Perspective, Fall 2015 by Perspective Magazine

PERSPECTIVE Iranian Studentsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Cultural Organization Published Since 1995

University of California, Berkeley Fall 2015

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a letter from the editors

Dear Reader,

t is with pride in our hearts and chai in our stomachs that we present to you the Fall 2015 issue of Perspective Magazine. We hope that you enjoy it as much as weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve enjoyed creating it for you. Our mission at Perspective Magazine is to provide an outlet for dialogue pertaining to Iranian cultural matters here in the United States. We strive to be apolitical and areligious in order to focus solely on preserving our rich heritage and the ongoing conversations of our people. For several years, we thought that being apolitical meant leaving out any men-tion of political matters from our magazine. However, as both our writers and readers have pointed out time and again, to ignore the effect of politics on the Iranian people is to ignore a huge element of their lives. It felt like we were silencing an aspect of the Iranian-American narrative, rather than providing an inclusive environment. We have come to the conclusion, then, that being apolitical does not mean being free from politics. It means covering the issues we write about from all angles and providing our readers with the information they need to reach their own conclusions. Throughout this issue, you will see references to the

nuclear deal reached between Iran and the P5+1, the policies of the Islamic Republic, and the politically tinged experiences of Iranians living in the United States. By speaking about such topics, we seek not to be controversial, but rather to provide a complete picture of what it means to be Iranian-American. Our focus this semester, then, is on the humanity of Iranian-Americans, hence our decision to use a photograph taken by Humans of New York photographer Brandon Stanton during his time in Iran for our front cover. We are truly appreciative of the hard work each of our staff members has put into making this semesterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s issue possible and of the support we have received from our community. We hope that Perspective Magazine will continue to provide a voice for the Iranian-American community for years to come. If you are interested in getting involved with the publication, please send an e-mail to perspective.mag@gmail.com. We accept applications for new contributors at the beginning of each semester and always welcome donations and advertisements. Warm regards, Nikta Daijavad and Sawhel Maali Co-Editors-in-Chief

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Negin Shahiar; Leila Zarifi (Not Pictured); Roya Azarkeyvan (Not Pictured)

Table of Contents

1. 2. 3. 4.

5. 6. 7. 8. 9.

LETTER FROM THE EDITORS, 2 HUMANS OF NEW YORK: IRAN, 4-5 IRANIAN: SOME OTHER RACE?, 6-7 THE P5+1 DEAL: REVIVING IRAN’S CIVIL AVIATION INDUSTRY, 8-9 FACING HISTORY AMONG THREE GENERATIONS, 10- 11 TEHRAN FROM ABOVE, 12-13 THE GOOD, THE BAD, AND THE UGLY: SENTIMENTS BE HIND THE #IRANDEAL, 14-15 FESENJOON? AKH JOON!, 16 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

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Courtesy of Brandon Stanton

Humans of New York: Iran

lipping through photographer Brandon Stanton’s collection of photos from his first visit to Iran, I am reminded of the significance of this photo series when it first filled my newsfeed back in 2012. At the time, descriptions of Iran were clouded by political unrest between the American and Iranian governments. And while the world was becoming all too familiar with pictures of religious fanatics and anti-Western extremists, Stanton was unknowingly embarking on a journey that would re-shape our notions of Iran in a span of just a few short days. Originally a bond trader in Chicago, Stanton transitioned into photography in late 2010. While it was unclear even to himself what his plans for the future were, Stanton knew he wanted to capture the lives of ordinary people as they went about the their daily routines. His adventure began in the streets of New York, where he would often stop unsuspecting strang-

By SAWHEL MAALI

ers, snap a couple of photographs, and later post them on his Facebook page and blog, Humans of New York (HONY). Yet, Stanton was far from becoming a household name. He was just another struggling artist, trying to find his calling in the million and one experiences of everyday New Yorkers. However, Stanton’s luck would soon change upon taking HONY to his first international destination: Iran. Stanton’s time in Iran spanned two weeks, across a host of Iranian cities like Tehran, Rasht, Tabriz, Anzali, and Chalus. He soon returned to America with hundreds of photographs and more positive feelings toward the Iranian people. At one point, Stanton even expressed that “Americans are especially loved” by Iranians – a fact that many around the world found surprising despite it being a shared observation by those who visit Iran.1 Social media acted as a powerful catalyst for Stanton’s first

international series in Iran. Liked, shared, and re-tweeted, Stanton’s posts were contagious. Photos of beautiful women adorned in colorful headscarves, couples taking strolls against the majestic backdrops of the northern mountains, and older men enmeshed in games of backgammon in the middle of Tehran’s bazaars streamed throughout my Facebook newsfeed. While media coverage was scarce, Stanton’s work managed to make its way around the worldwide web and offered an image of Iran that was largely muffled, if not absent. For the first time, someone conveyed a view of Iran that actually felt human— we weren’t seeing the political clerics in their misguided diatribes, or images of unwieldy crowds in the midst of their awkward death chants against the West. Rather, we were seeing the purely and genuinely normal side of Iran. Nothing exaggerated, filtered, or even staged. Just beautiful landscapes, 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.

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all, it was the totally mundane, but the totally refreshing…it was just Iran. The photo series provided the first step in paving the way for human reciprocity between the Iranian people and the world. Despite such a feat, Stanton achieved even more during his second journey to Iran. It is at this juncture where he evolved from photographer to an international

Iranian woman describing her optimism for the future despite the current regime. These interviews touched upon the various subcultures throughout Iran as well as the intense and wide-ranging grievances that weighed heavily on the people. One photo even went so far as to peak the interest of our own American president. In a picture taken in Tabriz, a father describes

current political attitudes by bringing light to a human moment that clearly transcended cultural barriers. Over the years, Humans of New York has succeeded as a vehicle for cultural awareness and human understanding. Stanton’s photo-stories have reflected dreams, loss, hardship, love, and, most importantly, hope. He has illustrated that these feelings

his proud moment after realizing he was raising a “humanitarian,” a recognition that occurred after seeing his son give away two pounds of apricots to those in need on their walk home. In response, President Barack Obama commented “What an inspirational story” and how he hoped to continue doing whatever he could “to make this world a place where [the boy] and every young person like him can live up to their full potential.” This interaction between the President and the photograph ultimately captured the attention of the media. Many saw this as a message from the President, reaffirming his commitment to improve relationships between Iran and America, especially within the context of the Iran nuclear negotiations. It proved to be a timely reminder amidst rising negative attitudes surrounding the deal. In effect, Stanton contributed to reframing

are not unique to any person, culture, or country, but are instead shared by all humans—a concept that seems to resonate with every HONY follower based on the flood of commentaries that follows each of Stanton’s posts. Seeing the positive impact his trip had in 2012, Stanton continues to undertake many brave journeys around the world and expose realities that are often not accessible. Most recently, he helped raise money to end bonded brick labor in India and also spent a few weeks in the Middle East and Europe highlighting the current refugee crisis. In a world that now shelters seven billion people, Stanton provides a tangible forum where our differences and distances seem more and more obsolete. We are all human, and Stanton has succeeded in offering a place where despite it all, we can indeed feel a little bit closer.

