Major historical events transcribed by people who directly witnessed them are essential for creating a comprehensive understanding of the situational conditions of that time. Assessments made by individuals who remained close to the transpiring situations and were impacted by the scenarios greatly aid the researchers in establishing the communal attitudes and perceptions. The story of Persepolis, a graphic novel created by Marjane Satrapi, is an exceptional example of a publication that handles the sensitive topics of the Iranian revolution. In this work, the oppression strategies implemented by Iranian officials and the approaches used to battle them will be evaluated, and the reason behind Marjane’s escape from Iran will be explained.
Authority holds exceptional power over the people it governs, exceptionally the youth who are easily impacted by the practices introduced by the officials. In Persepolis, Marjane describes the concepts of religion, poverty, and governmental pressure as the leading tactics that were used to repress the adolescents and force them to adopt specific attitudes. For instance, the representatives of the Islamic Republic sought to justify the necessity of martyrdom and war through influencing the youth. Mrs. Nasrine, the family’s maid, says that “They [government] told the boys that if they went to war and were lucky enough to die, this key would get them into heaven” (Satrapi, 2004, p. 100). By instilling the notions of self-sacrifice and compelling the younger generation to become martyrs in the name of religion, the government of Iran repressed the children’s freedom.
Many individuals compelled to survive under oppression developed specific practices that aided them in battling the tyrannic regimes. In Persepolis, the youth of Iran uses several methods to manifest their opposition to the changes implemented. One of such methods was not directly following the veil requirements: “You showed your opposition to the regime by letting a few strands of hair show” (Satrapi, 2004, p. 75). Marjane explains that she even participated in a demonstration but then was forced to stop her activities in order to protect herself and her family from any negative consequences (Satrapi, 2004). Thus, the adolescents demonstrated their disregard and hatred towards the Iranian leadership in smaller, less obvious ways, which would display their opposition but, at the same time, preserve their safety.
An essential part of the graphic novel concerns Marjane’s beliefs and attitudes towards the regime incorporated by the government. As an intelligent and outspoken child, Marjane often argues with her teachers and openly states her opinion regarding women’s social role and perceived injustice. The girl’s father says that “Considering the person you are and the education you have received, we thought it would be better if you left Iran” (Satrapi, 2004, p. 147). Given the level of cognizance and the inherent rebelliousness present in Marjane, it was remarkably dangerous for her to remain in the country, risking the possibility of arrest. Therefore, the girl was compelled to leave Iran to continue her growth as an independent woman, free of governmental pressure and social stereotypes.
To conclude, the subjects of religious oppression of the youth, open and silent opposition, and escaping as protection from further harm were discussed in the context of Persepolis. It is evident that the actions of the Iranian authorities were highly detrimental for the nation’s people, who were forced to suffer the consequences of the regime’s brutality. In order to justify the war, Iranian officials attempted to manipulate young boys and instill the necessity of martyrdom. Although the adolescents attempted to resist the repression, the situation remained dangerous for outspoken individuals like Marjane. The graphic novel brilliantly portrays the injustices of political oppression, presenting an exceptional account of the Iranian revolution.
Reference
Satrapi, M. (2004). Persepolis: The story of a childhood. Pantheon Books.