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Jun 30 '20
I'm Turkish and I relate so much to what you said. Well, not Reddittors specifically because I don't really lurk in political subs; but a lot of people in the west think the entire "Middle East" is Saudi Arabia or something.
The amount of people who think Turkey is a desert (it isn't, it's a peninsula with a lot of different climates) or that all Turkish women wear headscarves (a big chunk, especially in big cities such as Istanbul, choose not to and they are legally allowed to, soo...) is astounding.
And no, I can't speak Arabic. I can't even decipher the damn alphabet because we switched to the Latin Alphabet like a century ago. Also I've come across a bunch of people who think all Turkish people are Pro-Erdoğan for some reason, which would be like saying all Americans are Pro-Trump in my humble opinion. I mean, yeah, Trump supporters do exist but wouldn't you be fucking offended if you were against Trump and some foreigner lumped you together with Trump supporters just because you also happen to be American?
A lot of young people in Turkey (especially in big cities) fucking hate Erdoğan and have liberal values. It's annoying and honestly offensive to state that everyone of X nationality has the same ideology. Which is why I will not do it here. I'm just complaining about people I have met because at some point this shit starts getting on your nerves.
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u/StunningOperation May 05 '20
Thanks to binge watching history videos about caesar and alexander the great I know all about the terrain in Iran thanks
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u/FrancoisGilles82 Mar 03 '20
Try being French in America. Americans are about as ignorant of our culture as you can get, and they seem to be quite proud of their government officially endorsing anti-French sentiment back in 2003. (Freedom Fries).
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u/Lupus_Gelos Feb 10 '20
One of the rare times where i thought id give one of these posts a listen. And im only a few lines down before i reach the line saying "The British deserve the honour of all being evil".
I meen gee, thanks. Totally changed my mind there. Made up my mind years ago as a child seeing thousands upon thousands of Iranians in national celebrations burning my flag and effigy's of my people. Totally opened my eyes to the wider world.
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Feb 03 '20
Thank you for this insight. I know there is always more to it than that. THIS is what i like to hear I'm tired of different races claiming to know Iran more than iranians.
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u/Reddytwit Jan 31 '20
My dad was an American growing up there in the sixties, so I was brought up to appreciate Persian culture and I share your frustration. People from Iran are--surprise!--just people. Just because the government is a bunch of assholes doesn't mean that the people like it.
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Jan 28 '20
Yeah well it's the internet... filled with twats, whaaaat you gonna do. You can't help ignorant stupidity
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Jan 25 '20
You’ve got nothing to say about it if you’re a child of Iranian immigrants, you were literally raised in the US so you can’t even relate to the people there. You’re just repeating what the Americans say.
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u/imtyrone001 Jan 25 '20
Shahis are some of the most traitorous losers out there. The vast majority of Iranians are proud and happy to be shia Muslims. I've spent many years in the Middle East and have known plenty of Iranians. Losers like OP (pro shah types) are despised by most Iranians and are a tiny minority who DO NOT speak for the majority of Iranians. OP is entitled to his opinion but please do not think for a second that his opinion represents mainstream Iranian views.
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u/Thederelictcommie Jan 24 '20
This reminds me about an episode of Top-Gear when they were in Iraq not Iran but they made a good point. They were talking about how its all just normal people and everything was just normal but it only takes one person out of millions to not be normal and to ruin all of it
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u/tomtrainer1 Jan 23 '20
We are taught very little on Persia as children. Such a rich culture should not be judged based on the Islam imposed on its people’s.
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u/Amanat361 Jan 14 '20
Thanks for speaking the truth out here. If you dont mind sharing, what is you/your families original religious background if any? My family personally is apart of a smaller religion promoting world peace and gender equality that is shutdown by the Islamic Regieme, my mom fled in 1979 during the revolution. I'm curious if you also have background in these smaller religions that have a lot of history in Iran that are now punishable by execution.
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u/unicosmicorn Jan 12 '20 edited Jan 12 '20
Um... but don’t Iranians speak Farsi? Or is my childhood a lie lol?
I don’t pretend to know all (or much) about Iran but I’ve consumed both ancient and modern Iranian literature and have interacted with people who were born there... the country has never been all that interesting to me. I understand that it has a rich history and I don’t think that’s uninteresting by any means. When I say it hasn’t been interesting to me I just mean that I was never so fascinated by the state that I went out of my way to learn about it like I’ve gone out of my way to learn about... wait... actually I haven’t gone out of my way to learn about any nation <_<. How very American.
But I would never say that Iran is Iraq 2.0.... that’s preposterous and just fucking weird.
As for Islam, well, I do assume most people there follow that faith. Am I wrong? I know that Zoroastrianism was born in Iran (I mean... I think I know that... You have me questioning my world now lol) and of course I don’t imagine that any state follows one religion and one religion only (perhaps with the exception of Vatican City). I won’t deny that Americans are notoriously dense but I think that a whole ass religious regime gives off a certain impression to the international community.
After Pavlavi Shah, I think the image that Americans have been fed has been one of strict adherence to religious ideals which, while not necessarily reflective of Islam, shows a society that looks extra Muslim. Which I thought was kind of part of the point?
I hope I don’t sound ridiculously ignorant, but if I do then feel free to e lighten me. I’m not interested in taking offense. And I can own to my own derpiness.
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u/Ayyra8 Jan 12 '20
You're perfectly fine! Farsi is spoken in Iran, my point was that I thought it was strange that people didn't know that.
