that if we allow our constitutional rights, freedoms and customs to be pushed aside for any reason, what we recognize as our freedoms and republic today, may be ill forgotten and a thing of the past, by tomorrow. Something we as Americans take for granted.