I have the pleasure to highlight an important essay by another leading light here at the University of Virginia – Farzaneh Milani. Professor Milani, a distinguished scholar of Persian literature and women’s studies, focuses attention on the misleading narratives about Iran that provide fertile soil for those bent on provoking a US attack on Iran.
Her timely essay in The Daily Progress urges us to recognize the sources of such myths and cast off the blinders that publishers and our government perpetuate and exploit:
“Although the American public has begun to speak out against a catastrophic attack on Iran, it’s important to remember the quarter-century unpopularity of this previously close ally. At a time when the stories we believe can guide U.S. foreign policy, we cannot afford to suspend critical judgment or accept as facts compelling, but misleading, narratives about Iran.
Despite a long history of friendship and cooperation between the two nations, Iran is now seen as a purveyor of aggression in the United States. What used to be Persia, “the land of the rose and the nightingale,” is now Iran, the vanguard of a terrorist apocalypse.
It is an “axis of evil,” a rogue state, a “greater challenge” than any other country, according to President Bush’s 2006 National Security Strategy.”
It didn’t start with Bush II or I.
“The genesis of this hostility can be traced back to Nov. 4, 1979, when a group of militant students stormed the American Embassy in Tehran, taking 52 Americans hostage for 444 days. A sense of anguish etched itself into the collective consciousness of a justifiably outraged nation.
“America in Captivity” was the headline that captured the mood of a country in psychic pain.
“Nuke Iran,” read graffiti and T-shirts and posters.
“The only thing that could ever straighten out this screwed-up country is an atomic bomb! Wipe it off the map and start over,” recommended “Not Without My Daughter,” the most popular book about Iran ever published in the United States.”
Remember that last quote next time you hear reference made to the current Iranian President’s overheated rhetoric about a “map” and “Israel.” As a first step in reducing the temperature between Iran and the US, I propose a mutual moratorium on “map wiping” rhetoric.
Twenty-eight years later, Iranians find themselves hostages of their own hostage-taking.
Although they are currently the most pro-American people in the Islamic world, their image as a dangerous enemy dominates the American imagination.
My own Iran studies and travel therein long ago left an inverse impression with me, that Iranians widely hold a far more positive, generous view of America than most Americans appreciate. In a trade book I helped write with Sandra Mackey last decade, we discerned how the “Great Satan” image of America, to the extent it remains in Iran, is directed more towards the American government, not its people.
Ironically, as Milani emphasizes, it is Americans who hold fast to far more “black” (not white) images of Iran and its people. Far too often over the past 20 years, I have often encountered intense hostility, even from otherwise well educated, thinking persons here in America, when I’ve suggested something other than the standard demonic picture of Iran.
Last September, for example, I was castigated, in a rather ugly scene at our local Post Office, by a fellow Scouting parent and local lawyer when I hazarded to defend the University of Virginia for hosting a visit by former Iranian President Khatami.
Professor Milani’s essay suggests why these hostile dispositions toward Iran persist, beginning with 27 years of no diplomatic relations, restrictions on travel and tourism, little intercultural exchange, and poorly supported efforts to translate Iranian publications into English.
Milani appropriately cites two deliberate sources of America’s poor understanding of Iran.
First, we have the “increasing politicization” of the publishing industry:
“A few conglomerates driven by an obsession with blockbusters dominate the $25.1 billion U.S. publishing industry. The not-so-lucrative business of translation, a cornerstone of intercultural communication and better understanding between nations, barely interests it….
Consider the New York Times’ bestsellers list, established in 1931…. [N]o book about Iran appeared on this list during its first 50 years. The hostage crisis quickly changed that. A slew of books were ushered into print with a fanfare of publicity. In less than two decades, at least five novels – “On Wings of Eagles,” “Whirlwind,” “Sword Point,” “Shadows of Steel,” “House of Sand and Fog” – and three non-fiction books – “Under Fire,” “Not Without My Daughter” and “Reading Lolita in Tehran” – scaled the Times’ bestsellers list.
Most of these books depict Iran as an angry sea of chest-pounding, fist-shaking mobs that burn effigies of the American president, trample on the American flag and scream “death to America” like a mantra. Displaying images of veiled women on their covers, many of these narratives milk the cliches and reinforce the stereotypes evoked by this all-too-familiar image.
While scholarly books reach a narrow audience, popular books on Iran and mainstream media coverage of the country reach millions of people. They wield much power by touching the hearts and souls of the American public. Part reality and part imagination, and with a splash of concern for national and international security thrown in for good measure, they offer engaging stories and fan the flames of antagonism between the two countries.”
