Satrapi uses specific references to well known western symbols to foster a sense of connection with her readers. In my opinion, Satrapi is attempting to connect with western readers specifically because she wants to help correct misconceptions about her birthplace and the events which took place during her childhood. In her introduction to Persepolis Satrapi says "[Iran] has been discussed mostly in connection with fundamentalism, fanaticism, and terrorism. As an Iranian who has lived more than half my life in Iran, I know that this image is far from the truth."(Satrapi) Clearly it is of great importance to the author that she correct these misconceptions, and to do so she needs western readers to feel a sense of connection with her story. This is made difficult by the foreign nature of the events and the setting. The fact that the narrator is a child, with whom it is easy to connect, helps greatly. The use of western symbols throughout the story does as well.
The Iranians in this story are shown to be not too different from average westerners in terms of tastes and interests at times. For example, the neighbor who corresponds with the narrator wears a Bee Gees shirt, and in one instance the narrator's father makes a reference to James Bond movies. The victims of a movie theater fire are even watching a film produced by MGM. Through references such as these Satrapi is trying to dispel the notion that characters or people from Iran are inherently different from westerners. She is allowing the reader to connect with these characters by drawing similarities with them in terms of common interests and a common cultural past that shares some characteristics, even if it is very different.
By fostering this connection, Satrapi gains a greater power over the reader, so that she may help spread her message and narrative about life in Iran.
I agree with you as I too believe that the inclusion of western pop culture has helped significantly in conveying her message about Iran.
ReplyDeleteI would also like to add a few more examples to the ones you already provided. In the chapter "Kim Wilde", Marjane's parents wished to travel to Turkey but she thought that it was a boring place. But her mother later explained that Turkey, a neighboring country was one of the main exporters of Western clothing and music during the war. Marjane than proceeded to ask her mom for denim jackets and posters of Kim Wilde and Iron Maiden. This gives the reader a sense that Iran wasn't the only Middle Eastern/Eurasian country that was affected by Western pop culture at that time.
These facts not only corrected a common misconception of westerners towards islamic countries but also makes it very intriguing for the reader and encourages us to read further on and try to know more about the Iran.
In other words, it has helped develop the appeal for readers who are familiar with western culture.
Great examples Kar Joon! You are spot on!
ReplyDeleteI think that if I was born earlier, maybe my parent's age or so, I would appreciate these Westernizing features even more because of a possible personal connection (like I have with MGM, but I lack a connection with the Bee Gees and Iron Maiden).
Despite this minor setback in age difference, there are still universal symbols of the West through pins, Nike, sneakers, posters, etc... with which pretty much ALL westerners can identify.
Marji also sports a "punk" style outfit when she goes to a party in "The Key." In tribute to punk rock, she wears a sweater with holes and necklace with chains and nails in it. Punk rock, for a certain amount of time, was also huge in western culture around that time.
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