Courtesy of Brandon Stanton

photojournalist. Once again, Stanton instilled much excitement in the public when he temporarily rebranded his Facebook page as “Humans of Iran” earlier this year. He followed this with an announcement stating that he planned to return to Iran as the country “held a special place in his heart.”2 Armed with years of experience and a more refined presentation of the human narrative, Stanton returned to Iran to “do a better job at telling the stories of ordinary Iranians.” While his second photo series elicited much of the same beauty as his initial trip to Iran, this time Stanton paired each photograph with an interview. These stories went beyond the physical aesthetic and also captured the soul of the nation, whether it was moving moments between Iranian mothers and their daughters, a husband sharing the intimate loss of 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.timesofisrael.com/humans-of-new-york-heads-to-iran-for-second-time/.

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Iranian: Some Other Race? By NEEKA MAHDAVI

Courtesy of Metalocus

he most confusing part of the standardized tests I took during my childhood was filling out that pesky race bubble. Even now, I struggle with it every time I fill out a form or survey asking about my race. I always check “white” since the bubble is usually followed with an explanation saying people of Middle Eastern and North African descent are included in this category. But it never feels quite right. At Berkeley, I constantly hear about People of Color (POC). Yet, where do I fall when I’m technically considered “white,” but didn’t experience an upbringing typical of the white experience. Instead, I grew up with the fear that people would tease me for my dark, thick unruly hair or the leftover ghormeh sabzi I’d bring to school instead of the more traditional PB&J. I spent those early years hoping no one would notice the Farsi class I’d attend, which often followed my typical Saturday afternoon soccer games. Then came the constant

headlines featuring Iran--a reality that appeared to transform my country of heritage into a threat for my current home. A lot of my personal confusion about my race stems from the word “Aryan.” Many people know Iran means “land of the Aryans.”

these rulers, the word was used to boast noble status. However, the rise of nationalism in Europe during the 19th century gave rise to the idea of Germans as Aryans. For the Germans, Aryanism was a racial concept linked to blood and biology. The Nazis published texts about the different characteristics of “superior” and “inferior” races.2 Aryanism has become a system of thought that divides mankind into different “races,” deeming the Aryan race “superior” to others.3 It seems that over the years, the history of this term has become convoluted and has, as a result, influenced the views of Iranians and their true race. The true history of Aryanism begs the question of why Iranians are considered white on official documentation. The classification of Iranians and other people of Middle Eastern descent as white came about at the beginning of the 20th century as a result of the stigma around the label “Asian.” In 1909, a policeman in Venice,

“A lot of my personal confusion about my race stems from the word “Aryan.” A ruler of Persia in the third century B.C. described his empire as Iranshahr and himself as shahanshah of Iran, or “king of kings” of Iran. The meaning of the word Aryan is uncertain, but possible definitions include “the pure, the noble, or those of good birth”.1 The word was solely cultural and was never rooted in racial ideology. Darius, the Achaemenid King of Kings described himself as “Aryan son of an Aryan.” As we see from

[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.

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California named George Shishim, arrested the son of a prominent lawyer for disturbing the peace. The arrested man claimed Shishim had no right to arrest him because Shishim couldn’t be considered an American citizen since he was not of the “white” race. Born in Lebanon, Shishim was considered of Chinese-Mongolian ancestry and therefore, ineligible for citizenship. A leader in his community wrote to many universities asking them for the ethnological background of Lebanese-Syrian and Arab ancestry and received the answer “from the white race.” The judge in Shishim’s case ruled that he was eligible for citizenship and that the Lebanese and Syrians belong to the “white race.”4 Today, the census states that someone who is white is “a person having origins in any of the original peoples of Europe, the Middle East, or North Africa.”5 What grew out of an effort to move away from an improper classification might have moved these groups towards another faulty category. As a Berkeley student involved in social justice clubs and organizations, I was introduced to the term “Person of Color” during my first years at Berkeley. A Person of Color (POC) is a phrase that has arisen as a contrast to the “white” identity and the racial privileges that come with it. It’s a phrase that has grown from the political struggle against ethnic and racial discrimination in the United States. The term doesn’t suggest that all experiences are the same for people of color, but instead expresses the need for solidarity.6 I know many Iranians who have faced struggles that many people belonging to the “white” identity do not experience. Akram Khater, director of the Khayrallah

Program for Lebanese-American Studies at North Carolina State University states, “’White’ is a madeup category, ‘black’ is a made-up category. Categories shift over time. [Race] is part of this American reality and it’s how people are negotiating their ethnic identities. Those who are Arab and Iranian American are starting to construct this community called MENA that is as real or as false as everything else in this country.”7 In 2010, there was a campaign to get the MENA population to check some other race rather than the all-encompassing “white.” Stand-up comedian Maz Jobrani was involved with this campaign and produced a YouTube video asking Iranian Americans to join the movement. However, the campaign wasn’t entirely successful. Why fight this fight? Those who identify as MENA find that being classified as “white” prohibits them from taking advantage of the benefits of minority status including local, state, and federal programs that boost minority-owned businesses by awarding them government contracts. More importantly, however, if race really is just a made-up category, then why not just identify with the people of our heritage? Why not have an accurate count of the Iranians in our country? Why not be proud of our heritage, our people, and our land of the noble people, instead of hiding behind what we perceive to be a wall of superiority? While we might like the idea behind the privileges of a “white” identity, we are not truly offered those privileges. We, like many other cultural and ethnic groups, are still perceived as “the other.” We still live the narrative of the minority. It is time we harness our identities as “some other race” and change 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.

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The P5+1 Deal:

Reviving Iran’s Civil Aviation Industry By SAUNON MALEKSHAHI

uly 14, 2015 marked one of the most important events in contemporary Iranian history. The Vienna talks held between the P5+1 group and Iran were brought to a closure, yielding the first concrete solution to an issue concerning the world for the past three decades. Following years of misunderstanding, animosity, and strained relations, Iran and the West reached a ground- Courtesy of World Air Routes brought about by the P5+1 deal, however, there is one that has been breaking deal aimed at ensuring the particularly under-discussed: the imcountry’s nuclear program would be employed for peaceful purposes. From pact on Iran’s civil aviation industry. More than simply a means sparking heated discussions between of transportation, civil aviation is an Democrats and Republicans in the imperative element in culturally and U.S., to unprecedented interest on commercially linking countries with behalf of investors for doing business one another. Enabling the rapid movein Iran, to euphoric week-long celement of goods and services around brations in the Islamic Republic, the the world, it is satisfying the ever-innuclear deal received international creasing demand for trade. As a result, attention for weeks. commercial aviation has significantly The prospect of the agreegrown since its inception during the ment, however, bore a much heavier beginning of the 20th century and and heartfelt significance for the near has become an important factor in seventy-seven million living in Iran. stabilizing the integrity of a country’s It would be the first time in nearly economy. four decades that sanctions would be In recent years Iran’s civil relieved and Iran’s doors would be aviation industry has significantly opened to the world – a reality foreign faltered due to the presence of overto the country since 1979. The deal whelming international pressure has become the symbol of increased prosperity for many Iranians, who are placed in response to the nation’s nuclear and political ambitions. looking forward to more affordable Following the hostage crisis and medicine, public services, consumer goods, and employment opportunities. termination of diplomatic relations Foreign markets will be able to interact between the U.S. and Iran, a series of trade sanctions were imposed on the with Iran, broadening opportunities country, beginning with the freezing for economic growth and foreign of Iranian government assets in the investment. Of the myriad effects [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.