The second source fanning the flames of American ignorance about Iran has been our own government – especially during the current Bush Administration:
“[In] 2004, the U.S. Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control began to consider books from Iran as “embargoed literature.” To publish her memoir, Shirin Ebadi, the 2003 Nobel Peace Prize laureate, had to initiate a lawsuit, invoking rights granted even to non-Americans by the U.S. Constitution.”
OFAC’s effort to control any media coming out of Iran is particularly shameful. Over a decade ago, in the middle of the fall-out over the Clinton Administration’s nixing of the Conoco deal to develop Iranian oil fields, the American scholarly community was expressly assured that the free exchange of printed materials from Iran would not be hindered.
The Bush Administration at times seems paranoid about anything from Iran. Consider that even a new exhibit on Pre-Islamic Iranian Art at the Asia Society was nearly stopped because artifacts held for centuries in French museums had not received “permits” from the Bush Administration to enter the country.
Anything from Iran – the alleged “existential threat” – is deemed suspect, perhaps especially so if it might portray Iran, even its ancient past, in a potentially favorable light.
I’ve been appalled that the most advertised video game for teenage males this year has been “300: March to Glory.” Ostensibly about the Battle of Thermopylae, almost 2,500 years ago, the game twists the battle into a David vs. Goliath type epic between 300 “democratic” Spartans and the “dark” Persian hordes. A movie by the same name will be released nationwide in early March.
Coincidence? If the neocons weren’t pushing for major attack on Iran, would such a game and movie be getting such obvious hype?
For Professor Milani,
“Iran, a complex web of paradoxes, a vibrant mix of contradictions, a culture in transition, remains an abstraction – at worst a cliche, at best an enigma – in the American imagination today.”
I am reminded here of Churchill’s famous reference to Soviet Russia as of October 1939, as “a riddle, wrapped in a mystery, inside an enigma…”
Yet even during the worst days of the Cold War, did the US Government try to prevent the publication of Soviet materials here in America? To the contrary, efforts to “get inside” Russia, to translate its literature, were justified as aiding in the better “understanding” of our adversary, to help open up that country then deemed as “totalitarian.”
My own experiences with Iran, with all its problems and paradoxes, suggest to me that Iran need not be an “enigmatic mystery.” Hardly the “totalitarian” caricature that Secretary Rice flippantly claims, Iran is a relatively “open book.” This Iranian “book” – the real one – awaits Americans with the curiosity to come back and turn the page.
“A better understanding of the country and its people is indispensable.”
… if only we try a bit harder.
“I’ve been appalled that the most advertised video game for teenage males this year has been “300: March to Glory.” Ostensibly about the Battle of Thermopylae, almost 2,500 years ago, the game twists the battle into a David vs. Goliath type epic between 300 “democratic” Spartans and the “dark” Persian hordes. A movie by the same name will be released nationwide in early March.”
There was another film about Thermopylae when I was a kid, but the scenario was exactly the same, the noble 300 defending to the death against the barbarian hordes. It’s because it is represented that way by Herodotus, as far as I remember.
I think the importance of the game is less than you might think. It is very stylised, comic-book style, to look at the screenshots. It wouldn’t recall to me the real battle of Thermopylae. As the old film did. rather the world of fantasy games.
Also the publicity doesn’t actually use the word “democratic” of the Spartans, as far as I have read, just noble and that sort of thing, which would be in line with Herodotus. Not even Herodotus would have dared call the Spartans democratic.
Say Alexander, I’d agree with you except that it is the sensational commercials hawking the video game – not me – that have characterized the Spartan “heroes” as “democratic.” (and portraying the Persians as rather “Laden-like” Arabs.) I’ll try to find a video clip. — Scott
I’ve been thinking about Iranian-US relations lately (yes, I do have better things today, but…), and I wonder if it comes down to this: The way “out” is for Iran to apologize for seizing the US embassy, and take legal action against the students who lead the take over.
This would clearly be very difficult for Iran, politically, because many of the embassy seizure participants are now prominent citizens and many Iranians may view the seizure with nationalistic pride (just speculation on my part).
So, it probably cannot start with some from-the-top apology from the Iranian government. It has to come from the people. The Iranian people would have to enter a dialog with each other, discussing the embassy seizure and the shadow it casts over their relation with the US. And they’d have to reflect on the rightness of the embassy seizure. How does the seizure mesh with the ideals of the Revolution?
