PERSPECTIVEIranian Students’ Cultural Organization University of California, Berkeley Published Since 1995 Fall 2015

PERSPECTIVE 1 a letter from the editors Dear Reader, t is with pride in our hearts nuclear deal reached between Iran and chai in our stomachs that and the P5+1, the policies of the Is- Iwe present to you the Fall lamic Republic, and the politically 2015 issue of Perspective Maga- tinged experiences of Iranians liv- zine. We hope that you enjoy it as ing in the United States. By speak- much as we’ve enjoyed creating ing about such topics, we seek not it for you. to be controversial, but rather to Our mission at Perspec- provide a complete picture of what tive Magazine is to provide an it means to be Iranian-American. outlet for dialogue pertaining to Our focus this semester, then, is Iranian cultural matters here in on the humanity of Iranian-Amer- the United States. We strive to be icans, hence our decision to use a apolitical and areligious in order photograph taken by Humans of to focus solely on preserving our New York photographer Brandon rich heritage and the ongoing Stanton during his time in Iran for conversations of our people. our front cover. For several years, we We are truly appreciative thought that being apolitical of the hard work each of our staff meant leaving out any men-tion members has put into making this of political matters from our semester’s issue possible and of magazine. However, as both our the support we have received from writers and readers have pointed our community. We hope that Per- out time and again, to ignore the spective Magazine will continue effect of politics on the Iranian to provide a voice for the Irani- people is to ignore a huge ele- an-American community for years ment of their lives. It felt like to come. we were silencing an aspect of If you are interested in get- the Iranian-American narrative, ting involved with the publication, rather than providing an inclu- please send an e-mail to perspec- sive environment. We have come [email protected]. We accept to the conclusion, then, that applications for new contributors being apolitical does not mean at the beginning of each semester being free from politics. It means and always welcome donations covering the issues we write and advertisements. about from all angles and provid- ing our readers with the informa- Warm regards, tion they need to reach their own conclusions. Nikta Daijavad and Sawhel Maali Throughout this issue, Co-Editors-in-Chief you will see references to the

|Co-Editors-in-Chief| Sawhel Maali; Nikta Daijavad |Assistant Editor-in-Chief| Nima Shajarian |Layout Editor| Elizabeth Wu |Staff Writers| Nikki Bayar; Kayvon Deldar; Vida Seyedkazemi; Saalar Aghili; Shayaun Nejad; Saunon Malekshahi; Marian Haidarali; Neeka Mahdavi |Copy Editor| Paniz Amirnasiri; Heather Dadashi; Sara Mahjoub; Negin Shahiar; Leila Zarifi (Not Pictured); Roya Azarkeyvan (Not Pictured) PERSPECTIVE 2 Table of Contents 1. Letter from the Editors, 2 2. Humans of New York: Iran, 4-5 3. Iranian: Some Other Race?, 6-7 4. The P5+1 Deal: Reviving Iran’s Civil Aviation Industry, 8-9 5. Facing History Among Three Generations, 10- 11 6. Tehran from Above, 12-13 7. The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly: Sentiments Be hind the #IranDeal, 14-15 8. Fesenjoon? Akh Joon!, 16 9. American vs. Persian Bodies: What You’re Put ting in Your Shekam, 17 10. The Hidden World of Dating: Iran Edition, 18 11. One Thousand and One Hairs: The Persian Dilemma, 19 12. The Modern State of Iranian Scientific Policy, 20 13. The Problem of Plastic Surgery in Iran, 21 14. “The Language of the Spirit”: Iran’s Music Industry Today, 22-23 15. Is Iran Relevant?, 24-25 16. Profiling the Traditional Instruments of Iran, 26-27 17. Lending a Helping Hand: A Spotlight on the Pars Equality Center, 28-29 18. Living Proof, 30-31

PERSPECTIVE 3 Courtesy of Brandon Stanton Humans of New York: Iran By SAWHEL MAALI lipping through photographer ers, snap a couple of photographs, international series in Iran. Liked, Brandon Stanton’s collection and later post them on his Facebook shared, and re-tweeted, Stanton’s Fof photos from his first visit to page and blog, Humans of New York posts were contagious. Photos of Iran, I am reminded of the signifi- (HONY). Yet, Stanton was far from beautiful women adorned in colorful cance of this photo series when it first becoming a household name. He was headscarves, couples taking strolls filled my newsfeed back in 2012. At the just another struggling artist, trying to against the majestic backdrops of the time, descriptions of Iran were cloud- find his calling in the million and one northern mountains, and older men ed by political unrest between the experiences of everyday New Yorkers. enmeshed in games of backgammon American and Iranian governments. However, Stanton’s luck would soon in the middle of Tehran’s bazaars And while the world was becoming all change upon taking HONY to his first streamed throughout my Facebook too familiar with pictures of religious international destination: Iran. newsfeed. While media coverage was fanatics and anti-Western extremists, Stanton’s time in Iran scarce, Stanton’s work managed to Stanton was unknowingly embarking spanned two weeks, across a host make its way around the worldwide on a journey that would re-shape our of Iranian cities like Tehran, Rasht, web and offered an image of Iran that notions of Iran in a span of just a few Tabriz, Anzali, and Chalus. He soon was largely muffled, if not absent. For short days. returned to America with hundreds the first time, someone conveyed a Originally a bond trader in of photographs and more positive view of Iran that actually felt human— Chicago, Stanton transitioned into feelings toward the Iranian people. we weren’t seeing the political clerics photography in late 2010. While it was At one point, Stanton even expressed in their misguided diatribes, or images unclear even to himself what his plans that “Americans are especially loved” of unwieldy crowds in the midst of for the future were, Stanton knew he by Iranians – a fact that many around their awkward death chants against wanted to capture the lives of ordinary the world found surprising despite it the West. Rather, we were seeing the people as they went about the their being a shared observation by those purely and genuinely normal side of daily routines. His adventure began who visit Iran.1 Iran. Nothing exaggerated, filtered, or in the streets of New York, where he Social media acted as a even staged. Just beautiful landscapes, would often stop unsuspecting strang- powerful catalyst for Stanton’s first vivid colors, and people in love. All in

[1] Stanton, Brandon. “On Travel to Iran.” Humans of New York, December 23, 2012. Accessed November 14, 2015. http://www.humansofnewyork.com/post/38682208638/on-travel-to-iran-the-us-government-has-a. PERSPECTIVE 4 all, it was the totally mundane, but the Iranian woman describing her opti- current political attitudes by bringing totally refreshing…it was just Iran. mism for the future despite the cur- light to a human moment that clearly The photo series provided the rent regime. These interviews touched transcended cultural barriers. first step in paving the way for hu- upon the various subcultures through- Over the years, Humans of man reciprocity between the Iranian out Iran as well as the intense and New York has succeeded as a vehicle people and the world. Despite such wide-ranging grievances that weighed for cultural awareness and human un- a feat, Stanton achieved even more heavily on the people. One photo even derstanding. Stanton’s photo-stories during his second journey to Iran. It went so far as to peak the interest of have reflected dreams, loss, hardship, is at this juncture where he evolved our own American president. In a pic- love, and, most importantly, hope. from photographer to an international ture taken in Tabriz, a father describes He has illustrated that these feelings

Courtesy of Brandon Stanton photojournalist. his proud moment after realizing he are not unique to any person, culture, Once again, Stanton instilled was raising a “humanitarian,” a recog- or country, but are instead shared by much excitement in the public when nition that occurred after seeing his all humans—a concept that seems to he temporarily rebranded his Face- son give away two pounds of apricots resonate with every HONY follower book page as “Humans of Iran” earlier to those in need on their walk home. based on the flood of commentaries this year. He followed this with an an- In response, President Barack Obama that follows each of Stanton’s posts. nouncement stating that he planned commented “What an inspirational Seeing the positive impact his trip had to return to Iran as the country “held story” and how he hoped to continue in 2012, Stanton continues to under- 2 a special place in his heart.” Armed doing whatever he could “to make take many brave journeys around the with years of experience and a more this world a place where [the boy] and world and expose realities that are refined presentation of the human every young person like him can live often not accessible. Most recently, narrative, Stanton returned to Iran to up to their full potential.” he helped raise money to end bonded “do a better job at telling the stories of This interaction between the brick labor in India and also spent a ordinary Iranians.” President and the photograph ulti- few weeks in the Middle East and Eu- While his second photo series mately captured the attention of the rope highlighting the current refugee elicited much of the same beauty as media. Many saw this as a message crisis. his initial trip to Iran, this time Stan- from the President, reaffirming his In a world that now shelters ton paired each photograph with an commitment to improve relationships seven billion people, Stanton provides interview. These stories went beyond between Iran and America, especially a tangible forum where our differences the physical aesthetic and also cap- within the context of the Iran nuclear and distances seem more and more tured the soul of the nation, whether negotiations. It proved to be a timely obsolete. We are all human, and Stan- it was moving moments between reminder amidst rising negative atti- ton has succeeded in offering a place Iranian mothers and their daughters, tudes surrounding the deal. In effect, where despite it all, we can indeed feel a husband sharing the intimate loss of Stanton contributed to reframing a little bit closer. his now-deceased wife, or a modern [2] Dolsten, Josefin. “Humans of New York Heads to Iran for Second Time.” Times of Israel, August 19, 2015. Accessed November 14, 2015. http://www.time- sofisrael.com/humans-of-new-york-heads-to-iran-for-second-time/. PERSPECTIVE 5 Iranian: Some Other Race? By NEEKA MAHDAVI