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United States and U.S. banks amounting to $12 billion.1 This eventually expanded into a full trade embargo which, although lifted in 1981, was reinstituted in 1987, banning the importation of all Iranian goods and services. These, in addition to other multilaterally imposed sanctions on behalf of the European Union and United Nations, severely shriveled the country’s economy and consequently took a heavy toll on the nation’s aviation industry. The trade embargoes have greatly impacted Iranian air carriers. Sanctions prohibiting the sale of commercial goods to the country have hindered airlines from obtaining access to spare parts and new aircraft. The country’s fleet of outdated Russian and American-produced aircraft coupled with restricted access to replacements, has led to a dramatic rise in aerial incidents caused by mechanical failures. A report compiled by Ali Dadpay, assistant professor of Economics at Clayton State University, documents a list of aerial catastrophes that occurred in Iran between 1992 and 2010; the report found a total of 23 incidents that resulted in 1351 fatalities.2 Likewise, in recent years there have been a number of other reported incidents, most notably the accident of a small passenger plane in Tehran in August of 2014 that claimed the lives of nearly 38 individuals after malfunctioning mid-flight.3 These jarring occurrences represent a grave human rights concern as the sanctions have not only denied the country a

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, but more importantly have claimed the lives of innocent civilians. Moreover, under the trade embargo Iranian air carriers were obliged to discontinue service to a wide variety of international destinations, most prominently the Tehran-New York City route operated by Iran Air prior to the Islamic Revolution. Following the ratification of the embargo, U.S. carriers gradually removed themselves from the country and were eventually joined by European lines, which significantly made air travel to and from Iran less accessible. Time-lining the effect, the annual domestic air travel growth rate plummeted from a whopping 40% in 1985 to less than 5% in 2010.4 Along with the transport of passengers, air freight transportation likewise plummeted and considerably reduced commerce between neighboring countries. Iran’s civil aviation along with other sectors of the country have severely suffered under international pressure. It is evident how citizens and civilians have become the victims of multilaterally imposed sanctions and why the P5+1 plays such a pivotal role in bringing about the urgent reforms Iran’s civil aviation industry has long been deprived of. The effects of the nuclear

deal, officially dubbed the JCPOA (Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action), trail back to November 2013 when the preliminary agreement was struck between Iran and the P5+1. Under the interim deal the first phase of sanction-lifting occurred, and held promise as corporations slowly reintroduced themselves into the Iranian market. During this time period, Boeing conducted its first business transaction with Iran Air, providing its first batch of parts to the airline during the third quarter of 2014.5 In addition, the Iranian government recently explored the possibilities of resuming direct flights with the U.S., another development that has emerged from the nuclear agreement. Akbar Torkan, one of Hassan Rouhani’s senior presidential advisors, was quoted saying, “The President issued an order to study how it would be possible to establish direct flights between Iran and the United States to resolve the transportation problems of Iranians residing in the US,” after Rouhani met with Iranian expatriates during his stay in New York for the 68th Session of the U.N. General Assembly.6 During late July of this year, just weeks after the P5+1 deal was reached, caretaker of Iran’s Civil Aviation Organization (CAO) Mohammad 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).

was prepared to carry out long-haul flight operations.7 Moreover, Iran’s gradual recovery from the sanctions has captivated the interest of many aerospace giants. Visiting the Paris Air Show earlier in June of this year was Iranian Transportation Minister Abbas Akhoundi, who unveiled plans for the purchase of nearly 400 aircraft, yielding a deal worth at least $20 billion.8 The implementation of the JCPOA coupled with Iran’s resolute intentions of acquiring aircraft have attracted clients such as Airbus Group SE and Boeing to the table, who have likewise expressed great interest in reshaping the country’s civil aircraft fleet. The recent developments made due to the nuclear deal have thus far been promising, although significant room for improvement remains. With the adoption of the JCPOA by nation-states, Iran and its aviation industry have been set on a positive course with the plans to expand routes and acquire new aircraft. Should the deal ultimately be followed through with, we will observe a nation emerge to embrace its role as an active, global trader, leading to the greater prosperity of the Iranian people and a redefined image of Iran.

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Facing History Among Three Generations By SAALAR AGHILI

Courtesy Gladstone Gallery

page 12

s an Iranian born and raised in the States, I take every opportunity available to immerse myself in my heritage through film festivals, holiday events, and exhibitions. Since traveling to the motherland requires a great dedication of time as well as an expensive airline ticket, I find that I don’t get to travel to Iran as much as I’d like to. Thus, these sporadic trips to Iran leave the curiosity of a first-generation Iranian-American unfulfilled and with a desire to pursue alternative forms of cultural education. With this in mind, I began my summer before college exploring the arts of Iran in the context of the Iranian diaspora. As one might expect from a traditional Iranian family, who are commonly known to travel in herds, I spent most of my exploration in the company of the rest of my family. Our Iranian-American herd is made up of three generations; each one came with a multitude of perspectives shaped by their unique upbringings. Effectively, viewing Shirin Neshat’s art exhibition, Facing History, in such a diverse group led to a wide range of reactions and takeaways from palatable to trite. Neshat’s work is influenced by the time periods she spent between Iran and the U.S. She came over to the States before the Iranian Revolution of 1979, when Iran was still an imperial kingdom of Westernization. After some time, she received both her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from UC Berkeley. Not until the ‘90’s did Neshat return to her homeland to see a transformed, war-torn country. Such an experience became the cornerstone to her exhibit Facing History, which was on display at the Hirshhorn Museum in Washington, D.C this past summer. Her trilogy emphasized three stages of political unrest in Iran during modern times. Starting with Mossadegh’s western-backed coup d’état in 1953, then going to the Iranian Revolution of 1979, and ending with the Green Revolution of 2009, each aspect of her trilogy correlated with the three generations of my family. Throughout the exhibit, Neshat utilized multimedia in a conceptual manner to represent adversity and chaos among Iranians. In order to set the melancholic mood, her conceptualism plays in with dramatizing her short films into a split screen (usually to delineate gender consciousness), while her photographs make numerous allusions to contemporary poems written by female Iranian poets like Forough Farrokhzad in Neshat’s series of Women of Allah. In addition, Neshat’s series, The Book of Kings, uses Ferdowsi’s epic poem, the Shahnameh, as a foundation of symbolism for conflict.

When leaving the museum, my sister, cousins, and I were discussing Neshat’s unique works of art that moved all of us to appreciate her fusion of traditional Iranian culture with avant-garde multimedia. By depicting visual scenes of the Shahnameh as a tattoo on photographs of men in The Book of Kings, the artist reveals layers of history that correlate a relationship between the folklore stories of our mythical kings with the struggles faced by people today. Neshat also uses the chador, or a large cloth garment worn by Muslim women, and firearms as a coupled motif in her series of Women of Allah to surface the wave of Islamization and political disorder that occurred together. Each aspect of her trilogy had its own unique style, yet all of Neshat’s work came from a common denominator of adversity and injustice among Iranian society. My mother and uncle understood her message and respected her peculiar artistic methods while relating her art to the rest of Iranian art’s new wave of allegoric, contemporary style. Like Neshat, my mother and uncle left Iran at a young age before the Revolution and came back to an Iran that had endured eight years of destructive war. When the artist returns to a completely changed country, she experiences an internal struggle of identity. This was not the country she was born and raised in. How can one connect with their homeland when it’s not the place they used to call home? On the other hand, my grandparents left the exhibit dazed and confused. What they took away from the exhibit was that she just recycled historical photos, made meaningless short films, and adulterated Iranian tradition with unconventional art techniques. Was it the fact that my grandparents lived her trilogy and didn’t need a dramatic, unorthodox depiction of it to understand the horror Iran went through? My grandparents do not appreciate the mixture of contemporary ideals with traditional concepts; they see it as a breach of culture while our youthful generation sees it as embracing our heritage in a new, unfound manner. Facing History molds our viewpoints, affiliations, and identity. Like the title of her exhibit, Neshat signifies the historical events she faced in life as a framework for who she’s become today. Her message is delineated through my experience at the exhibit; each generation’s interpretation was seen through a perspective fastened by historical experiences. films, and adulterated Iranian tradition with unconventional art techniques. Was it the fact that page 13