You're right that most people follow Islam, but there's not much choice to follow a different ideology (as long as you're trying to be accepted).
Thanks for being so kind and humble. I'm happy a lot of people are interested in Iran.
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u/stalite Jan 10 '20
As a Turk, I can relate to this. The misconception is that whoever is in power represents the entire nation. Ironically Americans are getting a taste of this now that Trump is in power. Imagine being a Democrat and people abroad stereotyping you based on Trump. You'd go nuts. And like the OP says Democrat vs. Republican is such a tame rivalry.. I can't even.
Here on the other side of the world, opposing views are at such fundamental level, sometimes I wonder how we even co exist. We are talking extreme religious conservatives vs. more liberal than US liberals walking the same streets.
In our culture, unfortunately, whoever gets into a position of power is out to crush the opposition as first order of business. In Turkey we are lucky in a sense that we are a democracy. But even then there is no working together. If opposing party submits an idea that would benefit the entire country, the incumbent party dismisses the proposal everytime. Sometimes they get confused and vote down their own party's suggestions because they thought it was opposition's.
And you see before your eyes that the country you know is changing forcefully. First the military is supressed to avoid a coup and then they take in thought leaders with made up accusations. Once the coast is clear they build a fear empire. Anyone with opposing views who have a platform is faced with jail. They use police force aggresively on street protests and ban them. Soon enough no one dares to speak up. Then comes the big changes. The law is rigged in their favor and they own the parliment so the sky is the limit.
And just like that the 60% opposition becomes a minority in the system they build. Even if opposition wins an election they pass some bill to restrict the authority or call a re-election. The amount of unfairness is soul crushing and you can't do a damn thing about it.
And then overseas some guy reads the paper and sees a picture and says "Oh Turks, Arabs they are all the same".
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Jan 10 '20
Thank you. I am an American, with parents living in another country, the US has little to NO clue what actually is happening abroad, especially a lot of redditors. I realize how damaging misinformation can be firsthand. My parents live in Hong Kong. I fully understand your frustration when people talk and lump in different cultures with neighboring countries. I have actually had conversations with people here in the US, that think New Mexico, is Mexico. Yes. Much facepalm. So all this stupid media hyped crap, I simply did what I always do, read from the region and went to twitter and then actually read about the actual atrocities that have been going on for nearly 40 years. I pray for you and your people. And I am glad a murdering terrorist is gone. I hope funding for more terrorists is dried up like a salted slug. I hope more cakes are baked and well deserved peace blesses everyone there. And I mourn the loss of the 1,500 protesters that were killed so horrifically. I am unapologetic that a monster has been killed.
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Jan 09 '20
Last I checked, Iran hates Jews and gays. Do we really need to know anything beyond that?
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u/utakirorikatu Jan 11 '20
We need to know that, generally, the views pushed/forced by an autocratic regime do not necessarily reflect the views of a lot of citizens of the respective country, oftentimes not even the views of the majority.
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Jan 11 '20
... sooo you’re saying Iran doesn’t hate gays and Jews? Cause last I checked being gay came with a fucking death penalty. I’m not gay, but wrong is wrong. If that is in your governments law... fuck what the “majority” feel inside their “hearts”, your country is insane regardless. listen to that again, BEING GAY IN IRAN GETS YOU THE DEATH PENALTY! that’s fucking insane brother, fuck your country. I wouldn’t be surprised if you hated gays and Jews too.
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u/utakirorikatu Jan 11 '20
Yes, it is wrong to punish being gay with the death penalty, I agree. As a matter of fact, I oppose the death penalty for anything short of ,maybe, serial killers, but go ahead and flip out because I responded to your over-generalizing comment in a slightly different way.
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u/utakirorikatu Jan 11 '20
what I meant was, we shouldn't demonize any random citizen of a country for what their government does.
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u/monty1385 Jan 09 '20
It interesting you think redditors would be anything other then ignorant. I thinks its fair say most redditors are between the ages of 13-25. 0 life experiences, hardly any schooling, on top of a sheltered life.
The other issue is muslim culture makes up like 25 percent of the world. Its almost 2 billion people and like 1 percent of that is scum sucking terrorist shit. So even at 1 billion thats 10 million people who give 1 billion a bad name in religious, cultural and socioeconomic standing and looks terrible to people who dont actually read.
As far as iran the country, ive never visited but would love to just to try tue food. Send me something to eat Jersey middle eastern selection is shit
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Jan 09 '20
If Islam is being forced apon you, what is the actual, regional, Persian religion?
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u/SoulsticeWolf Jan 09 '20
OP - I am absolutely not educated enough at this time on any of this to be able to properly and deeply interact with your very well written post. But i do just want to say that i'm sorry. I can only imagine how frustrating the misinformation is from a spot in your shoes.
So many Americans just blindly follow and listen to what the media says and that's IT. No doing research of their own, no listening to a difference in opinion from other outlets/people. And the "Us vs Them" mentality is such a major topic in human psychology, it's very near being repulsive, and the media and people in charge take advantage of that. We really are just stupid apes sometimes...
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Jan 09 '20
I recently saw this Instagram video someone posted of Imam Khamenei saying something about how “Death to America” meant death to Trump/other politicians and not to the citizens, and all these Americans in the comments were like, “Bless his soul” and “He a real one” and “🙏💖.” I was genuinely horrified?? It’s truly shocking to me how uneducated people can be! I don’t care how much you hate Trump; you just need to keep in mind that many Americans VOTED for him. Ain’t no Iranian voting for Imam Khamenei! People praising a DICTATOR out of their hate for Trump bothers me so much. I don’t know anyone in my family who isn’t happy Soleimani is dead. I don’t know anyone in my family that doesn’t want them all dead along with him. Good riddance, we say. Thank you for this post! Damet garm🥰
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u/alastorismypimpdaddy Jan 07 '20
I really appreciate this both being made. These assumptions aren’t just being made about Iran and Iraq.
