The film is set in a suburban nieghborhood and tells about the struggles of a white family that is linked to a neo nazi group. The main character of the story is a man named Derek Vinyard, who used to be a neo nazi that realized there is good nature in every group of people during his times spent in prison. When he returns he see's that his younger brother Danny is on the brink of the same path the lead him into trouble. The story centers around Derek's struggle trying to keep on a good path and along the way his fight to save his brother from the path of hate and prejudice.
This movie I feel has very strong ties to the articles we read on stereotyping and in particular it shows the lessons that Snyder tried to portray. In Snyder's article it was said that a stereotype and prejudice is deeply rooted in human character and that is evident in the characters in the film who participate in this "race war". They dont take account of the person, they just see a color and react in extreme prejudice towards that color. Derek is one of the few that was able to rehabilitate himself from this mind set during his time in prison. In prison he had to interact with a wide variety of races and when his "brothers" turned their backs against him he had the opprotunity to reavaluate his ways of thinking. The turning point of the story is when he meets a black man who helped show him that he is a person not just a color. With this new view in his mind he goes out into the public world in hopes of helping those who are close to him like his brother from commiting the same mistakes he made. However he faces strong opposition from his former "brotherhood". This opposition show Snyder's thought on stereotype and the difficulties in seperating these false assumptions once they have been rooted in the mind.
-Michal Tokarski
Monday, June 28, 2010
Extra Credit, American History X
American History X can be linked to many of the reading we focused on in class. The plot of the story shows a literal view on many of the concepts we talked about such as rascism, prejudice and stereotyping. The film is set in a suburban neighborhood
Persopolis the movie
I have to admit that the film version of Persopolis was nowhere near as complete as the book was. The story felt very rushed and seemed to be missing a lot of vital points from Marji's life which were needed to show the development of her character. But the part which I feel would dissapoint most, atleast the viewers that had read the book before or after watching the movie was the messages from the story. Also the life expierances of a girl who had to grow up all by her self in a world that was much different from her own.
I feel especially that the story taken from the second part of the book was very watered down and rushed. This was dissapointing because they ommited many important pieces on how Marji's character had grown during those times. If I hadnt read the book first I think I would feel a little confused about Marji's mind set during her times spent in Europe. In the book her actions always flew from a few specific causes but the film made her seem very all over the place and very senseless and nieve. All in all I think the major flaw of the movie was the failure to portray Marji's growth.
-Michal Tokarski
I feel especially that the story taken from the second part of the book was very watered down and rushed. This was dissapointing because they ommited many important pieces on how Marji's character had grown during those times. If I hadnt read the book first I think I would feel a little confused about Marji's mind set during her times spent in Europe. In the book her actions always flew from a few specific causes but the film made her seem very all over the place and very senseless and nieve. All in all I think the major flaw of the movie was the failure to portray Marji's growth.
-Michal Tokarski
Persopolis part 2
The second half of Persopolis was most interesting because you got to see the complete change of Marji's character. After having a hectic and unstable childhood during revolutionary times in Iran she traveled to Europe were she was still struggling to find her identity. Marji was without parents and without a stable role model to guide her through her growth to womenhood. She had to rely on a series of unstable relationships with friends and boyfriends to support her growth.
You can see that a piece of her life was missing and she was in a very negative point in her life, the only way to account for that was to go back and interact with her family and see again the place where she came from. Upon her return to Iran her family accepted her with open hands and helped her climb back up to a mind set that was vital for her to start adulthood. The tragic part of the story is, that although she gained the moral support she needed back home there was nothing more for her in a country to oppressed. The story ends with a new beggining, she goes on her way back to the west to start a new life for herself.
-Michal Tokarski
You can see that a piece of her life was missing and she was in a very negative point in her life, the only way to account for that was to go back and interact with her family and see again the place where she came from. Upon her return to Iran her family accepted her with open hands and helped her climb back up to a mind set that was vital for her to start adulthood. The tragic part of the story is, that although she gained the moral support she needed back home there was nothing more for her in a country to oppressed. The story ends with a new beggining, she goes on her way back to the west to start a new life for herself.
-Michal Tokarski
Sunday, June 27, 2010
Perspolis Movie
Honestly the movie was ok. Probably no where near as good as the book but then again not too many movies come out as good as their book versions. What could have made the movie better if had gone more in detail and would not have cutted out so many scenes. If the movie would have grasp detail, it would have probably been more successful to grasp the audience as much the book. The book, for me, allowed me to undertand the author on a emotional level. It presented me with the feeling that I could actually almost place myself in shoes as I read. The movie unfotunately failed to incorporate this.
To be fair I would say the movie did enhance some of the comical scene, such as the eye tiger moment for Marjane. This is probably the most humorous part of the movie. Another aspect i like, was the use to differentiating the timing go the present from the past story by displaying the present on color and her past in black and white. It gave it sort of a flashback sense, which was very interesting.
To be fair I would say the movie did enhance some of the comical scene, such as the eye tiger moment for Marjane. This is probably the most humorous part of the movie. Another aspect i like, was the use to differentiating the timing go the present from the past story by displaying the present on color and her past in black and white. It gave it sort of a flashback sense, which was very interesting.
Persepolis Movie
I was really looking forward to watching the movie version of Persepolis but I was fairly disappointed in it after watching it. I felt like a lot of things were left out that shouldn’t have been left out, like when Marjane’s mom comes to visit her in Austria. I also didn’t like how there was less character development in the film, I left like if I just watched the movie I wouldn’t have understood all the characters, especially her various boyfriends. I also found that the movie didn’t flow as well as the book did. I felt that in the book you got more of the complete story of each of the individual stories whereas in the movie they were all smooshed together. I felt like the stories were just told better through the book rather than in the movie, like the key story, I much preferred the way the key story was told in the book, it seemed more complete and better developed in the book.