Alborz, Iran

Tehran from Above

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By VIDA SEYEDKAZEMI

tanding 900 feet above the ground, I tower over hundreds of trees underneath, above a traffic-filled highway. Out in the distance, I catch a glimpse of the Alborz mountains, their tips barely visible in the sheer darkness of the night. Laughter and careless chatter echoes from the crowds surrounding me. I look down in admiration at a city full of rich history, vibrant culture, bold fashion, and ancient traditions. A city I have heard stories of throughout my childhood, the city my blood traces to, and the place I can explore the Iranian part of my Iranian-American identity. Tehran, you’ve grown so grand. Within the past couple of years, new iconic attractions and flourishing places of recreation have developed within Tehran. As a city with a growing population of roughly 8.3 million people, these new landmarks not only draw in visitors from Tehran, but also nearby cities and tourists worldwide. These developments provide a source of entertainment for families, help boost the city’s economy, and draw international attention to Iran. Pol-e Tabiat is a 270 meter pedestrian bridge, completed in 2014, that connects two big parks in the northern district of TehranAbo Atash Park and Taleghani Park. This bridge is the largest pedestrian overpass built in Iran, and it has drawn visitors and tourists from various parts of Iran and all over the world. Quite deservedly, Pol-e Tabiat has already won three awards in Iran and an international award from Architizer, A New York-based architectural organization. The bridge features three levels: a lower level for cafes, a level for running, walking, and jogging, and an upper level for viewing the

scenery of the Alborz mountains, the Modarres Highway, and the trees and landscape that surround the bridge. I could not help but notice the vibrant atmosphere for a Tuesday evening, where families with their small children were just beginning to come to the park at 10 PM, couples were enjoying the private retreat, and groups of friends of girls and guys were laughing, singing, and teasing into the night. Another new attraction, Nahjolbalaghe Park, located in the Farahzad valley, is a uniquely designed park with over 86 acres, approximately 1 and a half kilometers long, 55 meters in height, and a slope of 10-35 degrees along the park. Once the site of a river, this newly transformed park features various sloped and spiraling pathways surrounded by different types of landscaping, flowers, bushes, and gardens. Waterfalls, wooden canopies, benches, and picnic areas are located along long and wide pathways that are placed in between two sloped hills full of designed gardens and beautifully arranged landscaping. The park offers its visitors rental bikes, exercise equipment, and playgrounds for children. Located in the northwest of Tehran, Chitgar Lake features an artificial lake that is connected to the north of Chitgar Park. According to Tehran Municipality, Chitgar Lake draws in about 30,000 visitors a day. The lake offers paddle-boats for rent and one can enjoy a ride glazing over the water while absorbing the lively atmosphere in the park and viewing the aquarium life in the water. One can take a stroll around the lake, eat at one of its many fast food options, or visit its exuberant game arcade. The park features lighted fountains, gardens, and various

sculptures. Scattered around the outside of Chitgar Lake are amusement rides, such as roller coasters, a haunted house, bumper car rides, and a parachute landing slide. Small children, teenagers, and even adults seem to equally enjoy the attractions the park has to offer. A personal favorite was the “Cinama Shishbodi,” translated as 6-Dimensional Cinema. I have never felt so much a part of a movie; for the short 5 minute 3D film sprayed water and air, unexpectedly moved the seat the viewer was sitting on, and created an environment as if the viewer was a part of the movie. On some nights, the park features an outdoor concert where a singer performs and provides live entertainment. Coming back to the States and sharing my experiences with friends and family, I found it difficult to provide an analogy for the new landmarks I had visited. Every time I attempted to compare it in an attraction in America, I realized no place is able to encompass the same feelings and sense of culture embodied within the places I had visited. Sipping on my refreshing ab talebee (Cantaloupe Smoothie) that evening on Pol-e Tabiat, I remember trying to take in as much of my surroundings as I could, knowing I would never experience the same feeling anywhere else in the world. Having traveled to countries in Europe, the Middle East, and North and South America, no other place gave me the same pride of being in a city full of energy, culture, and excitement; in a society filled with a mix of modern ideologies and ancient traditions; and among people who are full of compassion, sincerity, and love.

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The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly Sentiments Behind the #IranDeal By MARIAN HAIDARALI

“

With Ahmadinejad we gained 20% enrichment, and we celebrated. With Rouhani, we lost 20% enrichment, and we celebrated. We just like to celebrate!!”1 In lieu of any event, Iranians are quick to come up with witty jokes that circulate like wildfire through social media; texts like these ran rampant after the preliminary P5+1 nuclear deal agreements. While the streets flooded with charismatic supporters chanting “Long Live Javad Zarif,” some households

up 97% of its enriched uranium stockpile, reduce enrichment itself to 3.6% (for nuclear weapon grade uranium 90% enrichment is necessary, while for medical research grade uranium 20% enrichment is necessary), give up fifteen thousand centrifuges, and remain subject to intrusive inspections in return for relief from economic sanctions.2 Most importantly, the breakout timeline, or the length of time before Iran can develop nuclear weapons, increased from two

influence, Iran has garnered a lot of national pride amongst its population. Since 2003, Iran has sat at the table with major world players to establish a seemingly mutually beneficial agreement. Although the joy of some Iranians is evident by the comprehensive media coverage, the citizens who oppose the deal, mainly those who are pro-regime, have not received the same amount of attention. Outbursts in social media covered much of the merriment, including

months to a year, gives the international community time to respond if Iran does not follow up with the agreement. As one of the only countries in the Middle East to not immediately succumb to Western

sentiments much like those from Ghasem Kashani, a nineteen year old college student who exclaims, “Iran defeated the world! We are the champions.” 3 Given the need for international compliance of the deal, media tends to focus more

Courtesy of Kuwait Times

remained doubtful of the deal’s impact, claiming it succumbed too much power to the West. After negotiating for twelve years, the P5+1 countries and Iran finally reached an agreement. Among other terms, Iran must give

[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.

