#VelshiBannedBookClub: “Persepolis” by Marjane Satrapi

Summary

Marjane Satrapi, the acclaimed author of *Persepolis*, discusses her experiences and the relevance of her work in today's world, particularly the ongoing feminist revolution in Iran. Satrapi highlights the courage of the younger generation in Iran, who are unafraid to demand political change and freedom. She reflects on the personal cost of freedom, sharing her own exile from Iran after writing *Persepolis*. The conversation also touches on the importance of critical thinking, the dangers of a fractured democracy, and the impact of banned books in fostering curiosity and resistance against oppressive regimes.

Takeaways

• 🌍 Marjane Satrapi's *Persepolis* has been updated for its 20th anniversary, with a new foreword that connects the book’s themes to the current women-led protests in Iran.
• ✊ Satrapi emphasized that while the Iranian regime has not changed since she wrote *Persepolis*, the public's reaction has evolved. The younger generation is more fearless and determined to seek systemic change.
• 🕊️ The ongoing protests in Iran are described as the first feminist revolution, where both women and men unite for freedom and democracy, showing significant cultural and social shifts.
• 🗣️ Satrapi pointed out that freedom comes with a price, as she had to leave her country and cut ties with her family to pursue it, showcasing the sacrifices made for liberty.
• 📚 The importance of independent thinking was highlighted when Satrapi discussed how education in Iran initially sought to brainwash students but how her parents encouraged critical thinking as a countermeasure.
• ⚠️ Satrapi warned that democracy can be taken for granted in places like the U.S., but in Iran, the lack of it drives the populace to risk everything for their rights.
• 🧠 Critical thinking is essential for breaking free from indoctrination. Satrapi noted that while thinking independently requires effort, it’s what sets humans apart from animals.
• 🔥 The youth in Iran have shown that change is possible and that cultural shifts can lead to profound transformations. Satrapi noted that this generation has sparked a movement seeking freedom despite the regime's violence.
• 📖 Satrapi’s work, *Persepolis*, is not just a memoir but a symbol of resistance and the human spirit's capacity to fight for democracy, even in dire circumstances.
• 🌟 Satrapi reminded viewers that people must not become complacent about their democratic rights and that it is essential to recognize when these rights are under threat to act effectively.

Q & A

How does Marjane Satrapi describe the current state of freedom in Iran?

Satrapi describes the current situation in Iran as unchanged, with the Iranian regime still acting oppressively. However, the people’s reaction has changed—especially the younger generation, who are no longer afraid and are demanding profound political and cultural change.

What is Satrapi’s view on the feminist movement in Iran?

Satrapi sees the ongoing protests in Iran as the first feminist revolution, in which both women and men are fighting together for their freedom. She highlights how the movement is supported by men and that this unity is a key difference compared to past struggles.

What does Satrapi believe is the key to achieving change in Iran?

She believes that cultural change, particularly among the youth, is essential for achieving political change. Once the culture becomes democratic, as it has among Iranian youth, the remaining challenge is political, but she remains hopeful that change is inevitable.

How does Satrapi compare the situation in Iran to democratic countries like the U.S.?

Satrapi compares the fragility of democracy in the U.S. to the fight for freedom in Iran. While democracy in countries like the U.S. is taken for granted, she warns that a loss of democratic values can happen quickly, as seen with the rise of extremist leaders.

What does Satrapi mean by 'freedom has a price'?

Satrapi reflects on the personal cost of freedom, explaining that for her, it meant leaving her home country and sacrificing her ability to return. This personal sacrifice for her freedom symbolizes the broader cost people face in their pursuit of freedom in oppressive regimes.

What role did education play in Satrapi’s resistance to the regime?

Satrapi describes how education was used by the Iranian regime to brainwash students. However, through her own and her parents' efforts to encourage independent thinking, she was able to resist the indoctrination and form her own opinions.

What does Satrapi believe about the power of critical thinking?

Satrapi emphasizes that not being brainwashed is a choice that requires effort. Critical thinking demands effort and discomfort, but it is essential for resisting manipulation and maintaining personal agency.

Why does Satrapi think that banning books is counterproductive?

Satrapi argues that banning books is a foolish idea because it only drives curiosity and makes people more interested in reading the banned material. She notes that if a book is banned, it becomes more enticing and can lead to wider readership.

How does Satrapi’s personal experience in *Persepolis* relate to the theme of resistance?

In *Persepolis*, Satrapi illustrates the personal journey of resistance to oppressive forces. Her experiences in Iran, including her exposure to censorship and her eventual escape, parallel the broader narrative of resisting authoritarianism and fighting for freedom.

What does Satrapi mean when she says, 'If you don’t want to be brainwashed, then you’re not brainwashed'?

Satrapi suggests that avoiding brainwashing is a conscious decision. It requires individuals to actively choose not to accept information blindly, but rather to think critically and independently, making their own informed judgments.