--Emily Suchyta
--Emily Suchyta
Persepolis Part Two
I really found the second half of Persepolis to be very interesting, I think it really showed how strong of a person Marjane could be even when she goes through hard times. Section two started off with Marjane moving to Austria to go to school because she was no longer welcome in her school in Iran. She moves from place of living to place of living but she still finds ways to keep moving forward even when she was faced with obstacles. I also really like how Marjane gained so much confidence as the stores progress. This can be shown when Marjane is in her second part of the exam to get into art school and she just tells the truth instead of reciting what she was suppose to, which ended up working out in her favor. She also shows her confidence when she is at the assembly about the new dress code and she spoke out about the unfairness of the dress code which also ended up working out for her, she got to revamp the dress code.
--Emily Suchyta
--Emily Suchyta
Persepolis 2
I found the second half of the book to be very good. Marjane was able to truely grow up as she experienced independence and a progression into woman hood away from her parents in Vienna. She moved and lived in many apartments and met many interesting people along the way. At times she kept true to herself, but at times esecially with her boy friends and punk friends she allowed them to change her. Of course this had had put her to a low place where she had no one to love and no place to live. In a way it is good she got to experience the real world and learn from her mistakes. It talked her more about herself and how to perceive this differently.
Perhaps the most ground breaking moment for her was the very end, were she lets go of the things that would keep her from enjoying a good life and becoming the woman she is now. She put aside the idea of living up to the expectations of others, esepcially the Iran government and her husband. She even had let go of the guilt that she held for having lived a not as hard life in Vienna compared to those who stood like her parents. Overral I enjoyed reading about the life of Marjane.
Perhaps the most ground breaking moment for her was the very end, were she lets go of the things that would keep her from enjoying a good life and becoming the woman she is now. She put aside the idea of living up to the expectations of others, esepcially the Iran government and her husband. She even had let go of the guilt that she held for having lived a not as hard life in Vienna compared to those who stood like her parents. Overral I enjoyed reading about the life of Marjane.
Water-extra credit
Deepa Metha's another movie called 'Water' portrayed so many issues especially patiarchy. Just like I was able to have a glimpse on Indian society that females had less rights than men to choose what to do with their lives. The movie starts with the 8 year old girl who was unfortunately sent Ashram-where widows lived for the rest of their lives away from the society and family. Chuihya was a 8 years old and she was married to a man that she had never met in her life and all of suddent she got sent to live at Asharam because her husband died of sickness.
In Ashram, widows were forced to shave their heads as a way of refusing secular lives and they had to live like a monk.
Also they had to live minimum without fancy clothes they cant live fancy life and forced to wear white loin cloth.
Chuihya, just like other 8 year old girls want,she wanted to go back to her mother but forced to stay at Ashram.
Kaliyani and Sarala become friends in Ashram
Kaliyani was beatiful and basically chose to prostitute with wealthy 'seths'(merchants). Therefore, she didn't have to shave her hair because of her beauty and allowed her an exception.
I was able to see the stereotypes in these scenes because she able to live a so-called worldy life because of her beauty compared to the ones that were forced to live a sage life like nuns .
One day, Kaliyani fell in love with Narayan, a law student..
In this time period, female widows were totally oppressed. Male widows were able to re-marry and have many more rights according to their customs. They were having much less rights than those of the women who are not widows, they were treated dirty which was not fair for Chuiyah who was only 8 years old who did not even experience the rest of her life including marriage life.
When Narayan's mother found out that his son was dating Kaliyani, a prostitute she got furious after she found out the plan of him getting married to Kaliyani
One day, Kaliyani had to serve Narayan's father while she was prostituting and decides to commit suicide after the separation from Narayan.
The movie portrayed unfairness and tragedy that widows had to accept as their reality was so sad and they were just unfortunate ones who had to be perspected as dirty. Nothing was fair for the widows, and everything that Kaliyani was going though from the socially contructed people looking at her ended up murdering her.
In Ashram, widows were forced to shave their heads as a way of refusing secular lives and they had to live like a monk.
Also they had to live minimum without fancy clothes they cant live fancy life and forced to wear white loin cloth.
Chuihya, just like other 8 year old girls want,she wanted to go back to her mother but forced to stay at Ashram.
Kaliyani and Sarala become friends in Ashram
Kaliyani was beatiful and basically chose to prostitute with wealthy 'seths'(merchants). Therefore, she didn't have to shave her hair because of her beauty and allowed her an exception.
I was able to see the stereotypes in these scenes because she able to live a so-called worldy life because of her beauty compared to the ones that were forced to live a sage life like nuns .
One day, Kaliyani fell in love with Narayan, a law student..
In this time period, female widows were totally oppressed. Male widows were able to re-marry and have many more rights according to their customs. They were having much less rights than those of the women who are not widows, they were treated dirty which was not fair for Chuiyah who was only 8 years old who did not even experience the rest of her life including marriage life.
When Narayan's mother found out that his son was dating Kaliyani, a prostitute she got furious after she found out the plan of him getting married to Kaliyani
One day, Kaliyani had to serve Narayan's father while she was prostituting and decides to commit suicide after the separation from Narayan.
The movie portrayed unfairness and tragedy that widows had to accept as their reality was so sad and they were just unfortunate ones who had to be perspected as dirty. Nothing was fair for the widows, and everything that Kaliyani was going though from the socially contructed people looking at her ended up murdering her.
Persepolis 2nd Half
This novel reached out and grab the many readers attention. I am glad to hear her side of the story regarding Iran. I think without her story, I would have had the same bad and evil thoughts towards the Middle East. Because of her novel I no have much sympathy.