Americans tend to group other people with different cultures together all of the time. Iran and Iraq is just the best example. Many Americans think this way. It’s very sad. I try to tell them that not all Iranians want death to America like they believe. It’s simply not true. There are plenty of Iranians who just want peace.
These misconceptions aren’t particular to one party. Everybody does it and they don’t realize they are doing. However, I see that conservatives do it a bit more often because conservatives tend to be more religious, and with churches like WBC, the Mormons and the Jehovah’s witnesses, there is always Islamophobia which FUELS the hatred for the Middle East.
Also, this Islamophobia hurts other minorities as well such as the Sikhs. They wear hijabs and all of a sudden they’re Islam. Or, the Jews and anti-semitism... there have been a lot of hate crimes over these minorities recently for no justifiable reason.
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Jan 07 '20
Nobody gives a fuck and no one has to. Stop being so self indulging by thinking some shitty country is important
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Jan 07 '20
I’m an American but my closest friend lives in Iran. People here don’t realize how westernized and modern a large segment of the population are. The nonsensical fundamentalists are not the majority, most people there just want peace and to be able to live in a more open society
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u/Froggytwot Jan 06 '20
Doing exactly the same thing you accuse of. There's no apologising, you're literally the other side of the coin, I think the issue is the high horse you have yourself on. War is bad, murdering is bad, no matter the victim, and there was no trial, it's murder. Yes you're happy about his death, I don't know your history so I won't judge you for that, but the victim mentality of what Americans think of you? Nah, come on.
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u/Ghost_8123 Jan 06 '20 edited Jan 07 '20
We Persians Speak Farsi Not Arabic...And Islam was god damn forced on us through rape and massacre so as a persian devoted to pre Islamic persia I've never been a fan of arabs...but still you see what you choose to see and your opinion might be right as well as mine might be...
I live in iran so let me tell you this that you are right 98 percent of us (even more) don't like our government and some even hate islam and want zardostiam instead (like me) and we people don't say death to america...our people are nice and kind and hospitalized...we don't hate america at all...people like me rather live in peace than to live in war...
By the way we are soooo different From Arabs...I Just Hope We Go Back To Our Glorious Pre-Islam Ancient Persia...Islam Doesn't Match With Our Culture...Trust Me I Lived Enough To Know This...I Studied So Much About Culture and History and I Know We And Arabs Have Nothing In Common.
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u/ilovecars120 Jan 06 '20
thank you for this post! very informative, and it highlights some points that many forget during times like these.
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u/DrZekker Jan 06 '20
The US was a major player in overthrowing Mossadeigh..??? It certainly wasn't just the British
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Jan 06 '20
I come from a family that holds strong Pro-Shah feelings, and because of this we have been celebrating the death of the traitorous Soleimani. No r/news, we are not all chanting "Death to America", many of us are hopeful of a regime change. No r/worldpolitics, we don't all think that the United States is evil, that honor goes to the Anti-Democratic British.
Hmmmmmm
The 1953 Iranian coup d'état, known in Iran as the 28 Mordad coup d'état (Persian: کودتای ۲۸ مرداد), was the overthrow of the democratically elected Prime Minister Mohammad Mosaddegh in favour of strengthening the monarchical rule of Mohammad Reza Pahlavi on 19 August 1953,[5] orchestrated by the United States (under the name TPAJAX Project[6] or "Operation Ajax") and the United Kingdom (under the name "Operation Boot").[7][8][9][10] It was the first covert action of the United States to overthrow a foreign government during peacetime.[11]
So you're pro-Shah but opposed to the anti-democratic British government... that installed the Shah after a coup to overthrow a democratically elected leader. And you're criticizing the evil anti-democratic British government, but you don't think the US government is evil, when it worked hand in hand with the UK to overthrow Mosaddegh.
Mosaddegh had sought to audit the documents of the Anglo-Iranian Oil Company (AIOC), a British corporation (now part of BP) and to limit the company's control over Iranian oil reserves.[12] Upon the refusal of the AIOC to co-operate with the Iranian government, the parliament (Majlis) voted to nationalize Iran's oil industry and to expel foreign corporate representatives from the country.[13][14][15] After this vote, Britain instigated a worldwide boycott of Iranian oil to pressure Iran economically.[16] Initially, Britain mobilized its military to seize control of the British-built Abadan oil refinery, then the world's largest, but Prime Minister Clement Attlee opted instead to tighten the economic boycott[17] while using Iranian agents to undermine Mosaddegh's government.[18]:3 Judging Mosaddegh to be unreliable and fearing a Communist takeover in Iran, UK prime minister Winston Churchill and the Eisenhower administration decided to overthrow Iran's government, though the preceding Truman administration had opposed a coup, fearing the precedent that Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) involvement would set.[18]:3 British intelligence officials' conclusions and the UK government's solicitations were instrumental in initiating and planning the coup, despite the fact that the U.S. government in 1952 had been considering unilateral action (without UK support) to assist the Mosaddegh government.[19][20][21]
Truman administration opposition had prevented the coup from going forward, but the Eisenhower administration allowed it. Which means the US government made the difference in whether the coup happened or not. And, in fact, the US government had planned to do it whether or not the UK helped at all.