Courtesy of Metalocus

he most confusing part of headlines featuring Iran--a reali- these rulers, the word was used the standardized tests I took ty that appeared to transform my to boast noble status. However, Tduring my childhood was country of heritage into a threat for the rise of nationalism in Europe filling out that pesky race bubble. my current home. during the 19th century gave rise Even now, I struggle with it every A lot of my personal confu- to the idea of Germans as Aryans. time I fill out a form or survey ask- sion about my race stems from the For the Germans, Aryanism was a ing about my race. I always check word “Aryan.” Many people know racial concept linked to blood and “white” since the bubble is usually Iran means “land of the Aryans.” biology. The Nazis published texts followed with an explanation about the different characteris- saying people of Middle East- “A lot of my personal tics of “superior” and “inferior” ern and North African descent races.2 Aryanism has become a are included in this category. confusion about my system of thought that divides But it never feels quite right. mankind into different “races,” At Berkeley, I constantly hear race stems from the deeming the Aryan race “superi- about People of Color (POC). Yet, or” to others.3 It seems that over where do I fall when I’m techni- word “Aryan.” the years, the history of this term cally considered “white,” but didn’t A ruler of Persia in the third cen- has become convoluted and has, experience an upbringing typical tury B.C. described his empire as as a result, influenced the views of of the white experience. Instead, I Iranshahr and himself as shah- Iranians and their true race. grew up with the fear that people anshah of Iran, or “king of kings” The true history of Ary- would tease me for my dark, thick of Iran. The meaning of the word anism begs the question of why unruly hair or the leftover ghormeh Aryan is uncertain, but possible Iranians are considered white on sabzi I’d bring to school instead of definitions include “the pure, the official documentation. The classi- the more traditional PB&J. I spent noble, or those of good birth”.1 The fication of Iranians and other peo- those early years hoping no one word was solely cultural and was ple of Middle Eastern descent as would notice the Farsi class I’d never rooted in racial ideology. white came about at the beginning attend, which often followed my Darius, the Achaemenid King of of the 20th century as a result of typical Saturday afternoon soccer Kings described himself as “Aryan the stigma around the label “Asian.” games. Then came the constant son of an Aryan.” As we see from In 1909, a policeman in Venice,

[1] Daniel, Elton L. “The Land and People of Iran.” The History of Iran. ABC-CLIO, 2012. 1-2. Print. [2] Taheri, Amir. “Iran and Germany: A 100-Year Old Love Affair.” Gatestone Institute. Gatestone Institute, 31 July 2014. Web. 23 Oct. 2015. [3] Zia-Ebrahimi, Reza. “Iranian Identity, the ‘Aryan Race,’ and Jake Gyllenhaal.” PBS. PBS, 6 Aug. 2010. Accessed October 23, 2015. [4] “Dept. of Justice Affirms Arab Race in 1909.” The Arab American Historical Foundation Home. The Arab American Historical Foundation Home. Accessed October 23, 2015. PERSPECTIVE 6 California named George Shishim, arrested the son of Program for Lebanese-American Studies at North a prominent lawyer for disturbing the peace. The ar- Carolina State University states, “’White’ is a made- rested man claimed Shishim had no right to arrest him up category, ‘black’ is a made-up category. Categories because Shishim couldn’t be considered an American shift over time. [Race] is part of this American reality citizen since he was not of the “white” race. Born in and it’s how people are negotiating their ethnic iden- Lebanon, Shishim was considered of Chinese-Mongo- tities. Those who are Arab and Iranian American are lian ancestry and therefore, ineligible for citizenship. starting to construct this community called MENA A leader in his community wrote to many universi- that is as real or as false as everything else in this ties asking them for the ethnological background of country.”7 In 2010, there was a campaign to get the Lebanese-Syrian and Arab ancestry and received the MENA population to check some other race rather answer “from the white race.” The judge in Shishim’s than the all-encompassing “white.” Stand-up come- case ruled that he was eligible for citizenship and that dian Maz Jobrani was involved with this campaign the Lebanese and Syrians belong to the “white race.”4 and produced a YouTube video asking Iranian Amer- Today, the census states that someone who is white is icans to join the movement. However, the campaign “a person having origins in any of the original peoples wasn’t entirely successful. Why fight this fight? Those of Europe, the Middle East, or North Africa.”5 What who identify as MENA find that being classified as grew out of an effort to move away from an improper “white” prohibits them from taking advantage of the classification might have moved these groups towards benefits of minority status including local, state, and another faulty category. federal programs that boost minority-owned busi- As a Berkeley student involved in social justice nesses by awarding them government contracts. More clubs and organizations, I was introduced to the term importantly, however, if race really is just a made-up “Person of Color” during my first years at Berkeley. A category, then why not just identify with the people Person of Color (POC) is a phrase that has arisen as a of our heritage? Why not have an accurate count of contrast to the “white” identity and the racial privileg- the Iranians in our country? Why not be proud of our es that come with it. It’s a phrase that has grown from heritage, our people, and our land of the noble people, the political struggle against ethnic and racial discrim- instead of hiding behind what we perceive to be a wall ination in the United States. The term doesn’t suggest of superiority? While we might like the idea behind that all experiences are the same for people of color, the privileges of a “white” identity, we are not truly but instead expresses the need for solidarity.6 I know offered those privileges. We, like many other cultural many Iranians who have faced struggles that many and ethnic groups, are still perceived as “the other.” people belonging to the “white” identity do not experi- We still live the narrative of the minority. It is time we ence. harness our identities as “some other race” and change Akram Khater, director of the Khayrallah that into “Iranian.”

[5] Census. United States Census Bureau. Accessed October 23, 2015. [6] Shams, Alex. “Are Iranians People of Color? Persian, Muslim, and Model Minority Race Politics.” Ajam Media Collective. Ajam Media Collective, December 3, 2013. Accessed October 23, 2015. [7] Wiltz, Teresa. “Counting Americans of Middle Eastern, North African Descent.” The Pew Charitable Trusts. The Pew Charitable Trusts, August 13, 2014. Accessed October 23, 2015. PERSPECTIVE 7 The P5+1 Deal: Reviving Iran’s Civil Aviation Industry By SAUNON MALEKSHAHI uly 14, 2015 marked United States and U.S. banks one of the most im- amounting to $12 billion.1 Jportant events in con- This eventually expanded temporary Iranian histo- into a full trade embargo ry. The Vienna talks held which, although lifted in between the P5+1 group 1981, was reinstituted in and Iran were brought 1987, banning the importa- to a closure, yielding the tion of all Iranian goods and first concrete solution to services. These, in addi- an issue concerning the tion to other multilaterally world for the past three imposed sanctions on behalf decades. Following years of the European Union and of misunderstanding, United Nations, severe- animosity, and strained ly shriveled the country’s relations, Iran and the economy and consequently West reached a ground- Courtesy of World Air Routes brought about by the P5+1 deal, took a heavy toll on the na- breaking deal aimed at ensuring the however, there is one that has been tion’s aviation industry. country’s nuclear program would be particularly under-discussed: the im- The trade embargoes have employed for peaceful purposes. From pact on Iran’s civil aviation industry. greatly impacted Iranian air carri- sparking heated discussions between More than simply a means ers. Sanctions prohibiting the sale Democrats and Republicans in the of transportation, civil aviation is an of commercial goods to the country U.S., to unprecedented interest on imperative element in culturally and have hindered airlines from obtaining behalf of investors for doing business commercially linking countries with access to spare parts and new air- in Iran, to euphoric week-long cele- one another. Enabling the rapid move- craft. The country’s fleet of outdated brations in the Islamic Republic, the ment of goods and services around Russian and American-produced nuclear deal received international the world, it is satisfying the ever-in- aircraft coupled with restricted access attention for weeks. creasing demand for trade. As a result, to replacements, has led to a dramat- The prospect of the agree- commercial aviation has significantly ic rise in aerial incidents caused by ment, however, bore a much heavier grown since its inception during the mechanical failures. A report compiled and heartfelt significance for the near beginning of the 20th century and by Ali Dadpay, assistant professor of seventy-seven million living in Iran. has become an important factor in Economics at Clayton State Universi- It would be the first time in nearly stabilizing the integrity of a country’s ty, documents a list of aerial catastro- four decades that sanctions would be economy. phes that occurred in Iran between relieved and Iran’s doors would be In recent years Iran’s civil 1992 and 2010; the report found a total opened to the world – a reality foreign aviation industry has significantly of 23 incidents that resulted in 1351 to the country since 1979. The deal faltered due to the presence of over- fatalities.2 Likewise, in recent years has become the symbol of increased whelming international pressure there have been a number of other prosperity for many Iranians, who are placed in response to the nation’s reported incidents, most notably the looking forward to more affordable nuclear and political ambitions. accident of a small passenger plane in medicine, public services, consumer Following the hostage crisis and Tehran in August of 2014 that claimed goods, and employment opportunities. termination of diplomatic relations the lives of nearly 38 individuals after Foreign markets will be able to interact between the U.S. and Iran, a series of malfunctioning mid-flight.3 These with Iran, broadening opportunities trade sanctions were imposed on the jarring occurrences represent a grave for economic growth and foreign country, beginning with the freezing human rights concern as the sanctions investment. Of the myriad effects of Iranian government assets in the have not only denied the country a

[1] Josh Levs, “A summary of sanctions against Iran,” http://www.cnn.com, (January 23, 2012). [2] Ali Dadpay, “A Review of Iranian Aviation Industry: Victim of Sanctions or Creation of Mismanagement?” http://iraneconomy.csames.illinois.edu. [3] “Iran plane crash near Tehran kills 38,” http://www.bbc.com, (August 10, 2014). [4] Ali Dadpay, “A Review of Iranian Aviation Industry: Victim of Sanctions or Creation of Mismanagement?” http://iraneconomy.csames.illinois.edu. PERSPECTIVE 8 Pictured: a Mahan Air Airbus A310. Iran purchased several second-hand aircrafts of similar variants during the 1990s to help revamp its aging fleet.