In the best of worlds, in my opinion, a consensus may develop that supports re-opening discussion on the embassy seizure, maybe even leading to re-addressing the legal consequences that the participants should have to face, or maybe leading to some innovative proposal to compensate the US.
Likely, the US would reject any overtures from the Iranian government to resolve the embassy seizure, likely the Iranian religious authorities would reject any suggestion that the embassy seizure was anything other than “right” (I believe Khomeini supported it). But at the same time, I think this is the natural way out.
I apologize for my inarticulateness. I’m terrible busy these days.
Well, war is certainly coming in Iran. No doubt about it.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/6376639.stm
Attacking Iran would be madness (just as attacking Iraq was)…and perhaps this Iranian scholar is sincere in her belief that American understanding of Iran is a product of “myths and misleading narratives,” but it sure doesn’t promote amicable relations when one side elected to
*take 52 American diplomats hostage for 444 days
*allegedly mastermind the murder of American and French peacekeepers in Lebanon in 1983
*allegedly orchestrate the killing of American soldiers residing in the Khobar Towers (Saudi Arabia) in 1996
*make “Death to America” one’s national anthem for 28 years
*have one’s president organize a global conference to deny the Holocaust
etc…
Or when the other country chooses to:
*orchestrate the overthrow of the democratically elected government of Iran because it threatened American and British oil interests (in 1953)
*shoot down an Iranian civilian flight, killing almost 300 civilians… and then award the men responsible for doing so (in 1988)
etc
I’m so glad you cleared that up for us truesdell. Reading from the script eh?
And you’re next going to enlighten us that “reading lolita” belongs in the non-fiction section?
— that all those tens of thousands of lolita copies being given away (courtesy a generous “underwriter”) really should count towards its best-seller status.
— that Fakhravar really is a genuine Chalabi (now that we’ve had a coup at Radio Farda so the “real truth” propaganda has a chance)
– that Khatami really was just another “terrorist” supporter, as all the rest of the Iranian leaders. (the line tossed around by the lobby last September)
— that 1953 had nothing to do with America, and that Iranians don’t care anyway. (the monarchist/Sobhani line)
– that the only Iranian moderate is “a dead Iranian.” (a la Weinberger)
— that there are no “paradoxes” in Iran – that’s it’s all “black and black.”
— that all Iranian women are entitled to asylum status in the US – per se – as women. (the logical outgrowth of “not w/o my daughter — but don’t tell Vuuuuuhgil Gooooode)
— that Iranian religious minorities must wear “identification badges” (the lie put out last year by Taheri and friends)
— nobody needs to know anything else about Iran, except that they’uns is the bad guys.
– yada, yada, yada
so glad you cleared it all up for us. I now know what a “truesdell” is.
To serious jwn readers, for a more in depth examination of the chronic problem of “native informers” in service of the neocon empire project, see the following essay by Columbia’s Hamid Dabashi.
http://weekly.ahram.org.eg/2006/797/special.htm
Think what you want but the 28 year government/mosque-led national mantra of “Death to America” poses risks that the targeted country might take offense. And in a post-9/11 world they might not take such a threat lightly. Iranians thusly should be careful what they wish for.
Scott that Dabashi essay is sure to win a few hearts and minds. Nothing speaks to today’s neocon imperialist warmonger like po-mo literary analysis. It reminds me why comparative lit professors play such an important role in shaping foreign policy here in the US.
I suspect from the tangled syntax that it’s rendered in translation? A link to the original would be helpful. Thanks!
the principal imperial memento projecting the cause of the globalised capital–its titular totem poles, phallic symbols of its monumental potency.
Down, tiger! But surely the titular phallic memento of imperialis potentia has to be the “Empire State Building” – am I right? Twin phalluses (phalli?) only makes sense to an opossum.
Its lucid passages call to mind Gayatri Spivak’s “strategic essentialism” — once a hot topic among po-mo obscurantists. Whats more crudely essentializing than terms like “native culture of resistance,” “culture of Imperialism” [or for that matter “The Lobby”?]
Scott,
I’m so glad you cleared that up for us truesdell. Reading from the script eh?
Well is this need clear??
Guys your media and your leaders never stopping fabricate things to you about other countries especially when it comes to ME, it’s ……OIL OIL OIL…
OPEN YOUR Minds AND YOUR EYES GUYS…
How GWB elected twice with his lies about Iraq then?
You knew or know I’m so glad you cleared that up for us truesdell. Reading from the script eh? But when it’s come to ME all of you don’t know as much the interest of the richness of ME as your leader dose.