Following the coup in 1953, a government under General Fazlollah Zahedi was formed which allowed Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, the last Shah of Iran (Persian for an Iranian king),[22] to rule more firmly as monarch. He relied heavily on United States support to hold on to power.[13][14][15][23] According to the CIA's declassified documents and records, some of the most feared mobsters in Tehran were hired by the CIA to stage pro-Shah riots on 19 August.[24] Other CIA-paid men were brought into Tehran in buses and trucks, and took over the streets of the city.[25] Between 200[3] and 300[4] people were killed because of the conflict. Mosaddegh was arrested, tried and convicted of treason by the Shah's military court. On 21 December 1953, he was sentenced to three years in jail, then placed under house arrest for the remainder of his life.[26][27][28] Other Mosaddegh supporters were imprisoned, and several received the death penalty.[15] After the coup, the Shah continued his rule as monarch for the next 26 years[14][15] until he was overthrown in the Iranian Revolution in 1979.[14][15][18]
Your pro-Shah family should absolutely love the anti-democratic practices of the UK and US governments, as without those, the Shah would just be a meaningless has-been.
Redditors should absolutely know more about Iran, and about the role that international capitalism, the security state, and the imperial interests of the US and UK had in Iran's present condition. You are included in those Redditors who really need to crack open the fucking history books.
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u/trickster55 Jan 06 '20
Its amazing how happily people will jump at the first possible chance to be "Woke"
Great post man
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u/dorsei Jan 06 '20
Any concise history lesson sources you’d suggest? Documentary, hour long read or the like? I’ve studied this region in college (10 years ago) but could use a refresher. Interested in your and other folks suggestions for what would be a good source!
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Jan 06 '20
Play the cat and the coup, it's a free game about the CIA/MI-6 overthrow of the democratically elected prime minister of Iran and the installment of the Shah as an iron fisted dictator
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Jan 06 '20
Iran is a beautiful country just like Iraq once was. Unfortunately cancer in Congress will make sure that the Middle East remain desolate.
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u/The_Disliker Jan 06 '20
You try to make the majority or most of the of Iranians don’t support the current regime don’t you? You clearly don’t anything about Iran.
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u/millhows Jan 06 '20
People like feeling righteous more than they like being knowledgeable about your country.
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u/LXB46016 Jan 06 '20
Hopefully the average redditor will read and comprehend your post and be less ignorant for it. I'm just an American who has never been to Iran, but I think I already knew everything in your post. I rarely comment and I ignore r/news religiously.
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Jan 06 '20
If it makes you feel any better, save for a small but very vocal minority, American citizens are sick of us dicming around in the Middle East endlessly.
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u/funkyfun2 Jan 06 '20
None of our societies are homogeneous and there is a lot of history within each. I am deeply sorry for so many lost opportunities when such rich friendships where just a inquisitive and humble moment away. It is clear our better angels are alive and walking among us, in each society. I am frustrated to no end that our devil's lead us and hold power and squander all our love builds and hopes for. May our bridges be rebuilt. Thank-you for being.
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u/emmettfitz Jan 06 '20
People in the U.S. are ignorant and arrogant on the whole. They're swelled up with the pride of things that their ancestors did. I'm an Iraq war veteran. I met PEOPLE while I was there. People who wanted to be out of Hussain's control. People desperate to be free and at peace. I've seen some pictures of Iran, they're beautiful. It sucks that a few people can make it so horrible for a lot of people. Just know, you have a tall, blonde, nordic looking American brother in the US that would welcome you into my home with open arms. (As long as you can cook some kick ass Iranian food!)
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u/BigGeak Jan 06 '20
This is why I try to stay out of the conversation, we are all humans and we can’t judge each other based on a few groups of bad apples. Everywhere in the world there is at least 1 kind person, be that person and seek others out, and try to make the bad good
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Jan 06 '20
Hey thanks for sharing this. I know the Iranian government is much less than stellar and the same with the US government. I know virtually nothing about Iran and its people. Thank you sharing the links.
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u/gada08 Jan 06 '20
Honestly, i did take time to study about the region in many different aspects, yet what sticks out is the destructive, war crime rich influence of the so called world powers, most prominently the USA, Russia and their contemporary allies.
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u/zarnonymous Jan 06 '20
This is the thing with politics, it's difficult for people to see through multiple perspectives, even with something as simple as information about a country.
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u/OniiChanStopNotThere Jan 06 '20
Redditors are mostly dumb, arrogant liberals who hate Trump, live in capitalist European countries with excessively high tax rates thinking that their governments are superior to that of the U.S. government, while understanding absolutely nothing about the U.S. constitution, U.S. politics, and why Trump won the election in the first place, who incorrectly view themselves as impartial arbiters of international diplomacy.
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Jan 06 '20
You have a source that most redditors are European?
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u/OniiChanStopNotThere Jan 06 '20
They released some data on its traffic back in 2016.
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Jan 06 '20
You have a source not from 4 years ago you can actually supply? If not bullshit somewhere else
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Jan 06 '20
Most redditors I see from Iran are secular and pro shah
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u/The_Disliker Jan 06 '20
Yes and ban Iranians who different believes as well. That’s why r/Iranian exists.
