Why is it important that there is literature on Iran besides topics that revolve around the Hostage Crisis?
For many good reasons. First of all that’s a part of our history that shouldn’t be forgotten. Unfortunately, many people don’t remember the secular Iran. They don’t remember that we weren’t socially repressed under the Shah, just politically. I also think by concentrating only on one point in our history such as the hostage crisis, we perpetuate the negative stereotypes of Iran and Iranians. This is like saying anything written about Japan should be centered around one single political or historical event such as the Pearl Harbor bombing… nothing else matters! I don’t think that’s right! Why do you believe the Iranian-American voice is important? I guess that’s what democracy and freedom is about. I have the right to express myself, and shame on me if I don’t, especially when I have the opportunity, the tools, and the platform to do it. In recent years the Iranian – American voice has been heard loudly around the globe. We have great Iranian scholars, writers, scientists, artists – – I