Like many of us, Marjane went through a lot growing up. She face many obstacles that drove her crazy. She faced many life changing situations also. I kinda felt sorry for her the most when she kept getting let down by the her suppose boyfriends. It seemed like she was in search for love and none of them were one that she wanted to really fall in love with. I think she made a good decision to go back home just so that she can clear her head.
Film or Novel??
The film and novel of Persepolis vary greatly. The film begins in color, for starters. Also, Satrapi discusses more of her relationship with her grand mother , than with various characters. She focuses on herself and her grandmother mostly to lessen the confusion of the story. When you’re reading, a “chapter” may takes five minutes whereas on film, it may take approximately one moment. I enjoyed how the story flowed… and it though it did much better in comic strip on paper rather than on camera. The beginning seemed to drag a little, but I think that was because I knew what was coming all of the time, since we read first, watched second.
A difference I noticed was when she was talking about the boyfriend that cheated on her. They showed him being wonderful first and the two of them falling in love and later showed how he asked for gas money and was ugly and disgusting. Another difference was the lack of drug use shown in the film. The novel touched on this so much that it was difficult to forget that large parts of the novel she was high! The film showed her smoking cigarettes often, but nothing any worse.I think the directors chose to enumerate this from the film so the viewers didn't get distracted from the point of the film. The film takes such little time to get the point across, so pointless aspects can stick out more than the main idea, detracting from idea the director wants to convey.
The Movie
I was really bored throughout the movie. The other movies we watched in class kept me entertained the whole time. Maybe it was because we read the book before and knew what was going to happen. But with the Harry Potter movies i was entertained the entire time even though i read the books a million times. Maybe it was the lack of color or the slowness of the film, but i just did not like it. The graphic novel though; I love.
They were true to the book pretty much, but they did leave out some important things she did. Like the stuff she did in Vienna, and the Kim Wilde poster, I liked that part. I don't understand why they changed some of the names of the characters in the movie. I don't like the fact that they left out the part when her mom came to visit her at school. Overall I will say that it was a good try but very boring
They were true to the book pretty much, but they did leave out some important things she did. Like the stuff she did in Vienna, and the Kim Wilde poster, I liked that part. I don't understand why they changed some of the names of the characters in the movie. I don't like the fact that they left out the part when her mom came to visit her at school. Overall I will say that it was a good try but very boring
Persepolis Film
As with many film adaptations of novels, the film almost always ends up being less informative with the message, and often falls short. Unfortunately, I found this to be true with the Persepolis film. While I did like seeing the animations, which were drawn very well, I was disappointed at the amount of things that were cut. Many of the things were shortened or cut out in general, which I felt caused the film to have a different effect. We didn't see many of the struggles that Marji went through.
In the book, Marji's parents played a large role, but in the film, we saw mostly her and her grandmother. I feel that incorporating all the important parts of the book into a 90 minute film was a bad idea, and they should have perhaps considered making two films. I realize that having two films may not be as successful, but I felt that the true essence of Satrapi's work, and the true message about Iran got lost in the numerous cuts made.
--Cameron
Movie Persepolis
I was a little disappointed with the movie. I think without reading the book, I won't be able to relate to Marjane because there are many parts were missing. The book gives more detail and as I read the book I can imagine how she felt. Lots of time it is very hard to make a movie better than a book especially with so many detail and emotional involved, with the time limit and concerning about the viewers. Overall I love this book and it made me another side of the story to Iran and have a lot more positive thought about them.
Peroplis (the movie)
i will admit that i did not enjoy the movie as much as i enjoyed the book. i was very disapointed in how they developed the story. the movie basically skiped over all or Marjane's relationships while she lived in europe. and i believe that they skipped over way to much, such as her mother coming to visit or her drug use.
the parts of the movie that i did like however was the fact that a bit of the movie was in color, i realy enjoyed the edition of her at the french airport. my favorite scene in the movie was whe she came out o depression and sang eye of the tiger, i thought that it was absolutly wonderful. my second favorite addition was the part after she broke up with Markus, and as she thought about everything how the movie made him look extramly ugly.
the parts of the movie that i did like however was the fact that a bit of the movie was in color, i realy enjoyed the edition of her at the french airport. my favorite scene in the movie was whe she came out o depression and sang eye of the tiger, i thought that it was absolutly wonderful. my second favorite addition was the part after she broke up with Markus, and as she thought about everything how the movie made him look extramly ugly.
Persoplis (book)
to say that i realy enjoyed the second half of the book would be an understaiment, i thought it was amaizing. but overall it was simply a well writen graphic novel. i was actually quite happy to learn that we would be reabin a graphic novel in class as i do read them alot at home as weel (though of the japanese variety). i think it is good that more people out there are realizing that graphic novels are not only for kids. i also realy enjoyed the part while she was in europe and she was struggling to belong. i can relate to that because i myself used to ignore my own beliefs and did what everyone else did to fit in in high school.
the only part of the book that i was not to happy about was the ending, i'm not sure why, but i felt that it needed something more, like there should be another book that comes after.
the only part of the book that i was not to happy about was the ending, i'm not sure why, but i felt that it needed something more, like there should be another book that comes after.
Persepolis II
I love this book and I'm glad that we have included this book into our course. The second part of the book is more intense than the first part. Since she had to leave Iran to Vienna and started to grow up to teenager and adult alone in different country. I think it must be hard for her to do that alone. She might lost her way for a while but because she was too young and she didn't have anyone to tell her what is right and wrong, she had to learn those by her mistakes. She didn't really have anyone to be there with her like back in Iran where her parents would be right by her side. As the result of what she been through, I believe that made her became a stronger person.
Because of how the culture is very conservative, many young girls and guys aren't able to get to learn each other so either they are married by arrangement or just get married without really know each other as well. So for Marjane who has a strong personality would be hard to keep her marriage but for many others can manage to keep their marriages because most of time girls were taught to be listened and followed. Their culture is patriarchy where male is dominated.