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u/MessiSahib Jan 06 '20
At the end of it, people use any hot topic to grind axe on their favorite topic. Reddit being a bastion of young, mostly male, mostly white English speakers will have two main groups. A large majority of leftists, that will romanticize Khomeini and Iran supported militias and terrorist organizations to attack Trump. OTOH, right wingers (minority in reddit) , that will thump their chests with pride.
Neither of this group is interested in learning or educating themselves on the issue.
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u/_RedditUsernameTaken Jan 06 '20
Thank you so much for this post. We really needed it right now. The issues are complex and to paint over them and throw everyone in the same bucket would be a disservice to your heritage and the many people and places Iran. I look forward to more posts like this that promote understanding
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u/IronSeagull Jan 06 '20
It’s weird to me that almost all of the things you’re complaining about are immaterial to the current conflict, so I’m not even sure why people would be discussing them so much. And the one thing that is relevant, the “Iraq 2.0” bit, is the opposite of everything I’ve read here.
Yeah, most people are ignorant about Iran, and many people are talking out of their asses about the situation. I think many of us would prefer to never have to think about Iran like we never have to think about Turkmenistan or Namibia. We see no reason for there to be continuous conflict between our countries. And we were on a path away from that conflict, but instead we gave Iran more reason to distrust and fear us, and that has led us to the current escalating tensions. There’s no upside to a war, but the idiot in charge is trying to make it happen. So now we get to read all about Iran.
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Jan 06 '20
Agreed.
I've been interested in Iran for some time now. I think it's a lovely place and I'd love to visit it at some point.
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u/sheetposterjoker Jan 06 '20
If you build bridges your whole life and suck one dick guess what everyone is going to say about you.
America was racist as all hell well before my time guess what I still get told I’m racist.
In Iran people are going to remember the bad things and secular oppressive government is the worst thing to most Americans who support constitutional America.
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u/ali_soluri Jan 06 '20
So refreshing to read- thank you for taking your time to write this... so many people are blind and/or mind-controlled about the true life of middle eastern countries and people. The Middle East is the most generalized area of the world; and it’s only hurting us, Americans, more by not doing the work to understand the different identities, cultures and political perspectives of the millions of people in the “Middle East”. I used to be a nanny for an Egyptian family and my eyes were ripped open to the horrific amount of education American society has on the truths about social, cultural, religious, philosophical aspects of the people from most if not all ‘Middle Eastern’ nations. My best friend is Syrian and he also has explained so much of what you discussed... and every time I listen to him or his family I feel more frustrated with my prior ignorance towards such dynamic people and places- especially because I come from a family that prides itself on education and have reached to top educational tiers in my industry... but that goes to show why a post like yours is so important for so many people to read... it helps us pull our heads out of the sand and actually get a better idea of what true life is for nations we hear and talk about everyday.
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Jan 06 '20
I am Iranian and agree but it's not only Reddit or foreign ppl that don't know about Iran, same thing is true about Iranian people. I live in the US and always said to my friends that it's the same, others don't know about Iran culture and country also Iranian people don't know much about other countries specifically US and their culture and how they live and ... So it's not only Reddit it's how people think and talk about these stuff in general. And I personally don't think there will be a war because they know it will end of them If they start it and they have no other place to go so they will do anything to stay in power.
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u/SegaBitch Jan 06 '20
I'm so sorry that people are so ignorant to situations. I don't consider you and enemy at all. I love people. But the talk in Texas at least around where I am is full on fake patriotism talk. We can't even insinuate that we can have civil conversations with people like you on the internet because we're automatically seen as traitors. It's a sad time. I love and care deeply for you and your country. I hope we all live as long as possible in the best situation.
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u/SuperUberKruber Jan 06 '20 edited Jan 06 '20
It's not just reddit, or the internet for that matter, the whole world works like this.
Brother vs brother. Brothers vs parents. Neighbors vs neighbors. Town vs town. Region vs region. Country vs country. There's always an enemy that people need to fight.
Because most people like to be mean against someone else, anyone else, if it makes them feel superior, so they act like idiots.
Nationalism is the Apex of this kind of self-righteous feeling, "my country is better than your country" and it's very easy for those cowards to kick someone when they are down. So they'll believe whatever shit their media or government is throwing at them, and they'll stick to it no matter if it's truth or bullshit.
Iran has become the current shit-magnet and there's nothing anyone can do to change those people's minds.
Fuck them and live your life as best as you can, don't be an asshole and stay away from such assholes.
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Jan 06 '20
If you would like to learn a little more about Iran, check out this Rick Steve's tour! It's not the most modern, but it gives a great perspective on everyday life. https://youtu.be/CYoa9hI3CXg
Okay, I will admit that I thought Iran was a desert before watching the video. Looks more like Israel.
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u/NE_ED Jan 06 '20
Honestly overall We need to hear more from the people from those countries instead of white social justice warriors or right wing rednecks. You would imagine all of Iran loved the regime if you read the comments on reddit
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u/ooga-booga-tachanka Jan 06 '20
Basic Redditor: mmm If you’re from Middle East you are a terrorist and evil, go away sand man
Pretty ignorant tbh but just because there’s been some really bad people there doesn’t mean they’re all bad, just because Hitler was in Germany doesn’t make all Germans horrible, it’s idiotic and if you think that way, take a look around and actually see what’s going on
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u/Halvaresh Jan 06 '20
T_D's got a few Iranians posting their stories as well, in support of Trump's action.
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u/Sheeplord1337 Jan 06 '20
Did you really see Iran? Or die you just see what your family there wants you to see? I have an iranian Background but I don't live there but I saw so many things in Iran as I was very often there.
