Why not authentic Persian music and poetry?
On Mohamad Navab’s “Happy day” and Ali Afshar’s “New York, New Year”: We Iranians seem to be big-headed about our culture and traditions and speak to its richness. However, when it comes to displaying a thing or two about our culture, the made-up LA style tribal dances sum it up for us. Whether it is the New Year’s celebrations in Santa Monica, the Persian Parade in NY or the Norooz party in the San Francisco City Hall, there is one common theme; young girls dressed in colorful tribal like outfits twisting their bodies. Reason I say “tribal like” is because most of those outfits are far from being authentic in design and the dances are made up for most part. Maybe we do it because it is the only thing this supposed cultured generation knows or cares about. What ever the reason(s), I find it very shallow. Instead of portraying a rich culture, it depicts lack of culture. Why don’t we instead have events where musicians play authentic music and Persian poetry (in English and/or in Farsi)
