Q. At one point in the book Persepolis, Marji's father tells her that "politics and sentiment don't mix," and yet much of the book's power comes from precisely that combination, on the one hand, there are the horrible realities of the revolution and the war; and on the other hand, there is the example of Satrapi's family, whose strength and love really do become a means of survival for Marji. Taking into account both the book and the movie, how do you react to the father's statement that " politics and sentiment don't mix?" Do you think that Marji herself believes that? Do you think the women in her family, her mother and grandmother, would agree with the statement?
A. Although much of the book's power comes from the strong sense of love and bonding of the family, Marji's father was correct. Ultimately, Politics, in general, have no room for sentiment. How many politicians would show emotion if it meant losing a chance at power? Most of them would be the most cut throat, backstabbing, and lying people you would ever meet! In Iran's case, the politics under the Shah or the Islamic Revolution would be no different. It only had room for dominance and strict enforcement of its doctrines. A perfect example of politics and sentiment not mixing is Marji's uncle Anoosh. Anoosh left his father, who was loyal to the Shah. On one page, Anoosh's father yelled that he would be executed. Although Anoosh and his father loved each other, their political views still split them apart.
In class, we watched Marjane Satrapi be interviewed by Colbert. He asked her "do you hate Americans?" She responded " No, I hate American government." This statement indicates that she sees government and politics as a bad thing. Surely, she would agree with her father's statement. Further in the interview, she said that she wanted her story to give Iranians faces. Our government portrays Iranians as extremist and crazy people. However, Marjane Satrapi wanted her story to appeal to the sentiments of the American people, which politics and government would not allow. Marjane clearly knows that politics and sentiment do not mix.
Finally, Marjane's mom and grandmother would argue the same. They have lived through much more killing and hatred than Marjane had lived. Ultimately, they know that in politics (especially that of Iran) there is no room for emotion. However, the love of family keeps their lives sane and easier to endure. Ultimately, there can be no loving and emotional politician. The goal of politics is ultimately to gain power. Sentiment is the last thing that will gain power in a politcal situation.
I also discussed the relationship of Anoosh, but I didn’t address the issue between him and his father. I like that you hit on that and how you showed that their political beliefs drove a wedge in their relationship.
ReplyDeleteI also mentioned the distinction between the government and people, regarding our own country and how we view other countries. I am glad that she makes the distinction between government and the people in her interview, as very few people gave us that courtesy until the recent election. That same courtesy is what she wants for Iran, and that we view the people separate from the government and bias world image. As she said, “Everyone likes ice cream”.
The relationship between politics and sentiment is ambiguous. On one hand, they don’t mix well. On the other hand, enduring the political situation is easier with the presence of family and sentiment.
In yet another context, does being a politician make you a person that lacks all sentiment and morals? Not to play devil’s advocate, but it is a complicated situation. Similar to lawyers, there are good ones and bad ones. Some politicians may allow kidnappers to kill their family members that are being held as hostages in order to get ahead, while some may just allow unnamed people to be massacred, and others may just kill the environment. I think there are circles of hell for these levels of lacking sentiment. What price are they willing to pay to get ahead?
I agree to the fullest that the love held Marjane's family together through the war and the revolution. I agree that politics and sentiment do not go together at all. I think only if one were a hermit and did not have any loved ones, maybe then that person's life would not be so affected by the war. However, for Marjane, that is not the case. She had so many people close to her die for standing up for the rights they believed in and revolting against the government. I think her stay in Europe really changed her perspective, too because she stayed with friends who did not grow up in the same environment as she did; they lived very sheltered lives, as do a lot of us. I think she realizes while in Europe you cannot hide who are truly are. You are the way you are for a reason.
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