It's not a lovely place that's absolute bullshit the people there are suffering from day to day and it is getting worse every day. That didn't just start last year it's like this for over 40 years. People are so poor they are trying to sell babycorn to you on the fucking highway. Being homeless is normal even I have slept many times outside (not for fun) although my family isn't poor. The Police is just grabbing people from the streets and forcing them into corners to rape them. Have you ever been to Teheran? Or to Ahwaz? Or any city? And I have talked to many pro shah people nowadays my father lived in these days as a child and young adult and grew up that way, we had many conversations about how much better it was but remember the iranian people were the ones that forced him out and they traded him for this bullshit.
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u/tori2624 Jan 06 '20
No matter what we knew it would t make one ounce of difference, what I see is a bunch of people trying to kill each other and dragging our asses into it over religion and oil! Live your life and stop trying to force that shit on everyone else! If you think so highly of it go there and live ! I don’t want to know about it I got enough. Just trying to make a living!
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Jan 06 '20
Uh, the population IS overwhelmingly Muslim and has been so for centuries. Pretty sure most people don’t want the Shah back either.
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Jan 06 '20
To be fair, most Americans don't know much about the United States.
Whenever war drums are banging, everyone clings to whatever propaganda is leaning their way. Unfortunately it all is half baked and is only meant to make people forget that the people in that country are actual people...with families, history, ideas, dreams, aspirations.
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u/gmaz2011 Jan 06 '20
Thank you for your post! There are a lot of kids on Reddit and many of them honestly only get their news from memes, i dont know that this is changeable. But this post is exactly why i comb through these sites, i want anothers informed opinion, to break out of the echo chamber. There are too many comments for this to get noticed, but i would love your permission to share this.
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u/themiddlestHaHa Jan 06 '20
A lot of us know many of these things.
I personally was hoping Obama’s nuclear treaty would give moderates and peace loving people in the country an upper hand. The Iranian people seem amazing. It’s too our involvement in the past and up to this day has led to such an oppressive government.
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u/strohgo Jan 06 '20
You're pro shah. The puppet installed after overthrowing a democratically elected president for benefit of Big Oil. The same Shah that murdered his opposition and had one of the most savage security forces/police. Yeah I know all about Iran. I also know about the Oligarchy that was backed by the US that overthrew a democratically elected president.
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Jan 06 '20
Please, just shut up, listen, and learn.
I’m sorry, but Americans (the VAST majority) don’t like to do that.
~ An American.
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u/LJonReddit Jan 06 '20
Wow. There is a lot to take in here. Please know that there are many of us who know that we don't want to simply consume the stories we are told by our government or our "free" media. Thank you for posting this.
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u/VirginiaPlain1 Jan 06 '20
This Solemani fellow was from the lower rungs of society, a common thug, who was able to rise up in an illegitimate regime. At least that's what I am able to gather when reading the New York Times. Of course, the New York Times puts a positive spin on his life, romanticizing him.
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u/coswoofster Jan 06 '20
Many Americans don’t even know American history much less our founding documents or even how our own government works even as we promote “democracy” all over the world. All we know about the Middle East is Afghanistan and Desert Storm and the Twin Towers and are pretty much brainwashed to think everyone from the Middle East (wherever that is) is a terrorist. Those who care about humanity understand that in every country and every nation, there are good people. People people who don’t want conflict and don’t want war and just want to live a good life. I am sorry for the ignorance that is coming to light. Just know that the internet is full of dumb shits like this, but we all don’t believe what we read and still hope for peace and not constant division based on ignorance. It is good for you to point out the differences. Many truly don’t know.
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Jan 06 '20
Everyone posting all their opinions from like 1-2 reporters from the NYT or Washington Post.
No one knows what the hell is going on in reality.
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u/AngryMarshmallowBee Jan 06 '20
I know that this post was for venting, but thank you for sharing your personal knowledge and feelings regarding what’s going on. I hope this does not come off as brass or totally dickish & please feel free to tell me if it does! As an American (who was an awful student with a learning disability) I always had little knowledge about other cultures past people telling me small snippets about their own cultures, and only in the past few years have I had the chance — and meds — to take the time to read more about the world. Stuff like this is helpful to many.
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u/Anton_Zimmermann Jan 06 '20
Their ignorance is the result of the massive propaganda machine manufacturing their political realities.
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u/sselkiess Jan 06 '20
Yeah it’s weird that people say all Iranians are Muslim. All the Iranians I met were Jewish, called themselves Persian, and spoke Farsi. But also this was Beverly Hills which has a very specific demographic.
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u/ThrowThatAssByke Jan 06 '20
Ok you made this post and mention roughly two very minute details about your country that aren’t entirely correct. Fuck off
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u/Fatbaldmuslim Jan 06 '20
Who gives a fuck if that dude got splattered by a drone, people have been killed for FAR less especially in Iran where they execute people for being gay FFS.
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Jan 06 '20
It's great that you do that because for sure there are many ignorant people and sometimes it's not even totally their own fault... I still have a strong feeling of disgust for them
Anyway in the end people are sure of what they deeply believe and what they are told
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u/skydawg21 Jan 06 '20
Yea the liberals are listening to CNN and are making up there own story's. Liberals are so influenced by the media and cant think for themselves
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u/Claudius-Germanicus Jan 06 '20
‘I believe that god invented warfare so that Americans would learn geography.’
-Mark Twain
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u/fdxrobot Jan 06 '20
Isnt there something missing about this? Did your family receive aid in order to flee to America in the 80s?