Because of how the culture is very conservative, many young girls and guys aren't able to get to learn each other so either they are married by arrangement or just get married without really know each other as well. So for Marjane who has a strong personality would be hard to keep her marriage but for many others can manage to keep their marriages because most of time girls were taught to be listened and followed. Their culture is patriarchy where male is dominated.
Last Half Persepolis
If you ask me, one person's view of an event is not the whole view. It can often times be objective. This graphic novel is through her eyes. I'm glad she told it that way though. You see the county of Iran in a new perspective.
Her suicide attempt is well drawn out. She must have taken so many drugs in Vienna that she built up a tolerance to her antidepressants. I liked how she drew out the huge rats around her while she was hallucinating. It's pretty cool that she just didn't give up on life after that, she whipped into shape and realized that she needed to get out of her funk of apathy. I think that's where I am right now in life too, although i don't think I'll be overdosing or trying to on anything. Maybe I need to teach an aerobics class.
I like the way she ends it, there is really no conclusion, showing life goes on.
Her suicide attempt is well drawn out. She must have taken so many drugs in Vienna that she built up a tolerance to her antidepressants. I liked how she drew out the huge rats around her while she was hallucinating. It's pretty cool that she just didn't give up on life after that, she whipped into shape and realized that she needed to get out of her funk of apathy. I think that's where I am right now in life too, although i don't think I'll be overdosing or trying to on anything. Maybe I need to teach an aerobics class.
I like the way she ends it, there is really no conclusion, showing life goes on.
Persepolis...or is it????
So, we watched Persepolis the movie, and I was not impressed. I feel like there are a lot of pieces missing, and if you hadn't read the book, you might not fully understand what is happening. I feel that I might just feel that way though because I did read the book and I knew what was supposed to be happening.
A lot of people have discussed what was wrong with the movie in their posts, but I would like to say something that I enjoyed, and something that made it impactual. The movie, by removing some of the harsher dialogue and brashness of the graphics, made it a movie that can be viewed by people of all ages. This allows for not just the people that are older and can understand the subtleties to younger people who can just understand the message she is trying to convey: that Iran isn't a country made up of Fundamentalist psychos bend on vengeance, but they are in fact real people who are just trying to live.
I didn't enjoy the movie as much as the book, but what can you expect? Do you know any movie that is as good as the book? I don't. But it got its point across, and will hopefully entice people into reading the graphic novel and delving deeper into the world that Marjane Satrapi wants us to visit...the real Iran.
Water-EXTRA CREDIT
After watching Water, I can honestly say that I was not expecting that. In western culture, widows are almost relished; they are taken care of and protected. I was unaware that in this particular Indian culture that widows were considered dirty.
I also was unaware that girls were being married before they even knew what was happening. I knew that they married young, but at age 3 or sooner? And these poor girls who are given up because their 'husbands' die before they've even met them? Chuyia was just 7 years old when she was given to this 'widow home', thrust there without knowing what was happening.
One thing I didn't understand was the hair thing. Why did they have to keep their hair short?
The whole thing just astounded me, and opened my eyes to a culture I didn't know existed. One that, frankly, makes me sick to my stomach.
Persepolis Movie vs. Book
Persepolis is one of those books that are definitely better than its movie. A way to describe that to most people today is the difference between the twilight books and movies. Most people who have read that book say that the book is way better than the movie. Although I didn't think the movie was that bad, I definitely noticed that there were some details left out of the movie probably because they needed to make it shorter.
Marjane is portrayed really well in the comic as well as the movie. The life struggle she has is shown in more detail in the book than in the movie. One thing that I noticed and thought should have been more emphasized on was the relationship between Reza and Marjane. It seemed though that in the movie, they didn't really show the struggles in there relationship and why Marjane actually broke things off with him. All it showed in the movie was basically her saying, "goodbye". This was a big turn off from the movie and gave the book some more bonus points. Overall I think books always have those extra details that the movies don't and this is what makes them so much better.
Marjane is portrayed really well in the comic as well as the movie. The life struggle she has is shown in more detail in the book than in the movie. One thing that I noticed and thought should have been more emphasized on was the relationship between Reza and Marjane. It seemed though that in the movie, they didn't really show the struggles in there relationship and why Marjane actually broke things off with him. All it showed in the movie was basically her saying, "goodbye". This was a big turn off from the movie and gave the book some more bonus points. Overall I think books always have those extra details that the movies don't and this is what makes them so much better.
Extra Credit American History X
This movie blows my mind. It's not like other hollywood movies; it has no happy ending. Just like in real life sometimes there is no happy ending. it's scary to see how violence and hatred has deep seeded roots in our family. To hear your father talk about black people like that, what else can you do besides listen, he's your father, you're young. It's not good to have bad influences around when you're a young adult. The mother doesn't really do anything about disciplining her children, granted she might be sick, but she can put her kids in line. It's sick that things like this happen in real life. How do people have so much hate? It's because they don't open their eyes and see what's going on around.
I think Sweeney is a great character in the movie. Hes such a good influence to the Derek and Danny. The most powerful moment is when they both take down their Nazi insignia on the wall together. They can finally put it behind them. Then Danny is shot by a black boy. What happens next? Does Derek take all he learned and stick to it, or does he throw it all out the window. Does the end tell us that no matter what we do racism will always be there or does it tell us to live by our morals not our anger?
I think Sweeney is a great character in the movie. Hes such a good influence to the Derek and Danny. The most powerful moment is when they both take down their Nazi insignia on the wall together. They can finally put it behind them. Then Danny is shot by a black boy. What happens next? Does Derek take all he learned and stick to it, or does he throw it all out the window. Does the end tell us that no matter what we do racism will always be there or does it tell us to live by our morals not our anger?