Courtesy of Reuters dignified civil transportation system, deal, officially dubbed the JCPOA was prepared to carry out long-haul but more importantly have claimed (Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action), flight operations.7 the lives of innocent civilians. trail back to November 2013 when the Moreover, Iran’s gradual re- Moreover, under the trade preliminary agreement was struck covery from the sanctions has capti- embargo Iranian air carriers were between Iran and the P5+1. Under the vated the interest of many aerospace obliged to discontinue service to a interim deal the first phase of sanc- giants. Visiting the Paris Air Show wide variety of international desti- tion-lifting occurred, and held promise earlier in June of this year was Ira- nations, most prominently the Teh- as corporations slowly reintroduced nian Transportation Minister Abbas ran-New York City route operated themselves into the Iranian market. Akhoundi, who unveiled plans for the by Iran Air prior to the Islamic Rev- During this time period, Boeing con- purchase of nearly 400 aircraft, yield- olution. Following the ratification of ducted its first business transaction ing a deal worth at least $20 billion.8 the embargo, U.S. carriers gradually with Iran Air, providing its first batch The implementation of the JCPOA removed themselves from the country of parts to the airline during the third coupled with Iran’s resolute intentions and were eventually joined by Europe- quarter of 2014.5 of acquiring aircraft have attracted an lines, which significantly made air In addition, the Iranian gov- clients such as Airbus Group SE and travel to and from Iran less accessible. ernment recently explored the possi- Boeing to the table, who have likewise Time-lining the effect, the annual bilities of resuming direct flights with expressed great interest in reshaping domestic air travel growth rate plum- the U.S., another development that the country’s civil aircraft fleet. meted from a whopping 40% in 1985 has emerged from the nuclear agree- The recent developments made due to less than 5% in 2010.4 Along with ment. Akbar Torkan, one of Hassan to the nuclear deal have thus far the transport of passengers, air freight Rouhani’s senior presidential advisors, been promising, although signifi- transportation likewise plummeted was quoted saying, “The President cant room for improvement remains. and considerably reduced commerce issued an order to study how it would With the adoption of the JCPOA by between neighboring countries. be possible to establish direct flights nation-states, Iran and its aviation Iran’s civil aviation along between Iran and the United States to industry have been set on a positive with other sectors of the country have resolve the transportation problems course with the plans to expand routes severely suffered under international of Iranians residing in the US,” after and acquire new aircraft. Should the pressure. It is evident how citizens and Rouhani met with Iranian expatriates deal ultimately be followed through civilians have become the victims of during his stay in New York for the with, we will observe a nation emerge multilaterally imposed sanctions and 68th Session of the U.N. General As- to embrace its role as an active, global why the P5+1 plays such a pivotal role sembly.6 During late July of this year, trader, leading to the greater prosper- in bringing about the urgent reforms just weeks after the P5+1 deal was ity of the Iranian people and a rede- Iran’s civil aviation industry has long reached, caretaker of Iran’s Civil Avi- fined image of Iran. been deprived of. ation Organization (CAO) Mohammad The effects of the nuclear Khodakarami announced the country

[5] “Boeing sells first parts to Iran since 1979,” http://www.aljazeera.com, (October 22, 2014). [6] “Airplane diplomacy: Iran ‘to study’ possibility of direct flights to US,” http://www.rt.com, (September 30, 2013). [7] “Iran says planes ready for US flights,” http://www.presstv.com, (July 28, 2015). [8] Robert Wall et al “Executives Welcome Potential Customer Iran to Paris Air Show,” http://www.wsj.com, (June 17, 2015). PERSPECTIVE 9 Facing History Among Three Generations By SAALAR AGHILI

Courtesy Gladstone Gallery page 12 s an Iranian born and raised in the States, I When leaving the museum, my sister, cousins, take every opportunity available to immerse and I were discussing Neshat’s unique works of art Amyself in my heritage through film festivals, that moved all of us to appreciate her fusion of tradi- holiday events, and exhibitions. Since traveling to the tional Iranian culture with avant-garde multimedia. motherland requires a great dedication of time as well By depicting visual scenes of the Shahnameh as a as an expensive airline ticket, I find that I don’t get to tattoo on photographs of men in The Book of Kings, travel to Iran as much as I’d like to. Thus, these spo- the artist reveals layers of history that correlate a rela- radic trips to Iran leave the curiosity of a first-genera- tionship between the folklore stories of our mythical tion Iranian-American unfulfilled and with a desire to kings with the struggles faced by people today. Neshat pursue alternative forms of cultural education. also uses the chador, or a large cloth garment worn With this in mind, I began my summer before by Muslim women, and firearms as a coupled motif college exploring the arts of Iran in the context of the in her series of Women of Allah to surface the wave Iranian diaspora. As one might expect from a tradi- of Islamization and political disorder that occurred tional Iranian family, who are commonly known to together. travel in herds, I spent most of my exploration in the Each aspect of her trilogy had its own unique company of the rest of my family. Our Iranian-Amer- style, yet all of Neshat’s work came from a common ican herd is made up of three generations; each one denominator of adversity and injustice among Iranian came with a multitude of perspectives shaped by their society. My mother and uncle understood her mes- unique upbringings. Effectively, viewing Shirin Ne- sage and respected her peculiar artistic methods while shat’s art exhibition, Facing History, in such a diverse relating her art to the rest of Iranian art’s new wave of group led to a wide range of reactions and takeaways allegoric, contemporary style. Like Neshat, my mother from palatable to trite. and uncle left Iran at a young age before the Revolu- Neshat’s work is influenced by the time pe- tion and came back to an Iran that had endured eight riods she spent between Iran and the U.S. She came years of destructive war. When the artist returns to over to the States before the Iranian Revolution of a completely changed country, she experiences an 1979, when Iran was still an imperial kingdom of internal struggle of identity. This was not the country Westernization. After some time, she received both she was born and raised in. How can one connect with her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from UC Berke- their homeland when it’s not the place they used to ley. Not until the ‘90’s did Neshat return to her home- call home? land to see a transformed, war-torn country. Such On the other hand, my grandparents left the an experience became the cornerstone to her exhibit exhibit dazed and confused. What they took away Facing History, which was on display at the Hirshhorn from the exhibit was that she just recycled historical Museum in Washington, D.C this past summer. Her photos, made meaningless short films, and adulter- trilogy emphasized three stages of political unrest in ated Iranian tradition with unconventional art tech- Iran during modern times. Starting with Mossadegh’s niques. Was it the fact that my grandparents lived her western-backed coup d’état in 1953, then going to the trilogy and didn’t need a dramatic, unorthodox depic- Iranian Revolution of 1979, and ending with the Green tion of it to understand the horror Iran went through? Revolution of 2009, each aspect of her trilogy correlat- My grandparents do not appreciate the mixture of ed with the three generations of my family. contemporary ideals with traditional concepts; they Throughout the exhibit, Neshat utilized mul- see it as a breach of culture while our youthful genera- timedia in a conceptual manner to represent adver- tion sees it as embracing our heritage in a new, un- sity and chaos among Iranians. In order to set the found manner. melancholic mood, her conceptualism plays in with Facing History molds our viewpoints, affilia- dramatizing her short films into a split screen (usually tions, and identity. Like the title of her exhibit, Neshat to delineate gender consciousness), while her pho- signifies the historical events she faced in life as a tographs make numerous allusions to contemporary framework for who she’s become today. Her message poems written by female Iranian poets like Forough is delineated through my experience at the exhibit; Farrokhzad in Neshat’s series of Women of Allah. In each generation’s interpretation was seen through a addition, Neshat’s series, The Book of Kings, uses Fer- perspective fastened by historical experiences. dowsi’s epic poem, the Shahnameh, as a foundation of films, and adulterated Iranian tradition with un- symbolism for conflict. conventional art techniques. Was it the fact that

page 13 Alborz, Iran

n ra fr o By VIDA SEYEDKAZEMI Teh om Ab ve

PERSPECTIVE 12 tanding 900 feet above the scenery of the Alborz mountains, sculptures. Scattered around the ground, I tower over hun- the Modarres Highway, and the outside of Chitgar Lake are amuse- Sdreds of trees underneath, trees and landscape that surround ment rides, such as roller coasters, above a traffic-filled highway. Out the bridge. I could not help but a haunted house, bumper car rides, in the distance, I catch a glimpse notice the vibrant atmosphere for and a parachute landing slide. of the Alborz mountains, their tips a Tuesday evening, where families Small children, teenagers, and even barely visible in the sheer dark- with their small children were just adults seem to equally enjoy the ness of the night. Laughter and beginning to come to the park at 10 attractions the park has to offer. A careless chatter echoes from the PM, couples were enjoying the pri- personal favorite was the “Cinama crowds surrounding me. I look vate retreat, and groups of friends Shishbodi,” translated as 6-Dimen- down in admiration at a city full of girls and guys were laughing, sional Cinema. I have never felt of rich history, vibrant culture, singing, and teasing into the night. so much a part of a movie; for the bold fashion, and ancient tradi- Another new attraction, short 5 minute 3D film sprayed tions. A city I have heard stories of Nahjolbalaghe Park, located in water and air, unexpectedly moved throughout my childhood, the city the Farahzad valley, is a uniquely the seat the viewer was sitting on, my blood traces to, and the place I designed park with over 86 acres, and created an environment as if can explore the Iranian part of my approximately 1 and a half kilo- the viewer was a part of the movie. Iranian-American identity. Tehran, meters long, 55 meters in height, On some nights, the park features you’ve grown so grand. and a slope of 10-35 degrees along an outdoor concert where a singer Within the past couple of the park. Once the site of a river, performs and provides live enter- years, new iconic attractions and this newly transformed park fea- tainment. flourishing places of recreation tures various sloped and spiraling Coming back to the States have developed within Tehran. As pathways surrounded by differ- and sharing my experiences with a city with a growing population of ent types of landscaping, flowers, friends and family, I found it roughly 8.3 million people, these bushes, and gardens. Waterfalls, difficult to provide an analogy for new landmarks not only draw in wooden canopies, benches, and the new landmarks I had visited. visitors from Tehran, but also near- picnic areas are located along long Every time I attempted to compare by cities and tourists worldwide. and wide pathways that are placed it in an attraction in America, I These developments provide a in between two sloped hills full of realized no place is able to encom- source of entertainment for fami- designed gardens and beautifully pass the same feelings and sense lies, help boost the city’s economy, arranged landscaping. The park of culture embodied within the and draw international attention to offers its visitors rental bikes, exer- places I had visited. Sipping on my Iran. cise equipment, and playgrounds refreshing ab talebee (Cantaloupe Pol-e Tabiat is a 270 meter for children. Smoothie) that evening on Pol-e pedestrian bridge, completed in Located in the northwest of Tabiat, I remember trying to take 2014, that connects two big parks Tehran, Chitgar Lake features an in as much of my surroundings in the northern district of Tehran- artificial lake that is connected to as I could, knowing I would never Abo Atash Park and Taleghani the north of Chitgar Park. Accord- experience the same feeling any- Park. This bridge is the largest pe- ing to Tehran Municipality, Chit- where else in the world. Having destrian overpass built in Iran, and gar Lake draws in about 30,000 traveled to countries in Europe, the it has drawn visitors and tourists visitors a day. The lake offers Middle East, and North and South from various parts of Iran and all paddle-boats for rent and one can America, no other place gave me over the world. Quite deservedly, enjoy a ride glazing over the water the same pride of being in a city Pol-e Tabiat has already won three while absorbing the lively atmo- full of energy, culture, and excite- awards in Iran and an internation- sphere in the park and viewing the ment; in a society filled with a mix al award from Architizer, A New aquarium life in the water. One of modern ideologies and ancient York-based architectural organiza- can take a stroll around the lake, traditions; and among people who tion. The bridge features three lev- eat at one of its many fast food are full of compassion, sincerity, els: a lower level for cafes, a level options, or visit its exuberant game and love. for running, walking, and jogging, arcade. The park features lighted and an upper level for viewing the fountains, gardens, and various

