I’ve never been to Iran, but I’ve learned about my dad’s country from stories and traditions. I’ve learned about the challenges my grandparents faced when coming to the United States, where they didn’t know the language, the people, or how to start a new life. I’ve made staple dishes, like Ghormeh Sabzi and Tahdeeg, and celebrated the Iranian New Year of Nowruz. I’ve grown up appreciating the joy Iran and its people have to offer, but the news I’ve seen shares only a negative perspective of the country.
The Iranian administration has been violating its citizens’ rights for 50 years, but now more than ever it is important to stay informed and keep caring for the people affected by these issues.
The actions of Iran’s leaders do not define the country or its people; compassion for individuals should not be based on the decisions of their government.
Iran’s current administration, an Islamic Republic under Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khomeini, is an oppressive religious theocracy that maintains leadership through the consolidation of power, social control and violent responses to protest. It is because of this government that my grandparents made the difficult decision to leave their home country and come to the United States instead of risking their family’s safety under a dangerous regime.
In the almost 50 years since this administration took power, the few protests against it have been quickly and violently suppressed, including mass demonstrations this January as citizens demanded the protection of their civil freedoms and a solution to an economic crisis that has dramatically increased the prices of necessities.
On Jan. 8, the Iranian government issued a near-total internet blackout, preventing Iranians from communicating inside or outside the country. They used the blackout to execute a crackdown on the protests, killing thousands of Iranians. Citizens should not have to sacrifice their safety for fundamental human rights, nor should their government punish them for doing so.
President Trump is considering ordering strikes on Iran. This is not a solution to the regime. We should let the Iranian people dictate their nation’s future, not a completely different country that may or may not have the citizens’ best interests at heart.
These issues are not new, and they will not end until Iran’s administration is overthrown. My family fears for the safety of Iranians and the future of our home country like so many Iranian communities worldwide, and like members of the UPrep community as well. We need to keep caring. These problems don’t go away if we forget about them.
The best way to move forward in the midst of this uncertainty is to stay informed on new developments and to support those affected: as someone to talk to, and as a voice of support in a time of turmoil.