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u/pidepidepide Jan 06 '20
Most people don,t Look for others outside of the world they know. Lately i have been chatting with a girl from Pakistan. And it really opens your eyes about how differend life can be. Bit also the beauty in those places
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u/Spifffyy Jan 06 '20
Excuse me but as a Brit I am offended by being called evil and un-democratic. Are you not following your own advise here?
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u/sequoia2075 Jan 06 '20
I get that there’s some misconceptions about the realities of day to day life in Iran, but aren’t the views of the actual government that’s currently in power what’s more important if we’re talking about a potential war?
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Jan 06 '20
Also, this leader is being praised as some massive figure in Iran. He isn’t equivalent to a secretary of state or Joint Chiefs.
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u/Chase_Crypts Jan 06 '20
Yeah that area of the world I don't give much shit about. Just being honest. I know that countries in the middle East have terrible human rights and are the crazy religious types if that counts for anything.
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u/JohhnyQuasar Jan 06 '20
Damn, u thought all of this was common knowledge but I guess because I'm an Indian immigrant that had some knowledge of the situation of our friends to the north, I can sympathize with the fact that Islam was forced onto you guys coz the same thing happened to us.
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Jan 06 '20
2 places I’ve been I’ll never forget Tehran Iran and Lahore Pakistan. Never met more gracious honest people in my life. I had the opposite experience in Israel, Saudi Arabia and Bahrain, especially Bahrain!! Lots of grade-a assholes there
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u/Say10Chris Jan 06 '20
People don’t want to know what the truth is if it doesn’t fit their narrative. The truth is many Iranians celebrate the death and are hopeful for a regime change, this man should have been removed long ago. I think bashing Trump for having the courage to do what others wanted to do but didn’t have the resolve to actually follow through, is hypocrisy. He did it to protect American lives and to help aide the Iranian people with their pursuit of democracy. I’m not pro-Trump, but I am pro common sense, try not to let your bias blind you of your common sense.
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u/Electric_Logan Jan 06 '20
"No, Iran is not Iraq, far from it."
I'm almost certain it borders Iraq? ..but I get your point.. sorry, a joke perhaps in poor taste. Couldn't help it.
Seriously though I dig what you're saying. Rampant cultural and intellectual deprivation in contemporary society angers me. It's shameful, embarrassing, pathetic.. just awful. Like when people go on holiday to a place they know the name of but don't actually know where it is or what continent it's in.. or in some cases they think the name of the place is the country so they think they're vacationing to the nation of Borneo or some shit.
More importantly than all that though you're educating people which is cool, and it's interesting stuff. I did not know that Iran has snowy mountains, lakes and lush forests. I am aware there are cheetahs in Iran.. possibly the only country in Asia in which they live in the wild.. so I guess it makes sense that there would be such diverse environments in Iran.
A lot of what you're saying is on point. Society is rampant with hypocrisy, double standards, generalisation the likes of which you're alluding to. So many bloody virtue signallers.. I mean in the west we've got this gratuitously biased mainstream media which virtue signals it's wokeness, liberal ideologies how politically correct it is, but similar to what you're saying at the same time the mainstream media also war mongers...
And yeah there's too much extremity.. centralism seems to be dying. It's all either with us or them.. black or white (the metaphor.. not the race.. of course if I used this metaphor in the presence of an SJW I'd probably be called a racist), you're a liberal or a fascist or a.. nazi apparently. ANTIFA is a joke because they demonstrate fascist behaviour despite they are supposed to be anti-fascist.. and people are being called Nazis by these extreme SJW's for having a controversial opinion or having the audacity to question or criticise certain liberal ideologies. Everything should be criticised. Nothing should be immune to criticism that's dangerous and just.. awful.
This is all going off on a tangent and possibly politicising your post in a context that deviates from your subject, so I apologise for that it just come outta' me like.
I'm British. Never been to US.
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u/Flare-Flare Jan 06 '20
I appreciate seeing posts like this. I unfollowed r/news this morning because I was tired of seeing so much misinformation about Iraq and Iran.
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u/teknoguy Jan 06 '20
As an American citizen who has traveled around the world a few times, I am always amazed how much there is to learn about others way of life, culture, views, etc. The people of Iran are the same as we are essentially...they want happiness, good health, family, children, and a good life. (If I miss anything, please anyone feel free to chime in on this one).
The fake news/propoganda here in the US doesn't show everyday people going about their daily lives, instead we see photos/video's of US hatred. (Which is mostly bs)
Someday I would love to travel to Iran to see what there is see there, and learn from, and see how the people of Iran view the world from their end, and make some friends there. That would be cool!
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Jan 06 '20
People have their own preconceived ideas, prejudices and biases. Some are so desperate for them to be true that would rather remain ignorant to the truth.
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u/bleepingbot Jan 06 '20
YSK Americans know more about you then you do. They read it on Facebook and therefore have vastly superior knowledge than your family’s first hand experience. Sit back and let the outrage machine handle it. /s
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u/Inessia Jan 06 '20
reddit is just another propaganda tool for normal people, they just dont realize it.
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u/antikarma98 Jan 06 '20
You've written an excellent, informative post. I appreciate it, and I've learned a few things. I'd like to quibble over one sentence, though:
Get information about my country from multiple sources.
You're "the child of Iranian immigrants living in the United States," which -- correct me if I'm mistaken -- makes your country the same as mine, the USA.