PERSPECTIVE 13 The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly Sentiments Behind the #IranDeal By MARIAN HAIDARALI With Ahmadinejad we gained up 97% of its enriched uranium influence, Iran has garnered a 20% enrichment, and we cele- stockpile, reduce enrichment itself lot of national pride amongst its “brated. With Rouhani, we lost to 3.6% (for nuclear weapon grade population. Since 2003, Iran has 20% enrichment, and we celebrat- uranium 90% enrichment is nec- sat at the table with major world ed. We just like to celebrate!!”1 essary, while for medical research players to establish a seemingly In lieu of any event, Iranians are grade uranium 20% enrichment is mutually beneficial agreement. quick to come up with witty jokes necessary), give up fifteen thou- Although the joy of some Iranians that circulate like wildfire through sand centrifuges, and remain is evident by the comprehensive social media; texts like these ran subject to intrusive inspections media coverage, the citizens who rampant after the preliminary P5+1 in return for relief from economic oppose the deal, mainly those who nuclear deal agreements. While sanctions.2 Most importantly, the are pro-regime, have not received the streets flooded with charis- breakout timeline, or the length of the same amount of attention. matic supporters chanting “Long time before Iran can develop nu- Outbursts in social media covered Live Javad Zarif,” some households clear weapons, increased from two much of the merriment, including

Courtesy of Kuwait Times remained doubtful of the deal’s months to a year, gives the interna- sentiments much like those from impact, claiming it succumbed too tional community time to respond Ghasem Kashani, a nineteen year much power to the West. if Iran does not follow up with the old college student who exclaims, After negotiating for twelve agreement. “Iran defeated the world! We are years, the P5+1 countries and Iran As one of the only coun- the champions.” 3 Given the need finally reached an agreement. tries in the Middle East to not for international compliance of the Among other terms, Iran must give immediately succumb to Western deal, media tends to focus more [1] Abolfazli, Maryam. “What My Pro Regime Family Thinks of the Nuclear Deal.” The Gaurdian. N.p., 27 July 2015. Web. 5 Nov. 2015. [2] Vox. [3] Karimi, Nasser. “Tehran Is Erupting in Celebration over the Iran Nuclear Deal.” Business Insider. Business Insider, Inc, 14 July 2015. Web. 15 Nov. 2015. [4] Abolfazli, Maryam. “What My Pro Regime Family Thinks of the Nuclear Deal.” The Gaurdian. N.p., 27 July 2015. Web. 5 Nov. 201. PERSPECTIVE 14 Courtesy of AP on comments like Kashani’s and of opinions regarding both the cur- tomed to disappointment and ignore the less favorable opinions. rent Islamic regime and the #Iran- chaos”.8 Media plays a key role in shift- Deal.7 Those who lack the desire or According to a Pew Re- ing public sentiment, so with the the means to post their opinions search poll, American public current political conditions their on social media tend to get left opinion remains divided, with a motive behind this portrayal of the out of the image that portrays the 21% approval rating, 45% disap- deal seems to be garnering public general attitude of the public, with proval, and 22% indifference.9 With support. the younger and more tech savvy the clear stance of the American While mass media con- generation overshadowing their public, it would be interesting to tinues to present the positive perspective. see a similar poll of the Iranian American and Iranian sentiments Response to the nuclear public. Regardless of public opin- behind the deal, Iranian distrust deal remains divided not just for ion, with recent approval from of the United States still persists.4 Iranians and Americans, but the the United States Congress and Some Iranians, mainly those of the international community as well. the Iranian Parliament, the deal is pro-regime demographic, remain With the exception of Israel, the bound to move forward. According doubtful that the United States will deal warranted mostly positive to a tweet by Hassan Rouhani, the keep its promises.5 Moreover, some reactions, with over 70,000 live president of the Islamic Repub- think that the nuclear deal is a way tweets worldwide. UC Berkeley lic, the #IranDeal is the victory of for the United States to interfere Senior Lecturer for the Near East- diplomacy and mutual respect over with Iran’s internal and regional ern and Ethnic Studies Depart- the outdated paradigm of exclusion affairs.6 These lesser known opin- ment, Hatem Bazian, referenced and coercion. And this is a good ions remain a point of contention the agreements as a “breakthrough beginning. of the Iranian population. With a in international diplomacy,” which population of nearly eighty-two points to “a hopeful outcome for million, Iran houses a wide range a region that has become accus-

[5] Ibid. [6] Ibid. [7] Central Intelligence Agency. Central Intelligence Agency, n.d. Web. 12 Nov. 2015. [8] Bazian, Hatem. “Netanyahu’s Congress and Iran’s Nuclear Deal.” Daily Sabah Columns. Daily Sabah, 19 July 2015. Web. 25 Oct. 2015. [9] “Pew: Iran Deal Now Supported by … Just 21% of Americans.” Hot Air. PEW Research Center, 09 Sept. 2015. Web. 25 Oct. 2015. PERSPECTIVE 15 Fesenjoon? Akh Joon! By LEILA ZARIFI f you ask anyone what their favorite Persian dish is, the likelihood that their answer is fesenjoon, is quite high. Perhaps the most beloved of all Persian stews, fesenjoon has been a trademark of Iranian cuisine for centuries. It is cooked at most Iranian weddings and special occasions. The dish originated in Gilan1, a province in the north of Iran where I 2 ducks are plentiful. Fesenjoon began as a way to incorporate duck into a dish ; however, chicken has become the more common poultry in recipes. Fesenjoon is known for its tart and sour flavors, with just the right hint of sweetness. It incor- porates fresh dill, caramelized onions, saffron, walnuts, and of course pomegranate, which is treasured in Persian culture. There are many variations in recipes for fesenjoon. Although most recipes are generally similar for the dish, Irani- an cuisine is especially unique in that the technique one uses really correlates to the flavor of the finished product.3 I have provided my great-grandmother’s recipe of fesenjoon, which she continues to cook today at ninety-five years old.

Fesenjoon is a flavorful Persian dish that can be enjoyed across generations, while connecting individuals to a taste of Irani- an heritage and culture. Nooshe jan! Fesenjoon (Pomegranate Walnut Stew) Active Time: 1 hour Total Time: 1½ hours Serves: 4 I 1 tablespoon grape seed oil N 2 pounds skinless chicken legs or breasts G 2 teaspoons salt, plus more, to taste R 2 yellow onions, finely diced E 1 cup walnuts, coarsely ground D I ½ cup pomegranate molasses E 2 cups chicken stock, vegetable stock, or water N 1 cup peeled and grated red beets T Pomegranate seeds, for garnish S . Fresh mint leaves, for garnish W 1. Heat a large, deep skillet over medium-high heat and add oil. Lightly season chicken with salt H and sear until well browned, 6-7 minutes per side, A then transfer to a plate. T 2. In the same skillet, sauté onions over medium T heat for about 15 minutes, until lightly browned. O 3. Add walnuts, pomegranate molasses and 2 teaspoons salt. Stir to coat the onions. Add stock D and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to a simmer and O return chicken to stew. The stew must be cooked . on a low temperature for all the taste to blend together. Cover and cook 25 minutes. Stir in beets and cook, uncovered, until stew is thick and beets are tender, 15-20 minutes. Salt to taste. 4. Pull out chicken pieces with tongs and cut into halves or thirds, if you like. Put a few pieces of chicken on each plate, along with plenty of sauce. Garnish with pomegranate seeds and mint. In case you are a vegetarian, like myself, and worried that you will not be able to indulge in this amazing dish, you are in luck because there is also a version of the recipe for you! All you need to do is replace the poultry with mushrooms and/ or butternut squash for a delicious and nutritious Courtesy of Fesen.Joon substitution.