Persepolis 2
The second half of Persepolis was even more enthralling than the first! I really enjoyed the comic relief of most situations and how Marjane chose to describe her teenage years in Vienna. My favorite parts was when a Nun referred to Iranians as unintelligent and Satrapi fired back with the idea that all Nuns really were prostitutes before the convent lifestyle. Her style of writing really brings all of the characters to life. If this had been written without comics attached, the characters would be less developed and more misunderstood. The imagery made it feel more real when reading it, especially when she came back to Tehran and was walking in the streets. You could SEE the oppression, instead of just read about it.
Marjane's struggles were best depicted in pictures rather than words, and the second half of the novel described her life story more than the history of Iran. The contrast between both parts was necessary for Persepolis, I thought. I really enjoyed the way she went through men, until I realized how young she was! I loved the picture of her "transformation" from homeless looking to an aerobics instructor as well. Her journey was well defined in the end of the book, and she brought importance to the idea of always being true to herself. Though she makes the mistake on the street with the man on the steps, she reminds herself that she is a modern women fighting to end oppression. All while finding out her boyfriend is gay, another boyfriend cheats on her, and discovering she is not in love with her husband... leading to divorce. She learned a lot about herself, as well as her country. The book was so good, I'm plan on keeping it!
Marjane's struggles were best depicted in pictures rather than words, and the second half of the novel described her life story more than the history of Iran. The contrast between both parts was necessary for Persepolis, I thought. I really enjoyed the way she went through men, until I realized how young she was! I loved the picture of her "transformation" from homeless looking to an aerobics instructor as well. Her journey was well defined in the end of the book, and she brought importance to the idea of always being true to herself. Though she makes the mistake on the street with the man on the steps, she reminds herself that she is a modern women fighting to end oppression. All while finding out her boyfriend is gay, another boyfriend cheats on her, and discovering she is not in love with her husband... leading to divorce. She learned a lot about herself, as well as her country. The book was so good, I'm plan on keeping it!
Arizona Bans Ethnic Studies
A new law in Arizona prevents schools from "offering courses at any grade level that advocate ethnic solidarity, promote overthrow of the US government, or cater to specific ethnic groups." Any school that does not follow this law will lose their state funding. This makes it illegal for many students in Arizona to learn about their own heritage. This law was made to look like an education reform bill and therefore was allowed to be passed. Also, the Arizona Department of Education has also announced that it will no longer allow teachers with foreign accents to teach English.
I find these latest regulations to be absurd and cannot believe that they are actually being instated in America. Especially with Arizona already having the anti-immigration law, they really do not seem to be a very tolerant state. The people who created this law feel that the current programs of which they are banning promote these ethnicities to hate white people. While I do not know exactly what these courses do contain, I find it ridiculous that they are instating an all out ban on ethnic education.
Ryan Adams
Oh and I promise that I completed this earlier but left and just got back to see I never submitted it...please accept this.
I find these latest regulations to be absurd and cannot believe that they are actually being instated in America. Especially with Arizona already having the anti-immigration law, they really do not seem to be a very tolerant state. The people who created this law feel that the current programs of which they are banning promote these ethnicities to hate white people. While I do not know exactly what these courses do contain, I find it ridiculous that they are instating an all out ban on ethnic education.
Ryan Adams
Oh and I promise that I completed this earlier but left and just got back to see I never submitted it...please accept this.
Extra Credit: American History X
American History X is a really powerful movie that fits right in with the topics for this class. I feel this movie related to Eduardo Bonilla-Silva's definition of racism in "Color-Blind Racism." He states that "racism is, more than anything else, a matter of group power; it is about a dominant group (whites) striving to maintain its systemic advantages and minorities fighting to subvert the racial status quo." So he feels that racism is just white people trying to keep their white privilege by being discriminatory against other races. I feel that this is exactly what the Derrick and his friends believe in all of the flashbacks and it is exactly what they are doing. This is strongly shown in the scene where Derrick gives a speech and then they trash the convenience store which is run by an asian.
This film conveyed many strong emotions and worked really well in relation to this class. I found Derrick's time in prison to be the most interesting part of the story. To see how he went about changing his beliefs and that he learned what is really important was a very strong point of the film. I think that this is an excellent movie and it is also really important.
Ryan Adams
This film conveyed many strong emotions and worked really well in relation to this class. I found Derrick's time in prison to be the most interesting part of the story. To see how he went about changing his beliefs and that he learned what is really important was a very strong point of the film. I think that this is an excellent movie and it is also really important.
Ryan Adams
Persepolis Film
Persepolis is yet another case of a book to movie adaptation of which the movie just fails to do the novel any justice. This is the case with almost every book to movie adaptations that I can think of (exception: The Road). There were many differences between the film and the novel of Persepolis. The most obvious difference is just how many parts the movie leaves out. Particularly the drug selling and use of which I felt had been very important in the novel. Even some of the parts that were covered, did not have enough time devoted to them and the full impact of these events were never focused upon in the film. Such as how before she returns to Iran, the film makes it seem like she is just upset over breaking up with Markus. But in the book, that only began the depression that she entered which was mainly focused on how upset she was for herself for disappointing her parents and not becoming who she was supposed to.
I just feel that the film and novel had different messages. In the novel, she really wanted to show her perspective of Iran to the world. The film does not seem to focus on this idea nearly as much and Iran is still somewhat presented in a similar way to the stereotypes and the film lacks any kind of introduction about Iran like the book contains. I think Satrapi should have just stuck with the novel since she was not able to convey her ideas fully through the film.
Ryan Adams
I just feel that the film and novel had different messages. In the novel, she really wanted to show her perspective of Iran to the world. The film does not seem to focus on this idea nearly as much and Iran is still somewhat presented in a similar way to the stereotypes and the film lacks any kind of introduction about Iran like the book contains. I think Satrapi should have just stuck with the novel since she was not able to convey her ideas fully through the film.