Blair said he will reduce his troops!!! After three years now unbelievably Britt’s got Iraqi forces get control!! Wow what a big job
The occupations failed to recruit Iraqis to serve them for three years how it’s come just few mounts Britt’s got this forces to Control and mad Blair saying that? Stop BTW Harry will be send to Iraq so did Blair knows that?
This the sorts of men keep laying and you believe them Blair he don’t like to leave his office why not feed more lies!!
NORTH KOREA ACCORD A MODEL FOR IRAN CRISIS
Hans Blix was director of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) from 1981 to 1997 and the chief United Nations arms inspector for Iraq from 2000 to 2003. He spoke with Global Viewpoint editor Nathan Gardels from his home in Stockholm on Wednesday.
“…Iran to apologize for seizing the US embassy, and take legal action against the students who lead the take over.”
Maybe, but only AFTER the United States has finished apologizing for and taking legal action against the perpetrators of its own far, far, far more serious crimes against Iran, including completely overturning Iran’s trend toward democracy in the 1950’s.
Oh, wait – I guess the perpetrators of the United States’ many crimes against Iran will not be prosecuted because they are………the government of the United States.
Compare the actions of Iran against the US embassy against the actions of the US against Iranian people.
1. The US shot an Iranian airplane and killed over 300 civilians (even if it was ‘accidental’ which is worse, the killing or the capture?).
2. The US helped Saddam immensely in the war on Iran, which concluded in a draw and 1 million people dead.
Now, what did Iran do?
You might make a case for Iran’s support for Hezbollah in Lebanon, though Lebanon has been at war with Israel for decades now, and it’s arguable as to whether or not it’s ‘OK’ for Iran to support them.
Khomsta
with Israel for decades now, and it’s arguable as to whether or not it’s ‘OK’ for Iran to support them.
What Iran gives for Palestine case? Other than Khomeini kiss to Arafat, Nothing…..
Iran support Hezbollah what Hezbollah did?
Lebanon destroyed by Israelis because one stupid liar man who spoke during the war for united Lebanon and now himself flipped back leading and making a lot of problems inside, it’s not whether or not Lebanon government US backed but still there is government. When he chose to ignite 33day war and destroy Lebanon infrastructures and damaged the Lebanon economy and very promising tourism time before the war? Did he care about the government of Lebanon?
Nasrallah should be brought to the court and questioned by Lebanon’s government for his adventure should be hold responsible for this war pulse also Iran should compensate Lebanon for her support and involvement in internal affaires of other countries, as you accusing US supporting Iraq during 8 years war and urging that case.
This is not ‘OK’ for Iran to support them this is interfering and mangling in other country politics, if Iran needs to fight Israelis and support Palestinians case should have the right channels and ways to support the case as normally as other countries did not sneaking under Mullahs and criminals Sayyeds.
Salah, the western capitalists, and their business allies the Saudis, wage war with money. The Saudis & French rebuilt Lebanon into a whorehouse for a handful of Sunni businessmen. As usual, they screwed the poor Shias, and deserve to be overthrown. When will Arabs see that there is a World War between the rich and poor, and wherever the rich win, they impose their race and religion as master, and all who are not white Christian conservative capitalists must become slaves? You seem to hate the Shia for following Nasrallah, but they fought for their land like patriots. Those who obey the Sauds, Mubarak, and King Playboy of Jordan, will end up the slaves of America and Israel, a far more pervasive slavery than any Iran could impose. Ask the people of Latin America, now breaking their chains, what ugly fate my people have planned for you. (And they’re not even Moslems!)
super390
You seem to hate the Shia for following Nasrallah
Soooo stupid guess and thoughts from “ugly fate “… (And they’re not even Moslems!)”
Keep believe in Nasralaah and Fadallah and Sistani these are the call themselves Muslims as your hatred Saudis who gave Fatwa NOT FIGHT THE US TROOPS when they invaded Iraq!!
Tell me one verse from Quran or in Islamic Hadeth telling Muslims not to fight their enemies who came to invade their land and house and country?
Like Saudis, what King Fahad did and backed by those Wahabi clerics who give Fatwa to allow 1 Millions US tropes “what ugly fate my people have planned for you. (And they’re not even Moslems!)” Come on their land and fight on behalf of them in 1991
Be smart and go and read Quran and Islam law you will be far better understanding Islam than Nasrallh and Sistani these beasts sitting listen to their master Devil in Tehran
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-6724474390822088859