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Courtesy of AP

on comments like Kashani’s and ignore the less favorable opinions. Media plays a key role in shifting public sentiment, so with the current political conditions their motive behind this portrayal of the deal seems to be garnering public support. While mass media continues to present the positive American and Iranian sentiments behind the deal, Iranian distrust of the United States still persists.4 Some Iranians, mainly those of the pro-regime demographic, remain doubtful that the United States will keep its promises.5 Moreover, some think that the nuclear deal is a way for the United States to interfere with Iran’s internal and regional affairs.6 These lesser known opinions remain a point of contention of the Iranian population. With a population of nearly eighty-two million, Iran houses a wide range

of opinions regarding both the current Islamic regime and the #IranDeal.7 Those who lack the desire or the means to post their opinions on social media tend to get left out of the image that portrays the general attitude of the public, with the younger and more tech savvy generation overshadowing their perspective. Response to the nuclear deal remains divided not just for Iranians and Americans, but the international community as well. With the exception of Israel, the deal warranted mostly positive reactions, with over 70,000 live tweets worldwide. UC Berkeley Senior Lecturer for the Near Eastern and Ethnic Studies Department, Hatem Bazian, referenced the agreements as a “breakthrough in international diplomacy,” which points to “a hopeful outcome for 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.

tomed to disappointment and chaos”.8 According to a Pew Research poll, American public opinion remains divided, with a 21% approval rating, 45% disapproval, and 22% indifference.9 With the clear stance of the American public, it would be interesting to see a similar poll of the Iranian public. Regardless of public opinion, with recent approval from the United States Congress and the Iranian Parliament, the deal is bound to move forward. According to a tweet by Hassan Rouhani, the president of the Islamic Republic, the #IranDeal is the victory of diplomacy and mutual respect over the outdated paradigm of exclusion and coercion. And this is a good beginning.

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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 ducks are plentiful. Fesenjoon began as a way to incorporate duck into a dish2; 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 incorporates 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, Iranian 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 Iranian heritage and culture. Nooshe jan!

Fesenjoon (Pomegranate Walnut Stew) Active Time: 1 hour Total Time: 1½ hours Serves: 4 I N G R E D I E N T S .

1 tablespoon grape seed oil 2 pounds skinless chicken legs or breasts 2 teaspoons salt, plus more, to taste 2 yellow onions, finely diced 1 cup walnuts, coarsely ground ½ cup pomegranate molasses 2 cups chicken stock, vegetable stock, or water 1 cup peeled and grated red beets Pomegranate seeds, for garnish Fresh mint leaves, for garnish

1. Heat a large, deep skillet over medium-high heat and add oil. Lightly season chicken with salt and sear until well browned, 6-7 minutes per side, then transfer to a plate. 2. In the same skillet, sauté onions over medium heat for about 15 minutes, until lightly browned. 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 substitution.

W H A T T O

Courtesy of Fesen.Joon

[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.

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American vs. Persian Bodies: What Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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. What youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re picturing is a typical Persian dinner. Persians love rice. In fact, we eat it on a daily basis 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 Americans? 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 Persians culturally Americans, do not cessed foods. They believe in pro-enjoy own meals with paleo cooking their buy daily at the bazaar. ingredients that they $4.99 for a burger fifty They donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t like to pay cent discount for soda combo that gives you a instead of the (still buying an extra large soda. much too large) small between eating and not These effects can be very clearly eating processed foods between body shapes seen in the difference icans. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m not claiming of Persians and Amerwell-proportioned; that all Persians are however, I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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 preparing. 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 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 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 metabolized 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 Ameri (É&#x160; # .É&#x160; ( É&#x160;/&.#' . &3É&#x160; )É&#x160;().É&#x160; **&3É&#x160;.)É&#x160; 0 ,3)( ~

â&#x20AC;&#x153;a third of Americans today are considered obese â&#x20AC;&#x201C; a dramatic in-crease from 20% in the 1980sâ&#x20AC;?

PERSPECTIVE 17

By SARA MAHJOUB

ating can be hard, but it’s even harder when you are living in Iran. Because Iran is an Islamic Republic, it is actually forbidden by law to informally date when you’re not married. When you label something as “forbidden”, it becomes even more desirable, as you might guess. This past summer, I traveled to Shiraz for four weeks and spent almost my entire trip spending time with my cousins who happened to be young males continuously trying to find a loved one to spend their lives with. As someone who grew up in Los Angeles, I’ve never been repressed by Islamic laws and almost nothing has been forbidden for me. I truly had never seen anything like what I experienced in Shiraz this summer. When I would ask my male cousins what dating is like/how the dating scene is, they would chuckle and claim that I thought they had never even spoken to a girl. This is actually the popular opinion back home in Los Angeles, since many assume the teenagers of Iran are given no liberties or are locked in their homes. All I needed was one stroll at “Darvaze Ghoran” or one of the numerous “Baghs,” hotspots for teens to play backgammon while smoking hookah, to realize I was greatly mistaken. Because Iranian youth are so subjected to multiple laws and need to be wary of guards while going out with the opposite sex, they go to extremes

Courtesy of Independent UK

to compensate. I constantly looked like a middle schooler compared to most of the female population who were completely dressed up from head to toe, along with full makeup, adding to their already existing beauty. Almost anywhere I went was stomping grounds for the dating pool. Whether we visited a supermall, bazaar, or “souperie” equivalent to 7/11, girls and boys were exchanging numbers, eager to gain another number in their whatsapp contact list. I noticed that dating has become incredibly common in Iranian society despite patrolling by the moral guidance authorities who often check to ensure that the man/woman you are walking with is your relative. With an increasing number of cafés trying to resemble our version of Starbucks, meeting up with friends or a date has become much easier for young Iranians. Around 22% of marriages in Iran end up in divorce, which has started to worry officials and resulted in them launching a state-run Internet dating website in hopes to solve this rising “issue.” The plan for Iranian officials to play “Cupid” was announced by Mahmoud Golrazi, the deputy minister for Sports and Youth Affairs, who stated that he hoped this site would solve the problem of marriage amongst young people and create 100,000 marriages. The site is called www.hamsan. 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.

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Development Organization, which is under the supervision of the Supreme Leader and promotes the Islamic lifestyle. Currently, it is only operational in Tehran but they plan to expand it to other bigger cities in Iran. Unlike other dating websites in the U.S that typically ask questions about hobbies, music tastes, or food preferences, this website focuses on parents’ occupation, marital status, age etc. What is most interesting is the fact that the users are unable to view other users’ profiles, while the web administrators have complete control over matching the compatible candidates.1 As Iran is continuously going under major changes politically, economically and socially, old customs are becoming more and more lost. “Khastegari” is a custom in which families of both girl and boy come to meet each other for the first time with or without knowing each other before; this could be the first time the girl and boy meet. This form of dating is becoming less and less relevant, but it continues to exist within religious households and elsewhere. However, as the young population of Iran increases and comes of age with the internet, social media, and satellite television, it has become an incredibly hard task for the government to control what the population sees, hears, and seeks, especially when it comes to dating.

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

Courtesy of Asia SI

yebrows furrowed and her innocent eyes looking up at mine, the little girl whose summer school program I am volunteering for asks, “What’s that on your arms?” I look down at each arm carefully, evaluating the situation. Is she referring to a bug? Thankfully, no. Is she referring to a couple of freckles sprinkled here and there? That doesn’t seem to be the case either. Is she referring to my impressive muscle definition? Nope, don’t have that. And that’s when I accept the truth: she is referring to my arm hair. Persians are hairy (surprise!), and, once upon a time, we embraced it. Persian poetry and art praised the abroue-peyvaste (unibrow), interpreting it as a symbol of beauty. Photos of Qajar Dynasty ruler Nasir al-Din Shah’s harem are a prime example, showing women with thick, mighty unibrows and even visible mustaches posing confidently for the camera.1 Of course, their mustaches couldn’t quite compare to that of the shah himself, who ruled from 1848 to 1896 with a carefully groomed masterpiece of a ‘stache.2 Biologically, hair boasts a number of benefits – a statement I cherished whenever a child pointed out my arm hair (yes, it happened more than once). According to Professor of Cell Biology at the University of Bradford Des Tobin, hair follicles, which contain numerous stem cells and are surrounded by blood vessels,

