Estimates of the Iranian community living abroad vary from between two to five million, the bulk of which live in the US, while Canada, the UK and other European countries also hold sizeable Iranian communities.Mark
Many left after the Islamic revolution in 1979, when the pro-Western Shah was swept aside, and remain solidly opposed to Iran's clerical government.
But a new generation, raised in the West yet influenced by the Iranian values of their families, is beginning to address the thorny issues of identity and belonging.
Seven Iranians from different parts of the world told the BBC about their relationship with the land of their birth and their sense of identity. Check the diverse viewpoints out here: Iran: Life in the diaspora
Iran in maps
Thursday, April 27, 2006
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2 comments:
Reading their articles, I don’t get a great sense of moral outrage over what has become of Iran. I sense a wistful sadness but few harsh condemnations. Indeed, several were clear that in the event of a war they’d take Iran’s side. Overall, there is great identification with Iran no matter what it becomes. Chauvinism (blind support) trumps patriotism (earned loyalty.) A true Iranian patriot would vilify the current regime and culture, just as a true American patriot was a revolutionary in 1776.
I have my doubts about the reports that suggest young Iranians are for freedom and against their government. I think the latter is true but I don’t think the desire for freedom is deep—perhaps a vague wish or perhaps a way of being anti-regime. The French Revolution was more anti-monarchy that anything else. It degenerated into mob rule and wound up with a dictator.
From my personal memories of the Iranians I knew in the 1970s, I doubt they can pull off a revolution that brings in radical, sane, and lasting change. I enjoy reading Michael Ledeen but I think there too much hope and too little reality in his writing. I’d love to be wrong, however.
Reading their articles, I don’t get a great sense of moral outrage over what has become of Iran.
No, nor do I.
I sense a wistful sadness but few harsh condemnations.
Exactly.
Indeed, several were clear that in the event of a war they’d take Iran’s side.
It would be laughable if it weren't so serious.
I have my doubts about the reports that suggest young Iranians are for freedom and against their government. I think the latter is true but I don’t think the desire for freedom is deep—...
Skin deep?
I, too, doubt that lasting change can be brought about. They are too ambivalent.
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