[1] Shafia, Louisa. “A Journey to Iran, by Way of the Kitchen.” WSJ. May 3, 2013. Accessed November 15, 2015. [2] “Fesenjan.” IFood.tv. Accessed November 15, 2015. http://ifood.tv/asian/fesenjan/about. [3] Mehran, Azita. “Fesenjoon-Pomegranate Walnut & Chicken Stew.” Fesenjoon - Pomegranate Walnut & Chicken Stew. December 13, 2009. Accessed November 15, 2015. PERSPECTIVE 16 American vs. Persian Bodies: What You’re Putting in Your Shekam By NIKKI BAYAR magine this: A large ovular plate of rice surrounded by multiple smaller plates and bowls filled with different vegetable stews, yogurt, and torshi, an assortment of pickled vegetables. IWhat you’re picturing is a typical Persian dinner. Persians love rice. In fact, we eat it on a daily ba- sis for either lunch or dinner, and sometimes even both. We like to couple our carbs with protein so we typically also eat either beef, chicken, or fish with our meals. These proteins are normally mixed with cooked vegetables in a thick stew-like mixture called khoresh. One common side dish is mast-o-khiar, a mixture of yogurt made with cucumber, dill weed, and other spices as well as torshi. Now picture a typical American dinner. This would most likely include either a pasta with a thick cream-based sauce, take-out pizza, or maybe grilled burgers slathered with fat filled mayonnaise, ketchup infused with corn syrup, or the semi-healthy seed based mustard. Do you notice anything significantly different between typical dinners of Persians versus Amer- icans? Americans love processed foods. Nothing sounds better to Americans than eating a much too oily pizza coupled with a nice refreshing Coca Cola, and maybe even some Lays chips on the side. Unlike “a third of Americans Persians culturally Americans, do not cessed foods. They believe in pro-enjoy today are considered own meals with paleo cooking their buy daily at the bazaar. ingredients that they $4.99 for a burger fifty They don’t like to pay obese – a dramatic cent discount for soda combo that gives you a instead of the (still buying an extra large soda. much too large) small in-crease from 20% in between eating and not These effects can be very clearly eating processed foods between body shapes seen in the difference the 1980s” icans. I’m not claiming of Persians and Amer- well-proportioned; that all Persians are however, I don’t remember ever seeing an obese Persian during any of my trips to Iran. To be quite frank, Persian women do often have muffin tops, meaning they have some excess layers of fat around their midsection. Similarly, most men do have what looks to be a small beer belly that they likely get from their wives forcing them to eat more than is necessary of the meal that they spent all day prepar- ing. Unlike Persians who typically only gain weight around their midsection, Americans tend to gain weight all throughout their body. I have seen many Americans who not only have larger than normal midsections, but also an unhealthy amount of excess fat under their chin, on their arms, and between their thighs. The claim that America is the fattest country in the world is not far off from the truth. In fact, according to WebMD, a third of Americans today are considered obese – a dramatic increase from 20% in the 1980s. Granted that one possible explanation for the difference in body types is genes, the much more plausible explanation lies in the consumption of processed foods. Processed foods are not easily me- tabolized by our bodies, and even when they are metabolized, these foods contain very few nutrients. Of course, much of this article is based on well known generalizations of both the Iranian and American diet and ultimately do not apply to everyone.

PERSPECTIVE 17 By SARA MAHJOUB

Courtesy of Independent UK ating can be hard, but it’s even to compensate. I constantly looked Development Organization, which is harder when you are living in like a middle schooler compared to under the supervision of the Supreme DIran. Because Iran is an Islamic most of the female population who Leader and promotes the Islamic life- Republic, it is actually forbidden by were completely dressed up from head style. Currently, it is only operational law to informally date when you’re not to toe, along with full makeup, adding in Tehran but they plan to expand it married. When you label something to their already existing beauty. to other bigger cities in Iran. Unlike as “forbidden”, it becomes even more Almost anywhere I went was other dating websites in the U.S that desirable, as you might guess. This stomping grounds for the dating pool. typically ask questions about hobbies, past summer, I traveled to Shiraz for Whether we visited a supermall, ba- music tastes, or food preferences, this four weeks and spent almost my entire zaar, or “souperie” equivalent to 7/11, website focuses on parents’ occupa- trip spending time with my cousins girls and boys were exchanging num- tion, marital status, age etc. What is who happened to be young males con- bers, eager to gain another number in most interesting is the fact that the tinuously trying to find a loved one their whatsapp contact list. I noticed users are unable to view other users’ to spend their lives with. As someone that dating has become incredibly profiles, while the web administrators who grew up in Los Angeles, I’ve nev- common in Iranian society despite pa- have complete control over matching er been repressed by Islamic laws and trolling by the moral guidance author- the compatible candidates.1 almost nothing has been forbidden for ities who often check to ensure that As Iran is continuously going me. the man/woman you are walking with under major changes politically, I truly had never seen any- is your relative. economically and socially, old cus- thing like what I experienced in Shiraz With an increasing number toms are becoming more and more this summer. When I would ask my of cafés trying to resemble our ver- lost. “Khastegari” is a custom in which male cousins what dating is like/how sion of Starbucks, meeting up with families of both girl and boy come the dating scene is, they would chuck- friends or a date has become much to meet each other for the first time le and claim that I thought they had easier for young Iranians. Around with or without knowing each other never even spoken to a girl. This is ac- 22% of marriages in Iran end up in before; this could be the first time the tually the popular opinion back home divorce, which has started to worry girl and boy meet. This form of dating in Los Angeles, since many assume officials and resulted in them launch- is becoming less and less relevant, but the teenagers of Iran are given no ing a state-run Internet dating website it continues to exist within religious liberties or are locked in their homes. in hopes to solve this rising “issue.” households and elsewhere. Howev- All I needed was one stroll The plan for Iranian officials to play er, as the young population of Iran at “Darvaze Ghoran” or one of the “Cupid” was announced by Mahmoud increases and comes of age with the numerous “Baghs,” hotspots for teens Golrazi, the deputy minister for Sports internet, social media, and satellite to play backgammon while smoking and Youth Affairs, who stated that television, it has become an incredibly hookah, to realize I was greatly mis- he hoped this site would solve the hard task for the government to con- taken. Because Iranian youth are so problem of marriage amongst young trol what the population sees, hears, subjected to multiple laws and need to people and create 100,000 marriag- and seeks, especially when it comes to be wary of guards while going out with es. The site is called www.hamsan. dating. the opposite sex, they go to extremes teyban.net and is run by the Islamic

[1] Hattam, Nassim, “Iran: Internet dating website launched by State,” BBC, 28 May 2015, http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-32833363.

PERSPECTIVE 18 One Thousand and One Hairs: The Persian Dilemma By PANIZ AMIRNASIRI

Courtesy of Asia SI yebrows furrowed and her inno- contribute to healing of the skin in hair in the US. In 1915, Harper’s Bazaar cent eyes looking up at mine, the response to a wound.3 In addition introduced sleeveless dresses to the Elittle girl whose summer school to assisting in the process of keep- world of fashion – and with a craving program I am volunteering for asks, ing the body cool by “facilitating the for these dresses came a newfound, “What’s that on your arms?” I look sweat-cooling response,”4 body hair unquestionably accepted rule: smooth, down at each arm carefully, evaluating serves as a means of keeping the body silky armpits. It didn’t take long for the the situation. Is she referring to a bug? warm: goosebumps cause body hair marketing campaigns to ensue.6 Thankfully, no. Is she referring to a to stand up, “expand[ing] the layer of More than anything, howev- couple of freckles sprinkled here and air that serves as insulation,” explains er, body hair as a taboo is a product there? That doesn’t seem to be the case George a Bubenik, a physiologist and of arbitrarily crafted social norms either. Is she referring to my impres- professor of zoology at the University (though with some support from sive muscle definition? Nope, don’t of Guelph.5 Finally, hair in the nose, the hair removal industry) that have have that. And that’s when I accept on the outside of the ear canal, and somehow chosen to define beauty in the truth: she is referring to my arm on the face (eyelashes) plays a role in a manner that excludes a biological hair. keeping dust and other undesirable reality. Adding to the irrationality Persians are hairy (surprise!), particles out. of it all, while the hair on our arms, and, once upon a time, we embraced Science aside, however, the legs, armpits, upper lips, fingers, toes, it. Persian poetry and art praised the aversion to body hair has become a chest, stomach, back, etc. makes us abroue-peyvaste (unibrow), interpret- norm. Although the distaste for body undesirable, we receive many a com- ing it as a symbol of beauty. Photos hair is more ardently emphasized in pliment for thick, curly hair that has of Qajar Dynasty ruler Nasir al-Din relation to women, it certainly exists never touched volumizing shampoo, Shah’s harem are a prime example, in connection to men as well. And, eyebrows that have never had to be showing women with thick, mighty given the normative statement that drawn in, and eyelashes that naturally unibrows and even visible mustaches Persians are hairy, this is a problem. curl up to our lids. Whether you are posing confidently for the camera.1 Of But how did it arise? At the peril of an Persian and hairy, Persian and non- course, their mustaches couldn’t quite onslaught of eye rolls, I was initially hairy (shout-out to the five of you compare to that of the shah himself, hesitant to mention my (conspira- out there), non-Persian and hairy, or who ruled from 1848 to 1896 with a cy) theory that the hair-hating was non-Persian and non-hairy, let’s drop carefully groomed masterpiece of a heavily boosted by marketing and the deeply rooted belief that hair is an ‘stache.2 advertising efforts in a consumerist unsightly, undesirable atrocity. If you Biologically, hair boasts a society. Given my (unfortunately) love the feeling of silky smooth skin, number of benefits – a statement I extensive knowledge of the market for then, by all means, burn every single cherished whenever a child pointed hair removal (shaving, waxing, tweez- hair follicle if you have to. But if ever out my arm hair (yes, it happened ing, threading, applying creams, using a little kid points at your hairy arms more than once). According to Profes- lasers, and using epilators and other as if he/she has discovered the most sor of Cell Biology at the University electric tools), however, I decided to bewildering of phenomena, explain to of Bradford Des Tobin, hair follicles, do some digging. Before long, I dis- them that some people just have more which contain numerous stem cells covered an interesting story regarding hair on their body than others. And and are surrounded by blood vessels, the popularization of shaving armpit that’s okay.