contribute to healing of the skin in response to a wound.3 In addition to assisting in the process of keeping the body cool by “facilitating the sweat-cooling response,”4 body hair serves as a means of keeping the body warm: goosebumps cause body hair to stand up, “expand[ing] the layer of air that serves as insulation,” explains George a Bubenik, a physiologist and professor of zoology at the University of Guelph.5 Finally, hair in the nose, on the outside of the ear canal, and on the face (eyelashes) plays a role in keeping dust and other undesirable particles out. Science aside, however, the aversion to body hair has become a norm. Although the distaste for body hair is more ardently emphasized in relation to women, it certainly exists in connection to men as well. And, given the normative statement that Persians are hairy, this is a problem. But how did it arise? At the peril of an onslaught of eye rolls, I was initially hesitant to mention my (conspiracy) theory that the hair-hating was heavily boosted by marketing and advertising efforts in a consumerist society. Given my (unfortunately) extensive knowledge of the market for hair removal (shaving, waxing, tweezing, threading, applying creams, using lasers, and using epilators and other electric tools), however, I decided to do some digging. Before long, I discovered an interesting story regarding the popularization of shaving armpit

hair in the US. In 1915, Harper’s Bazaar introduced sleeveless dresses to the world of fashion – and with a craving for these dresses came a newfound, unquestionably accepted rule: smooth, silky armpits. It didn’t take long for the marketing campaigns to ensue.6 More than anything, however, body hair as a taboo is a product of arbitrarily crafted social norms (though with some support from the hair removal industry) that have somehow chosen to define beauty in a manner that excludes a biological reality. Adding to the irrationality of it all, while the hair on our arms, legs, armpits, upper lips, fingers, toes, chest, stomach, back, etc. makes us undesirable, we receive many a compliment for thick, curly hair that has never touched volumizing shampoo, eyebrows that have never had to be drawn in, and eyelashes that naturally curl up to our lids. Whether you are Persian and hairy, Persian and nonhairy (shout-out to the five of you out there), non-Persian and hairy, or non-Persian and non-hairy, let’s drop the deeply rooted belief that hair is an unsightly, undesirable atrocity. If you love the feeling of silky smooth skin, then, by all means, burn every single hair follicle if you have to. But if ever a little kid points at your hairy arms as if he/she has discovered the most bewildering of phenomena, explain to them that some people just have more hair on their body than others. And 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.

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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 allocation towards scientific research (compared to the global average of 1.4%), Iran has boasted the fastest growth rate of scientific output in the entire world.1,2 Using this statistic as a source of national motivation, 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 countries by research and development spending. Furthermore, the plans indicate that by 2030 the Iranian government 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 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 significant government funding. This has lead to Iran ranking 2nd in the world of transplantation of stem cells as well as top 10 for general stem cell research. Additionally, Iran ranks 21st in biotechnology with around 4000 scientific articles released each year.5 After being the first country to successfully mass-produce the Scanning Tunneling Microscope, Iran established itself as a top global contributor in nanotechnology, 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 research 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 academia, 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.

“Iran has boasted the fastest growth rate of scientific output in the entire world.”

[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.

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The Problem of Plastic Surgery in Iran By NEGIN SHAHIAR

s I arrived in Tehran last summer, I was expecting to feel at home in a sea of similarly dark-featured individuals. To some degree I did, but I was

plastic surgery. Another political factor exacerbating recent plastic surgery trends is Iran’s lack of political power in relation to the West. In Iran, Western pop

into wealthy families. Families sometimes resort to taking out bank loans to pay for these operations. Thus far, I’ve speculated on the root cause of high plastic surgery

also, to my surprise, greeted by a segment of the Iranian population who shared more physical traits with the Americans I had left behind. Throughout my six-week trip, I interacted with many women and some men who had undergone significant plastic surgery operations and other physical modifications, ranging from nose jobs, lip injections, and chin restructuring to blonde-dyed hair and blue-colored contact lenses. In recent years, Iran’s obsession with beauty and plastic surgery has captured international attention, sparked by a report that Iran has the highest rate of nose surgery in the world. Speculating on the root of this phenomena, I initially considered Iranians’ general appreciation of aesthetics, grounded in the culture’s rich artistic history. But the trend in beauty and plastic surgery seems to reach beyond that, and is likely the result of multiple confounding factors. In regard to political factors, one possible cause is the restrictions related to self-expression placed on the population. Since women must cover their bodies in long coats and their hair with headscarves, the only part of a woman’s body left unhidden is her face. Women thus respond by exaggerating the physical features they can show. In searching for a means to represent themselves in a society that aims to keep them unseen, women reinvent their faces through layers of makeup and

culture dominates. Its influence is evident via the music the country’s youth listen to and the television shows they watch. Around the world, youth often look to celebrities for inspiration in fashion and trends. Because the main celebrities Iranian youth are exposed to are Western, young people attempt to look like them by dying their hair blonde, wearing blue-colored contacts, or reshaping their noses. In Tehran, my cousin showed me the Instagram of an Iranian teenage girl who had become famous on social media for remodeling herself to look like Angelina Jolie through plastic surgery. Moving to social causes, the spike in plastic surgery may be a result of the sharply defined gender roles Iranian cultural tradition dictates. In some families, women are expected to remain at home and care for the household and children, while men join the workforce to earn money. Because women, then, are often restricted by social norms from attaining a degree and working outside of the home, their time and energy is put into achieving beauty ideals. Finally, in terms of economic factors, Iran’s crippled economy and widespread poverty have indirectly led to an obsession with physical beauty. It has been reported that some women from lower or middle class families in Iran undergo plastic surgery in the hopes of attracting men from the upper classes. These women hope to escape poverty by marrying

rates for women, but have largely left men out of the picture. It is important to note, however, that Iranian men are now believed to “account for a third of cosmetic surgeries in the country.” Why are men also undergoing plastic surgery operations at increasingly high rates? They are not restricted in the same manner by dress rules, and it seems doubtful that such a large portion of men wish to marry into rich families by relying on physical attractiveness. Maybe it’s the culture’s love of aesthetics, again? Or a desire to look like the handsome white celebrities they see on popular soap operas? While the entire Iranian population has not been swept into the plastic surgery craze, it is still a matter worth looking into, particularly with reports of a dangerous black market industry emerging. An increasing number of unlicensed practitioners are appearing in the country and performing plastic surgery operations, sometimes leading to unanticipated and undesired results. For now, it remains to be seen whether the recent sanctions lift and the potential for an improved economy will have any impact on beauty and plastic surgery trends, and whether a growing illicit industry will be cut off before the situation deteriorates further.

