we are iran

Hello



I don't even know if you are able read or to translate what I write here. But I just finished reading a captivating cultural studies book with quotes from Iranian weblogs over the Christmas holidays called We Are Iran. As you are quoted in the book you have probably read it but to me it all came as an amazing eye-opener and a revelation.



So when I heard of Sadam's execution (even though the news keeps showing pictures of his atrocities in Iraq) all that I could think of was Iran. I am sorry but I was ignorant of many things until I had read this book and I was so moved by your painful memories of the war and the suffering of your people. I had no idea about the chemical weapon victims in Iran and that even though saddam was the instrument but we in the west are all guilty. Ignorance is no excuse. I am humbled by your long proud history and culture. I had no idea how poetic, graceful and funny ordinary Iranian can be.




To be honest like most people in my country I always thought that Iranians were Arabs. I must also ashamedly add that I studied sociology at university (though 30 years ago) so I should know better. But at least now I know that some Iranians are Arabs but most aren't.



I fell in love with your poetic Persian phraseology and in return I would like to offer you a British poem that came to mind as I read this mesmerising book. William Shakespeare once wrote:



"If you prick us do we not bleed? If you tickle us do we not laugh? If you poison us do we not die? And if you wrong us shall we not revenge?"

Yes he was right and whether English or Iranian we are all one. I was able to laugh and cry with you throughout and It also rapidly enabled me to see past the angry headlines about your president and to know that what ever our beliefs or behaviour patterns we have more in common than we often realise.



You have given me so much and the least I can do is to pick out as many email addresses from this book that I can and send every one of you a heartfelt New Year wish and a Happy Eid.



Abbey Sanderson