[1] “15 Real Photos of Iranian Shah and His Harem, Which Was Almost 100 Women.” Xubux. Accessed October 20, 2015. [2] “Naser Al-Din Shah | Qajar Shah of Iran.” Encyclopedia Britannica. Accessed October 18, 2015 [3] Pilkington, Diana. “Why Being Hairy Can Be Good for You... Whether You’re a Man OR a Woman.” Daily Mail Online, April 21, 2015. Accessed October 18, 2015. [4] Conger, Cristen. “Why Do Humans Have Body Hair?” HowStuffWorks, Nov 5, 2008. Accessed October 18, 2015. [5] Bubenik, George “Why Do Humans Get ‘Goosebumps’ When They Are Cold, or under Other Circumstances?” Sci-American, Sept 1, 2003. Accessed October 19, 2015. [6] Padden, Kathy. “The History of Shaving.” 2015.Today I Found Out, April 1, 2013. Accessed October 19, 2015. PERSPECTIVE 19 The Modern State of Iranian Scientific Policy By SHAYAUN NEJAD espite crippling sanctions for the past half decade, a massive brain drain, and a mere .12% GDP alloca- tion towards scientific research (compared to the global average of 1.4%), Iran has boasted the fastest Dgrowth rate of scientific output in the entire world.1,2 Using this statistic as a source of national motiva- tion, the Iranian government has recently stated that it plans to completely prioritize and revamp Iran’s role in scientific research even further. Iranian scientists along with the Iranian Academy of Medical Sciences and the Academy of Sciences in Iran released 51,000 pages of documents and 224 scientific projects in a 15 year plan that the country hopes to successfully implement.3 With strong government backing, the proposed budget of scientific research is set to reach 2.5% of GDP in the next few years, which would put Iran in the top 10 coun- tries by research and development spending. Furthermore, the plans indicate that by 2030 the Iranian govern- ment hopes that 4% of its GDP will be dedicated to research, putting it well in front of other countries.4 Currently, despite severe limitations on adequate scientific instrumentation and funding, Iran has been a “Iran has boasted research competitor in many different scientific arenas. The biotechnology sector in Iran is growing at a rapid pace and is one of the most advanced in the world with signifi- the fastest growth cant government funding. This has lead to Iran ranking 2nd in the world of transplantation of stem cells as well as top rate of scientific 10 for general stem cell research. Additionally, Iran ranks 21st in biotechnology with around 4000 scientific articles released each year.5 output in the entire After being the first country to successfully mass-produce the Scanning Tunneling Microscope, Iran world.” established itself as a top global contributor in nanotech- nology, ranking 8th in the world in 2012.6 This is directly juxtaposed to the rankings before Iran’s 15 year STEM plan was implemented (28th in 2007). 7 Also, in medical sciences Iran is poised to become 10th in global rankings, with over 400 medical re- search facilities and 76 medical magazine indexes available.7 Overall, the country ranks 17th in the world for scientific research.8 These achievements are only at the advent of this renewed sense of scientific revival in Iranian aca- demia, and the Iranian government hopes that by making research a chief aim of the country, it can start to achieve self-sustainment. Iran was a cradle and major contributor to science in earlier times, and in an attempt to reestablish this sense of scientific innovation and curiosity, Iran’s scientists and government are ambitiously focusing their resources on this goal.

[1] Malekzadeh R, Mokri A, Azarmina P. Medical Science and Research in Iran. AMS-AC-IR. 2 August 2000. Retrieved 21 October 2015. [2] Barre R. In UNESCO. World Science Report. Elsevier: UNESCO Publishing; 1998: 22. [3] “Iran Unveils Comprehensive Scientific Plan.” Payvand.com. 4 January 2011. Retrieved 21 October 2015. [4] “Iran and Global Scientific Collaboration in the 21st century.” Payvand.com. 29 March 2011. Retrieved 21 October 2015. [5] Mahboudi F, Hamedifar H, Aghajani H. Medical Biotechnology Trends and Achievements in Iran. Avicenna Journal of Medical Biotechnology. 2012;4(4): 200-205. [6] “Iran Ranks 15th In Nanotech Articles.” Bernama. 9 November 2009. Retrieved 21 October 2015. [7] Alaghband-Rad J, Malekzadeh R, Mokri, A. A Comparison of R&D in a Few Countries of the World. Sharif. 1999:15, 25. [8] Riahi A, Sohbatiha F, Zare A. Investigation into Growth of Iranian Journals in SCOPUS Database during 2000-2012. Collnet Journal of Scientometrics and Information Management. 2015; 9(1): 37-46. PERSPECTIVE 20 The Problem of Plastic Surgery in Iran By NEGIN SHAHIAR

s I arrived in Tehran last sum- plastic surgery. into wealthy families. Families some- mer, I was expecting to feel at Another political factor exac- times resort to taking out bank loans Ahome in a sea of similarly erbating recent plastic surgery trends to pay for these operations. dark-featured individuals. To is Iran’s lack of political power in rela- Thus far, I’ve speculated on some degree I did, but I was tion to the West. In Iran, Western pop the root cause of high plastic surgery also, to my surprise, greeted by a seg- culture dominates. Its influence is evi- rates for women, but have ment of the Iranian population who dent via the music the country’s youth largely left men out of the shared more physical traits with the listen to and the television shows they picture. It is important to note, howev- Americans I had left behind. watch. Around the world, youth often er, that Iranian men are now believed Throughout my six-week trip, look to celebrities for inspiration in to “account for a third of cosmetic I interacted with many women and fashion and trends. Because the main surgeries in the country.” Why are men some men who had undergone signif- celebrities Iranian youth are exposed also undergoing plastic surgery oper- icant plastic surgery operations and to are Western, young people attempt ations at increasingly high rates? They other physical modifications, ranging to look like them by dying their hair are not restricted in the same manner from nose jobs, lip injections, and chin blonde, wearing blue-colored contacts, by dress rules, and it seems doubtful restructuring to blonde-dyed hair and or reshaping their noses. In Tehran, that such a large portion of men wish blue-colored contact lenses. my cousin showed me the Instagram to marry into rich families by relying In recent years, Iran’s obses- of an Iranian teenage girl who had on physical attractiveness. Maybe it’s sion with beauty and plastic surgery become famous on social media for re- the culture’s love of aesthetics, again? has captured international attention, modeling herself to look like Angelina Or a desire to look like the handsome sparked by a report that Iran has the Jolie through plastic surgery. white celebrities they see on popular highest rate of nose surgery in the Moving to social causes, the soap operas? world. Speculating on the root of this spike in plastic surgery may be a result While the entire Iranian pop- phenomena, I initially considered of the sharply defined gender roles ulation has not been swept into the Iranians’ general appreciation of aes- Iranian cultural tradition dictates. In plastic surgery craze, it is still a matter thetics, grounded in the culture’s rich some families, women are expected worth looking into, particularly with artistic history. But the trend in beauty to remain at home and care for the reports of a dangerous black market and plastic surgery seems to reach household and children, while men industry emerging. An increasing beyond that, and is likely the result of join the workforce to earn money. number of unlicensed practitioners multiple confounding factors. Because women, then, are often re- are appearing in the country and In regard to political factors, stricted by social norms from attaining performing plastic surgery operations, one possible cause is the restrictions a degree and working outside of the sometimes leading to unanticipated related to self-expression placed on home, their time and energy is put and undesired results. For now, it the population. Since women must into achieving beauty ideals. remains to be seen whether the recent cover their bodies in long coats and Finally, in terms of economic sanctions lift and the potential for their hair with headscarves, the only factors, Iran’s crippled economy and an improved economy will have any part of a woman’s body left unhidden widespread poverty have indirect- impact on beauty and plastic surgery is her face. Women thus respond by ly led to an obsession with physical trends, and whether a growing illicit exaggerating the physical features beauty. It has been reported that industry will be cut off before the situ- they can show. In searching for a some women from lower or middle ation deteriorates further. means to represent themselves in a class families in Iran undergo plastic society that aims to keep them un- surgery in the hopes of attracting men seen, women reinvent their faces from the upper classes. These women through layers of makeup and hope to escape poverty by marrying