PERSPECTIVE 21

Courtesy of Zedbazi

“The Language of the Spirit”: Iran’s Music Industry Today

usic is a crucial aspect of Iran’s culture and has always demonstrated the resilient, vivacious spirit of its people. While some modern music speaks to notions of romance, love, and merriment, other forms reflect the frustration and pain of living under the Islamic Republic. I would like to focus my attention on the pop and rap scenes in Iran, which are highly popular among Iranian youth, in discussing the ways they came to be, how they have evolved, and how they currently serve and interact with society. The onset of modern pop music emerged with artists like Vigen, who was known as the king of Iranian pop and the “Sultan of

By HEATHER DADASHI Jazz.” Other notable artists who left their mark during the Golden Age of Persian Pop in the 1970s were Googoosh, Aref, Ebi, Haydeh, and Dariush Eghbali.1 This era was short-lived, however, due to the Islamic Revolution in 1979. From then on, pop music was banned because it was deemed as un-Islamic and a symbol of the dictatorship of Mohammad Reza Shah. Many pop singers migrated to Los Angeles to continue their art. They were both welcomed by the people there and incessantly criticized for their style. Experts claim that this wave of music was low on content because the artists were not enthused to produce quality music. During the last few years,

[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

there has been a shift from the LA-imported music to domestically produced music after nearly thirty years. This comeback served as a milder version of the exiled Iranian pop music with the intent of not offending the system. It was so successful that video and audiocassettes imported from LA experienced a 30% drop in sales, while over 55% of people turned to domestically-produced pop music.2 Rap music had a much more delayed debut. It entered the scene in the late 1980’s in Tehran with the emergence of American hip-hop artists such as Tupac Shakur, NWA, and Eminem as well as the introduction of satellite television. This form of music found a

“Music is the language of the spirit. It opens the secret of life bringing peace, abolishing strife.” –Khalil Gibran following mainly among the Iranian youth born after the Revolution, initially due to its rhythmic beats and lyrics.3 Eventually, rap began to carry greater meaning for Iranians as it conveyed what life was like in Iran as well as what they wanted from the world. Taking its name from the city’s area code, the rap group 021 was one of the first hip hop groups in Tehran, and was founded by Souroush Lashkary, better known by his stage name, Hichkas. He employs elements of traditional Persian music fused with hip-hop in unique patriotic lyrical style, referring to social issues while omitting vulgar language. His first album, Asphalt Jungle, was one of the first Persian rap albums in Iran and brought him a great deal of fame. Yaser Bakhtiari or Yas is one of the most popular rappers in Iran as well as the first rapper to receive the release license from the Ministry of Ershad and to be authorized to perform by the government. He uses poetic imagery delivered through a fervent

flow to transmit inspiring verses about his culture and people. The hip-hop group Zedbazi arrived on the scene in 2002 after a couple of their songs circulated among their friends. Soon, their music attracted the attention of large audiences across the country due to their controversial lyrics, landing them as one of the most popular groups in Iran. They are the first group to use explicit language in their music and are also recognized for starting a new movement in Iranian music by lyrically attacking the Iranian music industry in LA.4 Currently, the government is breaking up and arresting musicians with music considered “deviant” from Islamic values.5 Some artists feel they are compromising their artistic expression by releasing their music. They want to perform their own music without restrictions or the need for approval. One pop artist, Babak Riyahipour, communicates, “The problem is we have to sacrifice creativity in order to get permission…What you do is not really what you wanted

to do in the first place. It’s a compromise.”6 As a result, underground acts have surfaced on the Internet as well as in cafes across Tehran to curb approval by the Ministry of Culture.7 Usually the police will turn a blind eye to what people do in the privacy of their own homes. Many people feel like they can listen to whatever they want to in private, as long as their neighbors do not snitch on them. Instead of rapping about the typical topics of the genre such as sex, money, and cars, many rappers express their grievances with living under a corrupt regime as well as criticize Iran’s social life.8 What seems to be a healthy outlet for voicing qualms regarding everyday life in other countries does not appear to be the case in Iran. Supposedly, the government is issuing more album licenses so that music can surface legally and make its way into concerts. Hopefully we will witness a push for greater freedom of expression in the artistic sector for musicians and other Iranians alike 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.

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Can you point to Iran on this map? If you can, you're in the minority.

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Is Iran Relevant? By KAYVON DELDAR

ast summer, a meeting between an international coalition of world powers led by the United States and Iran culminated in the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, a momentous agreement regarding Iran’s nuclear capabilities. In return for ceding most of its centrifuges and allowing foreign nations to inspect nuclear development, Iran will receive a gradual lifting of the devastating economic sanctions that have crippled its economy in recent years. This deal and the past negotiations have also been heavily publicized throughout all forms of social media, television news networks, and the American political arena. However, if you’re anything like the average UC Berkeley student, you’re probably not very well informed about the situation. At this point, as readers, you’re most likely reassuring yourself that you do not fall within this category and have most definitely heard of the Iran nuclear deal. However, according to the sample data I have collected from UC Berkeley students, most students appear to be either completely unaware of these negotiations or lack a general understanding of Iran. Coming into this project, my main objective was to get a sense of the general student population’s knowledge about the country of Iran. Over the course of two days, I randomly selected seventy-six students, primarily near Sproul and Dwinelle Plaza, to partake in my six question survey. The first question was to confirm if the students attended UC Berkeley in order to ensure the authenticity of my sample group. I then proceeded to ask the next three questions: • On a scale of 1-10, how much would you say that you know about the recent Iran nuclear deal or negotiations? • On a scale of 1-10, how big of a threat is Iran to the United States? • Can you point to Iran on a map? If the student’s answer to question one was above a score of five, I would follow with a fifth question asking him or her to elaborate on any pieces of knowledge they had regarding the nuclear deal. Lastly, I asked each of the students to state what year of college they were in. The reasoning behind this question was to demonstrate in some way that the sample of students that I had selected was

close to a random sample. Of the 76 students, 20 were freshmen, 18 were sophomores, 24 were juniors, and 14 were seniors. Evidently, this is a pretty even distribution of students by year. Some of you readers might be pondering whether 76 students out of a school of 27,000 undergraduates is too small of a number to make generalizations of the whole student body, and that is a valid concern. All samples, regardless of how large its size, have some inevitable error. However, a sample of 76 students is sufficient enough to make the inferences and estimates that I will be presenting. The error of my findings will be conveyed through the standard error quantity. Another issue a reader might have is that the number of seniors surveyed is low considering that seniors may have a better grasp of worldly issues; however, only three seniors claimed to have a level five or higher understanding about the nuclear talks, and when asked, none of them could articulate an accurate description of the agreement or its implications. One even claimed that the Muslim Brotherhood was in Iran. Now for the best part: let’s dig into the numbers. Fair warning - the following sections are heavy with math and statistical jargon. When asked how much they knew about the nuclear negotiations, the average response was a 3.01 with a standard error of 0.27. However, this mean value is skewed by a few very high responses. In fact, 34 people, or 45% of the students, answered with a “1” and to round it out, 13 more gave either a “2” or “3,” meaning that in total well over half of the sample knew little to nothing about such a huge global proceeding. Of the people who answered with a “5” or higher, I then asked them to describe whatever it was they knew. However, 9 out of the 17 who were asked this question either could not provide details or had misinterpreted the situation. Conclusion: For a school that seems to pride itself for its worldliness and diversity, I was shocked to see the amount of students who were oblivious about a major political situation. My conclusion is two-pronged: either Berkeley students are not as sociopolitically aware as they think or the Iran nuclear situation is only relevant and noteworthy to Iranians and others who are affected by it.