Ryan Adams
Persepolis: Movie
The movie Persepolis is a great adaption of the graphic novel that we covered in class. Although there are some differences between the movie and the book. The book was more detailed on Marji's childhood where movie ignored that part after describing Shah Regime.
When she went to Vienna, movie ignored a lot of things. For instance, her mothers visit to Vienna and her life in Lucia's home with her mother totally ignored. Also she became a drug dealer. That changed Marji's life significantly. Her protest against the new Austrian president did not even mentioned in movie.
When she was back to Iran, I notice that she bounced back from depression suddenly but in book it wasn't that easy and quick. Since it was a movie, I guess story was limited because she married and divorced so sudden.
The book focused on Marji's life in more detail but I think they both give the same idea. Persepolis was aiming to destroy the stereotypes about Iranian people and how society changes with political pressure and discrimination. Both of the work was so charming since the author experienced the difficulties herself. Both the movie and the work would destroy the stereotypes of Iran.
When she went to Vienna, movie ignored a lot of things. For instance, her mothers visit to Vienna and her life in Lucia's home with her mother totally ignored. Also she became a drug dealer. That changed Marji's life significantly. Her protest against the new Austrian president did not even mentioned in movie.
When she was back to Iran, I notice that she bounced back from depression suddenly but in book it wasn't that easy and quick. Since it was a movie, I guess story was limited because she married and divorced so sudden.
The book focused on Marji's life in more detail but I think they both give the same idea. Persepolis was aiming to destroy the stereotypes about Iranian people and how society changes with political pressure and discrimination. Both of the work was so charming since the author experienced the difficulties herself. Both the movie and the work would destroy the stereotypes of Iran.
Persepolis :The movie!
I loved the book, and I liked seeing it come to life into a movie form, however I do not feel that it had the same overall effect. As a movie, I liked having voices put to characters, and it made the story a lot more comical brought to motion, but in general it really only followed Marji's life, and even then, not in great detail. It was more like a brush over summary of the book. The only characters that were greatly detailed was the grandmother and Marji, everyone else was just brushed over, popping in and out throughout events.
As a film though, I liked that it was mostly in black and white, and the flashback aspect was an interesting interpretation. I also liked the mix of realism and cartoon. I noticed that in many scenes, there was a deep artistic quality to the backgrounds, using gray scale watercolors. It gave an added touch to the scenes showing the destruction and emptyness in Iran when Marji returned. Over layed with the cartoon people was interesting and I enjoyed it.
As a film though, I liked that it was mostly in black and white, and the flashback aspect was an interesting interpretation. I also liked the mix of realism and cartoon. I noticed that in many scenes, there was a deep artistic quality to the backgrounds, using gray scale watercolors. It gave an added touch to the scenes showing the destruction and emptyness in Iran when Marji returned. Over layed with the cartoon people was interesting and I enjoyed it.
Issues With Book to Film Adaptations
When the movie started I was confused. Why is the movie in color? Why is she in the airport? Is this a different telling of the story? Well it turns out Marjane decided to tell the story a little differently. I expected some things to be cut from the book but I was really surprised by the pace of the film. Usually when comic books/graphic novels are shot into movies you expect the speed of things to be much quicker because what one page is in a book is 10-15 seconds shot on film. Because we had just finished the book it felt very awkward and rushed for most of the scenes. It was my first time experiencing this situation (reading a book then watching the movie directly after). The resulting effect left a bad taste because I felt what happened in the book wasn't as well represented by the film.
Although I felt the story was rushed I think part of this was due to the direction of the film. Maybe there were lots of restrictions placed on the script because the film company was shooting for a certain rating. Maybe the film didn't have a big enough budget, or the script wasn't rewritten and reviewed enough times. I still think it was a good film, better than a lot of movies I have seen. The film might have also not been directed towards people who have read the book, especially those who just finished reading it. Maybe watching the film would encourage someone to read the book instead and get a wider view on the entire story. Book adaptations are generally plagued with production issues because the director has to appeal to the readers and try and include as much of the story as they can but also appeal to the production studios and executives and make something marketable to the general public. Overall I liked the book more than the film but I believe thats what most people say after seeing a book to film adaption. Also I have to say the animation was really well done and I would definitely watch something animated in the same style.
Zachar Lewkowicz
-post 9 June 23-
Although I felt the story was rushed I think part of this was due to the direction of the film. Maybe there were lots of restrictions placed on the script because the film company was shooting for a certain rating. Maybe the film didn't have a big enough budget, or the script wasn't rewritten and reviewed enough times. I still think it was a good film, better than a lot of movies I have seen. The film might have also not been directed towards people who have read the book, especially those who just finished reading it. Maybe watching the film would encourage someone to read the book instead and get a wider view on the entire story. Book adaptations are generally plagued with production issues because the director has to appeal to the readers and try and include as much of the story as they can but also appeal to the production studios and executives and make something marketable to the general public. Overall I liked the book more than the film but I believe thats what most people say after seeing a book to film adaption. Also I have to say the animation was really well done and I would definitely watch something animated in the same style.
Zachar Lewkowicz
-post 9 June 23-
Extra Cedit: American History X
This movie was a definite eye opener that evoked a lot of emotions. It was funny because I almost felt as if this movie was made especially for the purpose of the class as almost every event was relevant to information that we learned!
One of the things that I enjoyed most was Derek's time in jail and his relationship with his black co-worker doing laundry. I think that this was important in changing Derek's views about blacks and that they are real people. From what I got from the rest of the movie, he never had much interactions with them except for with Sweeney.
Sweeney was also a big part of the movie, with his underlying influence to try to help students and change the hate. Through out the entire movie, I thought that the reason the kids were pushed to behave the way they did was because of the death of the dad. However, I was overcome with anger when Danny reflects that the racism in his life began before his dad died, and show the scene where the father rips on Sweeney's teaching. This stirred up a lot of anger. I was proud to see however that in the end, the relationship with Sweeney over rode the words of their father.