PERSPECTIVE 21 Courtesy of Zedbazi “The Language of the Spirit”: Iran’s Music Industry Today By HEATHER DADASHI usic is a crucial aspect Jazz.” Other notable artists who there has been a shift from the of Iran’s culture and has left their mark during the Golden LA-imported music to domesti- Malways demonstrated the Age of Persian Pop in the 1970s cally produced music after nearly resilient, vivacious spirit of its were Googoosh, Aref, Ebi, Haydeh, thirty years. This comeback served people. While some modern music and Dariush Eghbali.1 This era was as a milder version of the exiled speaks to notions of romance, love, short-lived, however, due to the Iranian pop music with the intent and merriment, other forms reflect Islamic Revolution in 1979. From of not offending the system. It the frustration and pain of living then on, pop music was banned be- was so successful that video and under the Islamic Republic. I would cause it was deemed as un-Islamic audiocassettes imported from LA like to focus my attention on the and a symbol of the dictatorship of experienced a 30% drop in sales, pop and rap scenes in Iran, which Mohammad Reza Shah. Many pop while over 55% of people turned to are highly popular among Iranian singers migrated to Los Angeles to domestically-produced pop music.2 youth, in discussing the ways they continue their art. They were both Rap music had a much came to be, how they have evolved, welcomed by the people there and more delayed debut. It entered the and how they currently serve and incessantly criticized for their style. scene in the late 1980’s in Tehran interact with society. Experts claim that this wave of with the emergence of American The onset of modern pop music was low on content because hip-hop artists such as Tupac music emerged with artists like the artists were not enthused to Shakur, NWA, and Eminem as well Vigen, who was known as the king produce quality music. as the introduction of satellite tele- of Iranian pop and the “Sultan of During the last few years, vision. This form of music found a [1] “Music of Iran.” Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, 5 Oct. 2015. Web. 23 Oct. 2015. [2] Zarghami, Mohammad. “Music of Iran: Pop Music in Iran.” Music of Iran: Pop Music in Iran. Iran Chamber Society, 2003. Web. 23 Oct. 2015. [3] “Music of Iran.” Wikipedia. [4] “Iranian Hip Hop.” Wikipedia. Wikipedia, 5 Oct. 2015. Web. 23 Oct. 2015. PERSPECTIVE 22 “Music is the language of the spirit. It opens the secret of life bringing peace, abolishing strife.” –Khalil Gibran following mainly among the Irani- flow to transmit inspiring verses to do in the first place. It’s a com- an youth born after the Revolution, about his culture and people. The promise.”6 As a result, underground initially due to its rhythmic beats hip-hop group Zedbazi arrived on acts have surfaced on the Internet and lyrics.3 Eventually, rap began the scene in 2002 after a couple of as well as in cafes across Tehran to carry greater meaning for Ira- their songs circulated among their to curb approval by the Ministry nians as it conveyed what life was friends. Soon, their music attracted of Culture.7 Usually the police will like in Iran as well as what they the attention of large audiences turn a blind eye to what people do wanted from the world. across the country due to their in the privacy of their own homes. Taking its name from the controversial lyrics, landing them Many people feel like they can city’s area code, the rap group 021 as one of the most popular groups listen to whatever they want to in was one of the first hip hop groups in Iran. They are the first group to private, as long as their neighbors in Tehran, and was founded by use explicit language in their music do not snitch on them. Instead of Souroush Lashkary, better known and are also recognized for starting rapping about the typical topics by his stage name, Hichkas. He a new movement in Iranian music of the genre such as sex, money, employs elements of traditional by lyrically attacking the Iranian and cars, many rappers express Persian music fused with hip-hop music industry in LA.4 their grievances with living under in unique patriotic lyrical style, Currently, the government a corrupt regime as well as criti- referring to social issues while is breaking up and arresting musi- cize Iran’s social life.8 What seems omitting vulgar language. His first cians with music considered “de- to be a healthy outlet for voicing album, Asphalt Jungle, was one viant” from Islamic values.5 Some qualms regarding everyday life in of the first Persian rap albums in artists feel they are compromising other countries does not appear to Iran and brought him a great deal their artistic expression by releas- be the case in Iran. Supposedly, the of fame. Yaser Bakhtiari or Yas is ing their music. They want to per- government is issuing more album one of the most popular rappers form their own music without re- licenses so that music can sur- in Iran as well as the first rapper strictions or the need for approval. face legally and make its way into to receive the release license from One pop artist, Babak Riyahipour, concerts. Hopefully we will wit- the Ministry of Ershad and to communicates, “The problem is ness a push for greater freedom of be authorized to perform by the we have to sacrifice creativity in expression in the artistic sector for government. He uses poetic im- order to get permission…What you musicians and other Iranians alike agery delivered through a fervent do is not really what you wanted in the near future.

Courtesy of Raap [5] Ferani, Leyla. “Why Iran Is Cracking down on Rap Music.” The Telegraph. Telegraph Media Group, 10 Nov. 2010. Web. 23 Oct. 2015. [6] Asgari, Mohsen. “Iran’s Pop Music Revolution.” BBC News. BBC News, 1 Sept. 2011. Web. 23 Oct. 2015. [7] Salemi, Vahid. “Iran’s Underground Music Scene.” CBS News. CBS Interactive. Web. 23 Oct. 2015. [8] Ferani, Leyla. “Why Iran Is Cracking down on Rap Music.” The Telegraph. Telegraph Media Group, 10 Nov. 2010. Web. 23 Oct. 2015. PERSPECTIVE 23 Can you point to Iran on this map?

If you can, you're in the minority.

PERSPECTIVE 24 Is Iran Relevant? By KAYVON DELDAR ast summer, a meeting between close to a random sample. Of the 76 When asked how big of a an international coalition of students, 20 were freshmen, 18 were threat Iran was to the United States, Lworld powers led by the Unit- sophomores, 24 were juniors, and 14 the average response was a 3.18 with ed States and Iran culminated in the were seniors. Evidently, this is a pretty a standard error of 0.24. The key point Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, even distribution of students by year. here was that the majority of answers a momentous agreement regarding Some of you readers might be were considerably low and once again Iran’s nuclear capabilities. In return pondering whether 76 students out of the graph had a heavy right skew. for ceding most of its centrifuges and a school of 27,000 undergraduates is With the exception of two “10”s, one allowing foreign nations to inspect too small of a number to make gener- “9”, and eight “6”s, all other answers nuclear development, Iran will receive alizations of the whole student body, were a 5 or below. The mode of this a gradual lifting of the devastating and that is a valid concern. All sam- data set is a “1,” which means that the economic sanctions that have crippled ples, regardless of how large its size, most popular response was a “1.” The its economy in recent years. This deal have some inevitable error. However, irony of the high responses here was and the past negotiations have also a sample of 76 students is sufficient that the person who gave Iran a threat been heavily publicized throughout all enough to make the inferences and level of “10” could not give any objec- forms of social media, television news estimates that I will be presenting. The tive details of the nuclear negotiations. networks, and the American political error of my findings will be conveyed Conclusion: If I were to have arena. However, if you’re anything through the standard error quantity. asked this question to myself, I would like the average UC Berkeley student, Another issue a reader might have is have answered with a “1”, and I was you’re probably not very well informed that the number of seniors surveyed pleasantly surprised to see that many about the situation. is low considering that seniors may Berkeley students agreed with my sen- At this point, as readers, have a better grasp of worldly issues; timents. Maybe with the precedent of you’re most likely reassuring yourself however, only three seniors claimed to diplomacy and the proof that Iran has that you do not fall within this cate- have a level five or higher understand- the capability of making reasonable gory and have most definitely heard ing about the nuclear talks, and when negotiations, students see Iran as less of the Iran nuclear deal. However, asked, none of them could articulate of a nuclear threat. according to the sample data I have an accurate description of the agree- I cannot tell you how many collected from UC Berkeley students, ment or its implications. One even students cringed when asked to point most students appear to be either claimed that the Muslim Brotherhood to Iran on a map. To give context, I completely unaware of these negotia- was in Iran. used a world map zoomed into Asia, tions or lack a general understanding Now for the best part: let’s dig Europe, and Africa that contained of Iran. into the numbers. Fair warning - the country outlines. 23.7% of students Coming into this project, my following sections are heavy with correctly located Iran with a stan- main objective was to get a sense math and statistical jargon. dard error of 4.9% while most people of the general student population’s When asked how much they pointed to either Iraq or Afghanistan. knowledge about the country of Iran. knew about the nuclear negotiations, Nevertheless, it should be noted that Over the course of two days, I ran- the average response was a 3.01 with majority of students identified the cor- domly selected seventy-six students, a standard error of 0.27. However, this rect region. Another noteworthy find- primarily near Sproul and Dwinelle mean value is skewed by a few very ing was that of the people claiming to Plaza, to partake in my six ques- high responses. In fact, 34 people, or have a knowledge of at least 6 about tion survey. The first question was 45% of the students, answered with a nuclear negotiations, 61.5% could not to confirm if the students attended “1” and to round it out, 13 more gave identify Iran on a map. UC Berkeley in order to ensure the either a “2” or “3,” meaning that in Conclusion: This question authenticity of my sample group. I total well over half of the sample knew had by far the most surprising out- then proceeded to ask the next three little to nothing about such a huge come. Iran is the 17th largest country questions: global proceeding. Of the people who in the world by area and only second • On a scale of 1-10, how much would answered with a “5” or higher, I then in the Middle East to Saudi Arabia. you say that you know about the re- asked them to describe whatever it Not only is it a gigantic country, but it cent Iran nuclear deal or negotiations? was they knew. However, 9 out of the is also very relevant in today’s world • On a scale of 1-10, how big of a 17 who were asked this question either and political scene, as seen through threat is Iran to the United States? could not provide details or had mis- the nuclear negotiations and the de- • Can you point to Iran on a map? interpreted the situation. cades of conflict between the United If the student’s answer to Conclusion: For a school that States and Iran. What is alarming question one was above a score of five, seems to pride itself for its worldliness about this statistic is that in order to I would follow with a fifth question and diversity, I was shocked to see the be able to solve political or economic asking him or her to elaborate on any amount of students who were oblivi- issues of foreign nations, we must first pieces of knowledge they had regard- ous about a major political situation. understand the culture and heritage of ing the nuclear deal. Lastly, I asked My conclusion is two-pronged: either the people. If we are unable to sim- each of the students to state what year Berkeley students are not as socio- ply point to that country on the map, of college they were in. The reasoning politically aware as they think or the then we have failed that prerequisite behind this question was to demon- Iran nuclear situation is only relevant remarkably. strate in some way that the sample and noteworthy to Iranians and others of students that I had selected was who are affected by it. So I ask: Is Iran relevant? PERSPECTIVE 25 Courtesy of Duke Performances Profiling the Traditional Instruments of Iran By NIMA SHAJARIAN ersian sonati (traditional) music has proven to be an artform that unites older and younger generations. Its beauty and artistry through the use of classical Persian instruments and poetry have become a staple of Iranian culture. PSonati music, unlike popular American music, does not rely on a singer, even though Iran boasts some of the most impressive voices in the world such as Ostad Shahram Nazeri and Ostad Mohammad Reza Shajarian who is one of NPR’s 50 Great Voices. The essence of sonati music starts with its many traditional instruments. Tar: make the tar sound more beautiful, created the style of setar we see Today’s tar consists of six strings it had to have an “empty stomach.” today consisting of four strings. and two empty bowls covered by a He gave the tar two empty bowls The pitch difference between setar young sheep skin. However, long and the sound resonated sharp- and tar is in large part due to the ago this was not the design of the er, louder, and with better quality. fact that tar is played with a pick traditional tar. This instrument was Today’s tar is mostly seen in Persian while setar is played with the nail once flat and had a much deeper sonati music but can also be seen in of the index finger. Masters of the sound. It is said that the man who Turkish music with a different style setar include Ahmad Ebadi and Jalal designed today’s tar was walking by and sound. The masters of the tar Zolfonun. a construction site in the morning include Jalil Shahnaz, Farhang Shar- Tombak: and heard a worker singing. His if, Lotfollah Majd, Mohammad Reza The tombak has come a long way magnificent voice impressed the Lotfi, and Hossein Alizadeh. in recent history. Before Ostad man so much that he came back in Setar: Hossein Tehrani, the tombak was the afternoon to enjoy his singing The setar is very similar to the tar thought to be merely an instrument once more. This time, however, the insofar as it is a stringed instrument. used to keep rhythm. The tombak worker’s voice wasn’t as sharp or The two differ, however, in the was considered an outcast among pleasant, and he was unable to hit number of hollow bowls (the setar other instruments because of how the high notes as he did before. The only has one), as well as the num- basic its function was. No one re- man asked him what had happened ber of strings. Setar means “three spected tombak players until Ostad and the worker told him he had strings” and the original setar did, Tehrani revolutionized the instru- eaten lunch and couldn’t sing on in fact, consist of only three. 60-70 ment with his playing style. Today a full stomach. The man then had years ago, however, one of the old the tombak is essential to sonati an epiphany and realized that to masters added another string and music and is seen in every size of PERSPECTIVE 26 ensemble. The tombak name comes from the two main sounds it produces. The “tom” is the base sound made by the center of the drum and the “bak” comes from the higher pitched sound made when hitting the rim. It is a goblet shaped drum made from wood with a skin usually from a cow or adult sheep (a young sheep skin isn’t thick enough). Masters of the tombak include Naser Eftetah, Jahangir Malek, and, of course, Hossein Tehrani. Ney: Ney is the sonati hybrid of the flute and the recorder. Playing this instrument, however, is substantially more dif- ficult than both. Ney is considered one of the hardest instruments to produce a good sound with. The instrument is made of hollow reed (its direct translation in English is reed) and consists of six holes. It is the only wind instru- ment normally seen in sonati music. Masters include Hassan Kasaei, Mohammad Moosavi, and Hassan Nahid. Kamancheh: This instrument is a close equivalent to the violin except it’s played vertically like a cello. It consists of a bowl on the bottom covered by young sheep skin and is played with a bow. Kamancheh originated from Iran but has many variants in other countries such as China. Masters of Kamancheh include Ali-Asghar Bahari, Ali Akbar Shekarchi, Kayhan Kalhor, and Ardeshir Kamkar. Today’s sonati music is still evolving. Just as the tombak gained popularity, other instruments are making their way into the traditional music scene as well. More ensembles are utilizing instruments such as piano and violin. The instrument gaining the most traction in today’s sonati music, due to masters such as Bijan Kamkar, is the daf, a Kurdish drum that many refer to as a frame drum. Just as Iran has many different nationalities, it also boasts many different kinds of instruments from the traditional sonati instruments described above to the lesser known ones used in the countryside in folk music. And by looking at other nations, we can see the footprint of Iranian influence everywhere from the ud/barbat seen in Arab orchestras to the harp, both of which are instruments that originated in Persia. As the next genera- tion of sonati musicians such as Homayoun Shajarian and Hafez Nazeri come into their prime, the advancements and progressions of the musical style are limitless.