When asked how big of a threat Iran was to the United States, the average response was a 3.18 with a standard error of 0.24. The key point here was that the majority of answers were considerably low and once again the graph had a heavy right skew. With the exception of two “10”s, one “9”, and eight “6”s, all other answers were a 5 or below. The mode of this data set is a “1,” which means that the most popular response was a “1.” The irony of the high responses here was that the person who gave Iran a threat level of “10” could not give any objective details of the nuclear negotiations. Conclusion: If I were to have asked this question to myself, I would have answered with a “1”, and I was pleasantly surprised to see that many Berkeley students agreed with my sentiments. Maybe with the precedent of diplomacy and the proof that Iran has the capability of making reasonable negotiations, students see Iran as less of a nuclear threat. I cannot tell you how many students cringed when asked to point to Iran on a map. To give context, I used a world map zoomed into Asia, Europe, and Africa that contained country outlines. 23.7% of students correctly located Iran with a standard error of 4.9% while most people pointed to either Iraq or Afghanistan. Nevertheless, it should be noted that majority of students identified the correct region. Another noteworthy finding was that of the people claiming to have a knowledge of at least 6 about nuclear negotiations, 61.5% could not identify Iran on a map. Conclusion: This question had by far the most surprising outcome. Iran is the 17th largest country in the world by area and only second in the Middle East to Saudi Arabia. Not only is it a gigantic country, but it is also very relevant in today’s world and political scene, as seen through the nuclear negotiations and the decades of conflict between the United States and Iran. What is alarming about this statistic is that in order to be able to solve political or economic issues of foreign nations, we must first understand the culture and heritage of the people. If we are unable to simply point to that country on the map, then we have failed that prerequisite remarkably. So I ask: Is Iran relevant?

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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. Sonati 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: Today’s tar consists of six strings and two empty bowls covered by a young sheep skin. However, long ago this was not the design of the traditional tar. This instrument was once flat and had a much deeper sound. It is said that the man who designed today’s tar was walking by a construction site in the morning and heard a worker singing. His magnificent voice impressed the man so much that he came back in the afternoon to enjoy his singing once more. This time, however, the worker’s voice wasn’t as sharp or pleasant, and he was unable to hit the high notes as he did before. The man asked him what had happened and the worker told him he had eaten lunch and couldn’t sing on a full stomach. The man then had an epiphany and realized that to PERSPECTIVE 26

make the tar sound more beautiful, it had to have an “empty stomach.” He gave the tar two empty bowls and the sound resonated sharper, louder, and with better quality. Today’s tar is mostly seen in Persian sonati music but can also be seen in Turkish music with a different style and sound. The masters of the tar include Jalil Shahnaz, Farhang Sharif, Lotfollah Majd, Mohammad Reza Lotfi, and Hossein Alizadeh. Setar: The setar is very similar to the tar insofar as it is a stringed instrument. The two differ, however, in the number of hollow bowls (the setar only has one), as well as the number of strings. Setar means “three strings” and the original setar did, in fact, consist of only three. 60-70 years ago, however, one of the old masters added another string and

created the style of setar we see today consisting of four strings. The pitch difference between setar and tar is in large part due to the fact that tar is played with a pick while setar is played with the nail of the index finger. Masters of the setar include Ahmad Ebadi and Jalal Zolfonun. Tombak: The tombak has come a long way in recent history. Before Ostad Hossein Tehrani, the tombak was thought to be merely an instrument used to keep rhythm. The tombak was considered an outcast among other instruments because of how basic its function was. No one respected tombak players until Ostad Tehrani revolutionized the instrument with his playing style. Today the tombak is essential to sonati music and is seen in every size of

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 difficult 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 instrument 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 generation 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

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Lending a Helping Hand: A Spotlight on the Pars Equality Center By NIKTA DAIJAVAD

or an Iranian immigrant to the United States, life can be a little overwhelming at first. Perhaps you’re still trying to learn English while navigating the bureaucratic maze towards citizenship. Perhaps you’re looking for a job but don’t know how to take the first step. Or perhaps you just want to meet other Iranians in your community.

English as Second Language (ESL) classes, computer training and employment resources, and assistance navigating the social and medical systems. Their legal services, on the other hand, include advisory assistance and workshops on topics ranging from immigration law to criminal law to sanctions law. Pars’ legal department typically does not represent individuals, although the immigration team The Pars Equality does handle some filings and Center is here to help. representation at low bono rates or at times pro bono; it does, Founded by philanthrohowever, point them in the right pist Bita Daryabari in 2010, the direction. Pars Equality Center is a 501(c) But the Center’s work (3) non-profit organization based does not stop there. With an eye in California that aims to protowards developing the Iranivide Iranian-Americans with the an-American community, Pars resources they need to become also offers a mentoring program, fully integrated citizens of the a youth grant geared towards United States. The organization ensuring the academic success has two locations: one in San of the next generation, and the Jose, and another in Los AngeSilver Club, a network for Irales. Pars is nonpolitical, nonpar- nian immigrants over the age of tisan, and non-religious, serving 55.1 any and all Iranian-Americans who seek its services. Curious about the The Center’s PerPars Equality Center’s sian-speaking staff provides ex- work, I spoke to Nazy tensive social and legal services, Fahimi, the Senior with a particular emphasis on Director of Pars’ Legal the needs of refugees, asylees, Department, to learn and newcomers living in pover- about her experience. ty. Their social services include [1] “Pars at a Glance.” Pars Equality Center. http://www.parsequalitycenter.org/aboutpars/.

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PM: In your own words, how would you describe the mission of the Pars Equality Center? Fahimi: Our mission is to ed-

ucate, empower, and provide a path to self-sufficiency for Persian-speaking families and in particular for recent immigrants.

PM: Could you describe what you do on a dayto-day basis?

Fahimi: I work within the legal

department. I wear multiple hats: I handle in-house matters that come up legally, for example, and I work with community members, giving them advice over the phone when they’re further away or seeing them in person at the San Jose center. I also work with our other attorneys and our BIA [Board of Immigration Appeals] representative to oversee the work they’re doing, to organize panels, and to organize legal education events. These events usually have to deal with family law, tenant law, etc. We also have an upcoming event about sanctions at our LA center, something that’s on everybody’s minds with the adoption of the nuclear deal. Because we’re between the adoption and implementation phases of the deal, we want to let people know

what implications it will have for them.

PM: Are there any particular cases you’ve worked with that stand out to you as being particularly memorable? Fahimi: I worked with one

couple who had dealt with a fire in their apartment and ended up being on the hook with the insurance company of the landlord for having started that fire. They were new immigrants, they were going to school, and they didn’t have money. And they were scared because they owed thousands of dollars. We don’t represent in court, but it stands out because they were so grateful that we worked with

them informally to settle the matter. And it also stands out because at first they didn’t know who to trust, but we got them to calm down to the point that they made a good settlement decision.

PM: What’s your favorite part of the work you do? Fahimi: When I see people who are truly appreciative and who say that we really helped them, even if their problems aren’t fully solved. A lot of times people will say that they “would have made a mistake” without our help. To see that these people are genuinely happy with the advice they have been given is my favorite part.

PM: What do you see in the Pars Equality Center’s future? Fahimi: I see definite expan-

sion, potentially to new center locations. The areas with the most potential are Orange County and Sacramento (so still within California for now). But I also see potential national expansion in the future. We’re also working to expand various programs. We’ve added more immigration services to help people with actual filings, for example, and we’re adding to our youth programs and general programming for the community.

Courtesy of Pars Equality Center

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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 worn 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

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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 negotiations with Iran started circulating around the American capital. Suddenly, for better or for worse, Iran was out there for everyone to see. From the news headlines, to the trending on Twitter and Facebook, I couldn’t help but feel slightly euphoric because frankly, whether it was good or bad news, Iran was getting attention and, for me, that was 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 opinions 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.

“a nuclear deal between the U.S. and Iran has begun to tie together the tethers of a relationship”

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