Overall this was definitely an excellent movie to watch as it went hand in hand with the course information perfectly and it reminded me a lot of "La Haine". I would even recommend using it in class as a movie in case some aren't as into the foreign films. Also to show that this stuff happens in the US, giving a solid example.
One of the things that I enjoyed most was Derek's time in jail and his relationship with his black co-worker doing laundry. I think that this was important in changing Derek's views about blacks and that they are real people. From what I got from the rest of the movie, he never had much interactions with them except for with Sweeney.
Sweeney was also a big part of the movie, with his underlying influence to try to help students and change the hate. Through out the entire movie, I thought that the reason the kids were pushed to behave the way they did was because of the death of the dad. However, I was overcome with anger when Danny reflects that the racism in his life began before his dad died, and show the scene where the father rips on Sweeney's teaching. This stirred up a lot of anger. I was proud to see however that in the end, the relationship with Sweeney over rode the words of their father.
Overall this was definitely an excellent movie to watch as it went hand in hand with the course information perfectly and it reminded me a lot of "La Haine". I would even recommend using it in class as a movie in case some aren't as into the foreign films. Also to show that this stuff happens in the US, giving a solid example.
Persepolis:Part 2
Part 2 starts with Marji is leaving Iran to Vienna for education. Her adaptation of the Austrian culture was quite difficult. She stays in a boarding house runs by nuns. She also meets with new friends and starts to enjoy the life in Vienna. After getting kicked out of boarding house because they claimed that Iranian people have no manner, she stays in her roommate's mother's house and disappointed for the way her roommate is treating her mother. Then she moves in a different place where an old lady lives. After the boy that she likes turned out to be gay and her second boy friend cheated on her, she depressed and kicked out of her home. Because of her friends, she became a drug dealer and got into trouble in school because of that. So when she was living on streets, she nearly dies of bronchitis before she rescued off the streets. When she gets back to Iran, and falls into a clinical depression and she attempts to commit suicide. When she bounces back she begins to enjoy life and attends university and parties. Mean while she discovers that Iranian society is more tyrannized than ever. After her friend dies and she divorces, she agrees to go to France in the end.
Persepolis To Austria and Back
In the first part of the book we see how women in Iran are restricted by the fundamentalist regime. The fundamentalist enact rules that not only oppress women but also oppress men. After Marji experiences the beginning of the war with Iraq and the new found power of the fundamentalists her parents make her leave to study in Austria. In the second part of Persepolis we witness the transformation of Marjane through her new freedoms gained from moving out of Iran. Her new friends see her as interesting because she has experience war and death. In Iran we saw Marji as a rebellious teenager and this rebellious nature continues throughout her life in Austria. She becomes a drug addict and participates in things that would be seen as indecent by traditional Iranians. Her new found freedoms end up hurting her but they also help her learn important life lessons she would never experience in Iran.
After She returns to Iran she becomes depressed because she feels she left her country behind. She didn't fully experience the atrocities of War and she can't fit in anymore with her old friends or family. Sometimes we see glimpses of her old self like when she reconnects with her old friend Kia and finds some common ground through joking with him. One of the problems she has that is that she is afraid to tell her friends and family about her adventures in Austria because she knows they wont be able to relate to her experiences. All of the things she did in Austria would shunned by Iranians even her non conservative parents. Marji goes as far as reconciling with psychiatrists but they really don't have a solution for her depression besides drugs. Fortunately when she overdoses on drugs she becomes enlightened and realizes that she needs to try harder to fit in. I feel that her journey to Austria was a case of Marji educating herself one of the morals of the story.
Zachary Lewkowicz
-post 8 June 21-
After She returns to Iran she becomes depressed because she feels she left her country behind. She didn't fully experience the atrocities of War and she can't fit in anymore with her old friends or family. Sometimes we see glimpses of her old self like when she reconnects with her old friend Kia and finds some common ground through joking with him. One of the problems she has that is that she is afraid to tell her friends and family about her adventures in Austria because she knows they wont be able to relate to her experiences. All of the things she did in Austria would shunned by Iranians even her non conservative parents. Marji goes as far as reconciling with psychiatrists but they really don't have a solution for her depression besides drugs. Fortunately when she overdoses on drugs she becomes enlightened and realizes that she needs to try harder to fit in. I feel that her journey to Austria was a case of Marji educating herself one of the morals of the story.
Zachary Lewkowicz
-post 8 June 21-
American History X extra credit
American history X is a movie designed to scare us. It speaks to the extremes of human emotions. It reminded me of Jhallys advertising apocalypse essay. Jhally made the point that advertising created the illusion that we needed something to be complete or to make our lives easier. Danny and Derek’s father was shot by a black man during their childhood. So because of this Danny and Derek developed a fear against black people. In order to fill the void of insecurity towards a race they embraced the ideas of white supremacy. Just like goods they are advertised to us we only buy them when we perceive we need it. The only price that Danny and Derek had to pay was time to realize the mistake they had made in choosing to accept the idea of white supremacy.
Jhally’s essay I believe made the point to question why we need to buy these things. If Danny and Derek had used the same logic, to question things, perhaps they would have rethought their actions in joining the white supremacy. This speaks to the need of people to think about their actions, and to always question why things happen. American history x also shows how volatile such organizations that use the ideas of white supremacy are so troublesome. In the scene where Derek is raped out of his interaction with a black man, is just one of many examples of how dangerous it is to harbor such intense hate. “Hate is baggage. Life's too short to be pissed off all the time.” This quote exemplifies the major message of the movie. That harboring hate does not help anyone, And that hate can make your life mirror the events of the movie.