Courtesy of Happy Net

PERSPECTIVE 27 Lending a Helping Hand: A Spotlight on the Pars Equality Center By NIKTA DAIJAVAD or an Iranian immigrant English as Second Language PM: In your own words, to the United States, life (ESL) classes, computer train- how would you describe Fcan be a little overwhelm- ing and employment resources, the mission of the Pars ing at first. Perhaps you’re still and assistance navigating the Equality Center? trying to learn English while social and medical systems. Fahimi: Our mission is to ed- navigating the bureaucratic Their legal services, on the other ucate, empower, and provide maze towards citizenship. Per- hand, include advisory assis- a path to self-sufficiency for haps you’re looking for a job but tance and workshops on topics Persian-speaking families and in don’t know how to take the first ranging from immigration law particular for recent immigrants. step. Or perhaps you just want to criminal law to sanctions law. to meet other Iranians in your Pars’ legal department typically PM: Could you describe community. does not represent individuals, what you do on a day- although the immigration team to-day basis? The Pars Equality does handle some filings and Fahimi: I work within the legal Center is here to help. representation at low bono rates department. I wear multiple or at times pro bono; it does, hats: I handle in-house matters Founded by philanthro- however, point them in the right that come up legally, for exam- pist Bita Daryabari in 2010, the direction. ple, and I work with community Pars Equality Center is a 501(c) But the Center’s work members, giving them advice (3) non-profit organization based does not stop there. With an eye over the phone when they’re in California that aims to pro- towards developing the Irani- further away or seeing them in vide Iranian-Americans with the an-American community, Pars person at the San Jose center. I resources they need to become also offers a mentoring program, also work with our other attor- fully integrated citizens of the a youth grant geared towards neys and our BIA [Board of Im- United States. The organization ensuring the academic success migration Appeals] representa- has two locations: one in San of the next generation, and the tive to oversee the work they’re Jose, and another in Los Ange- Silver Club, a network for Ira- doing, to organize panels, and to les. Pars is nonpolitical, nonpar- nian immigrants over the age of organize legal education events. tisan, and non-religious, serving 55.1 These events usually have to any and all Iranian-Americans deal with family law, tenant law, who seek its services. Curious about the etc. We also have an upcoming The Center’s Per- Pars Equality Center’s event about sanctions at our LA sian-speaking staff provides ex- work, I spoke to Nazy center, something that’s on ev- tensive social and legal services, Fahimi, the Senior erybody’s minds with the adop- with a particular emphasis on Director of Pars’ Legal tion of the nuclear deal. Because the needs of refugees, asylees, Department, to learn we’re between the adoption and and newcomers living in pover- about her experience. implementation phases of the ty. Their social services include deal, we want to let people know [1] “Pars at a Glance.” Pars Equality Center. http://www.parsequalitycenter.org/aboutpars/. PERSPECTIVE 28 what implications it will have them informally to settle the PM: What do you see in for them. matter. And it also stands out the Pars Equality Cen- because at first they didn’t know ter’s future? PM: Are there any par- who to trust, but we got them to Fahimi: I see definite expan- ticular cases you’ve calm down to the point that they sion, potentially to new cen- worked with that stand made a good settlement deci- ter locations. The areas with out to you as being par- sion. the most potential are Orange ticularly memorable? County and Sacramento (so still Fahimi: I worked with one PM: What’s your favorite within California for now). But couple who had dealt with a fire part of the work you do? I also see potential national ex- in their apartment and end- Fahimi: When I see people who pansion in the future. We’re also ed up being on the hook with are truly appreciative and who working to expand various pro- the insurance company of the say that we really helped them, grams. We’ve added more immi- landlord for having started that even if their problems aren’t ful- gration services to help people fire. They were new immigrants, ly solved. A lot of times people with actual filings, for example, they were going to school, and will say that they “would have and we’re adding to our youth they didn’t have money. And made a mistake” without our programs and general program- they were scared because they help. To see that these people ming for the community. owed thousands of dollars. We are genuinely happy with the don’t represent in court, but it advice they have been given is stands out because they were my favorite part. so grateful that we worked with

Courtesy of Pars Equality Center

PERSPECTIVE 29 Living Proof By ROYA AZARKEYVAN

Courtesy of Darius

was born and raised in California; I’ve lived here all my life. I’ve always borne curly black hair, tan skin, thick black eyebrows, dark brown eyes, and a defined nose. I’ve Iworn a large silver faravahar (a necklace symbolizing Zorastrianism) around my neck ever since I can remember and I’ve always struggled with my identity. When people ask me where are you from, what are you, or what’s your ethnicity – my answer is always Persian, of course. From there, it’s either complete ignorance on the other person’s end or a puzzling look followed by the question: “Don’t you mean you’re Iranian?” And then other times it’s about the necklace, “What is that? What’s your religion? Zoro-what?” And with a sigh, I prepare myself to give the 2-minute elevator speech on my religion that I’ve

PERSPECTIVE 30 committed to memory by this point. Don’t get me wrong, I don’t blame anyone for trying to get to know me, but sometimes I wish I didn’t have to bear this burden of providing extra information about my heritage. Sometimes I wish my identity could just be and didn’t need a lengthy explanation treading behind it. I think the problem contributes to the fact that sometimes Iran doesn’t get enough attention – let alone the attention it deserves. I believe this country is harboring one of the richest histories and cultures in the world, and yet, here in America, we barely hear about the rich history and culture of Iran. Well, that was until talk of nuclear negotia- tions with Iran started circulating around the American capital. Suddenly, for better or for worse, Iran was out there for everyone to see. From the “a nuclear deal between news headlines, to the trend- ing on Twitter and Facebook, the U.S. and Iran has I couldn’t help but feel slight- ly euphoric because frankly, begun to tie together the whether it was good or bad news, Iran was getting at- tention and, for me, that was tethers of a relationship” exhilarating. As the ongoing negotiations headed closer and closer towards the deadline, I had close friends, teachers, coworkers, and mentors all asking me about the deal, about Iran itself, and my opinions in general. The people who I admired were now looking to me, placing value on my opinions and sure enough, I was more than happy to share them. But it didn’t take long for me to realize there was a lingering caveat to all this: my opin- ions as an Iranian-American were powerful, and they could do just as much harm as good. Fast-forward to July 2015 and here we were, a solidified nuclear deal and a plethora of political opinions to go with it. A nuclear deal between the U.S. and Iran has begun to tie together the tethers of a relationship, but it is our responsibility as Iranian-Americans to uphold it. Whether we like it or not, we will become the primary means of facilitating a bridge between the cultural and political gaps by showing the two sides that there is a place for integration. We have the opportunity, knowledge, and background to educate the populace. If this relationship is going to be successful, we as Iranian-Americans have to be there to show that there can be a peaceful coexistence between the Iranian identity and the American one.

PERSPECTIVE 31 PERSPECTIVEPERSPECTIVE 32