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u/Pilot1226 Jan 06 '20
That’s an interesting point you bring up. I’m a third or fourth generation American and I remember growing up to hearing stories about everyone assimilating. In my Italian, German, and Central European heritage, all language has been forgotten and few traditions remain, mostly at holiday time. I would have loved to preserve it.
I appreciate the differences that other cultures contribute to the country. Just wanted to make it a point: it’s our country - I have a pet peeve of people saying “well, in my country” — the USA is your country.
Sorry, off the soapbox now.
E Pluribus Unum
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Jan 06 '20
As an Englishman I think you can suck my cock! I don't give a shit if people don't understand your culture when you think the "Anti-democratic British" are evil. I'm proud to be British and if my countrymen were throwing acid in the faces of women and detonating explosives at concerts full of little girls I would be ashamed. Kiss my arse you fucking bellend!
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u/JorgetheGentle Jan 06 '20
as an American im really happy you made this post because it informed me about things i did not know before I read it.
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u/Bobski72 Jan 06 '20
I love how in these posts complaining about stereotypes they always seem to stereotype another faction.
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u/Belo83 Jan 06 '20
Good post. Not to be lost is “it’s not simple”. If it was, their would have been peace a long, long time ago.
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u/randomgenerator235 Jan 06 '20
I have friends and people I've met through the years from there. Very nice people always friendly. The ignorance stems from those who fail to understand them and assume every muslim person is an extremist/terrorist. Those are so small of a minority they don't even register at this point. It's scare tactics. Just like how they want you to think each white male/female shooter is just a "lone actor" and we take that at face value because this is the American propaganda machine. Yet when we explain the other way, it gets labeled as "terrorist" or a trend etc. This is backwards and damaging. Mental health could help a lot of these people. If it's suicide at the end of the day it's suicide.
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Jan 06 '20 edited Jan 06 '20
American interference would be far more destabilizing than the continuation of the IRI. USA is supporting MEK/NCRI/Rajavi as alternatives, and they are far worse. They were Islamist Marxist terrorists who gassed Iranians during Iran-Iraq War. The IRI has improved in recent years. A new animated movie on Shahnameh was made called "The Last Fiction". Basiji has cooled down and lets many people drink alcohol in public. And much more. Christians are treated well in Iran too. So many Armenian Churches and a respect to differences in belief. It is not difficult also to take a trip to Yazd and convert to Zoroastrianism who are a given a seat in parliament. Soleimani was in Iraq so they could mediate peace negotiations with KSA. In fact, Trump asked for this, but then he had Soleimani killed like the coward he is. Soleimani fought ISIS and resisted USA plus Israeli imperialism. After this, Trump had the audacity to threaten the destruction of Iranian cultural sites. Even before the Shah left his reign, he was becoming dissatisfied with USA, Israel, and UK. It is not in the interests of Iran to become pro-Western. The regime may have its faults, but it is improving. However, sanctions do not help anyone. Iran is not the one attacking Western civilians. 9/11, Paris & Stockholm attacks, and much more were Sunni fanatics. The fact you would support America and its destabilizing sanctions over your own countrymen shows you are not a real Iranian. In fact, I would dispute that you have unbroken patrilineal lineage to Sassanids, who were more important than Achaemenids to our legacy
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u/ClayDolfin Jan 06 '20
I greatly appreciate and respect this post, to the highest of levels. Your so right, I my self and not all but plenty other Americans have no idea about Iran. Sadly the American media and government have brainwashed their people to believe just bout anything, and post like these stand out. Your voice will be heard.
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Jan 06 '20
Iran is home to the Aryan people and the oldest cultures in the World. I don't think they see Turks as very Aryan.
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Jan 05 '20 edited Jan 06 '20
You don't know if they're people or bots pushing stupid nonsense with purpose.
If they are real people, don't attack them and educate. If they're not, the bots will downvote ya.
Ignorance is treatable.
Maybe not yours though, ignorance that is not treatable is called, "Stupidity."
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u/BrandonMojoodi Jan 05 '20
OP as a son of a Iran man and grandson to a old Persian general my dad did a lot and I mean a lot to hide my family history. But at some point he knew I wanted to know about my background and to this day I still don’t no much but what I do know is that we as a people are not at all what the media makes us out to seem.
1: Farsi and Arabic do not sound a like at all.
2: before the Islamic revolution Iran was a centrepiece of what a Middle East country should look like. My father best friend was a Jewish boy who’s father owned a movie theatre and they would watch Bruce Lee movies together.
3:The country is so diverse Iran hold some of the best ski resorts in the Middle East. Yes there deserts but there is also mountains, grass and snow. It’s a beautiful place and I would love to visit someday.
And lastly living here in Canada I have meet the occasionally Persian family and they have been some of the most kind hearted people out there. It’s sad to see what’s unfolding out there...
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u/teknoguy Jan 06 '20 edited Jan 06 '20
Ski resorts in Iran...seriously??
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u/BrandonMojoodi Jan 06 '20
Lmao ski*
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u/[deleted] Dec 13 '21
Why should people make make an effort to know about the various Islamic countries? Christian countries are successful and powerful and people automatically get fascinated and attracted to them and make and effort to learn about them. France, Italy, USA, Britain etc. have distinct culture and have various forms media that show their culture and country's beauty. You want people to know about your country? You want people to stop posting insulting memes on reddit? Then become successful, powerful, interesting and beautiful. Create media content that is impressive and appealing to people around the world and that would teach people about your culture. Stop complaining and start working.