Douglas Domingo
Jhally’s essay I believe made the point to question why we need to buy these things. If Danny and Derek had used the same logic, to question things, perhaps they would have rethought their actions in joining the white supremacy. This speaks to the need of people to think about their actions, and to always question why things happen. American history x also shows how volatile such organizations that use the ideas of white supremacy are so troublesome. In the scene where Derek is raped out of his interaction with a black man, is just one of many examples of how dangerous it is to harbor such intense hate. “Hate is baggage. Life's too short to be pissed off all the time.” This quote exemplifies the major message of the movie. That harboring hate does not help anyone, And that hate can make your life mirror the events of the movie.
Douglas Domingo
persepolis movie
The movie Persepolis was more like a synopsis of the book. I felt that because it was more focused on Marjane, there was less focus on the characters that really made an impact on her. So in this movie the characters that she thought made the greatest impact in her life got time in the movie. I felt the side characters had the best pearls of wisdom and the best examples of what was going on in Iran. The comic book portrayed Marjane learning about love through experience through friends and her own experience help make the connection that the Iranians are real people, because these trials and experiments with love are emotions that all humans have.
Because of this is thought the movie Persepolis was bad. Movie goers will leave with the sense that they had just watched a cartoon about an Iranian girl, as opposed to the greater revelations experienced in the comic book. The comic book was better due to the depth of the character development and the messages portrayed were stronger in the comic book. The idea that one must educate one’s self was an idea I felt unrepresented. The comic book portrayed Marjane redefining herself through educating herself in both Iran and in Austria. I thought this message was a universal idea that was necessary for everyone to hear and understand.
Douglas Domingo
Because of this is thought the movie Persepolis was bad. Movie goers will leave with the sense that they had just watched a cartoon about an Iranian girl, as opposed to the greater revelations experienced in the comic book. The comic book was better due to the depth of the character development and the messages portrayed were stronger in the comic book. The idea that one must educate one’s self was an idea I felt unrepresented. The comic book portrayed Marjane redefining herself through educating herself in both Iran and in Austria. I thought this message was a universal idea that was necessary for everyone to hear and understand.
Douglas Domingo
persepolis book response 2
I noticed in the second half of Persepolis there was a big change in Marjane. In Austria when Marjane had freedom she seemed to take her freedom and not do much of anything. We can recall that she hung out with friends and seemed to lose her identity and her drive to do something. We see her bounce from home to home even though she seemed exceptional in class. Her teachers noticed her troubles in Austria but with her freedom it became hard to fight something in order to disprove it. She joined up with the anarchist or the people from the commune because she thought this was the kind of free and independent life that she wanted. I thought that this was attributed to her not caring. So since she had freedom, she felt she lost all the emotions she used to use to fight the government were no longer needed in Austria so she did nothing.
When she returned to Iran is when she became motivated. We saw that at school she actually cared about sticking out and questioning authority. The simple fact that she displayed herself going to school and being in school was a good indication that she displayed herself studying and struggling. It would appear as though the struggle against the radical government is what drives her to do things like study hard, and to follow the ideals her family asked her to fight for. This gave the reader and Marjane a greater appreciation of the freedoms that we take for granted.
Douglas Domingo
When she returned to Iran is when she became motivated. We saw that at school she actually cared about sticking out and questioning authority. The simple fact that she displayed herself going to school and being in school was a good indication that she displayed herself studying and struggling. It would appear as though the struggle against the radical government is what drives her to do things like study hard, and to follow the ideals her family asked her to fight for. This gave the reader and Marjane a greater appreciation of the freedoms that we take for granted.
Douglas Domingo
Water (Extra Credit)
Films by Deepa Mehta fire and water, have a same theme; the desire of liberty in Indian culture. When we say ‘Fire’ was about women seeking freedom inside of her family, ‘Water’ is the movie that shows widow’s desire of freedom from the prejudices and gender discrimination. I really enjoyed the movie ‘water’ because it is not like common movies which director brings up the problem and make fights against those bad customs exist in the movie. Instead, this movie chose to describe characters’ lives which rather let go those customs to remain and suffer from those corrupted practices. One of my touching moment was when Chuiya was answering to Madhumati(the leader of the house of widow)’s question, ‘Wife is part of her husband while he’s alive, and when husband die, God help us wives also half die, so How can a half-dead woman feel pain?’. She replied as ‘Because she is a half alive’ and I found it really cute.
American History X (Extra Credit)
American History X is clearly a movie dealing with the issue of race. The movie opens portraying Edward Norton (Derek Vinyard) a redneck who is well-spoken, charismatic, intelligent compared to the unintelligent and violent image of a stereotypical redneck. The film shows the viewer that how hatred and racism can destroy a person.
The dinner conversation that takes place in the start of the movie amazes the viewer as to how racist a person can be. After the death of their well known father, the family faces troubles which makes Derek pay heed to his father's racist views and we can see them blaming the blacks for his death. We see him joining a neo-nazi group and simultaneously we see that the family propers, then again depicting that the family is a male - dominant family. The climax in the movie is the brutal and inhuman killing of a black person by Derek, when he smashes his face in the curb, depicting his cruel and unsympathetic nature.
In one of the readings by tatum, she says that can people of color be racists? and she replies that they cannot benefit from racism systematically. Which is true as here we can see that the blacks cannot do anything in front of a group with 100 white people all racists.
The turnover in Dereks life is when he goes to jail, ironically, where he himself becomes a victim to a brutal crime by a white person and became friends with a black decent person, which was hard for him to digest. Here is another example of stereotype we discussed in class, that blacks are not considered to be decent, which is ofcourse not right.
He gets out a prison a changed man, and thus to get out of his racist group, he had to pay his brothers Danny's life. They killed him. But we know, the viewers know that he would not return to his old ways of violence begetting violence. Similarly proving the statement in La Heine, "Hate breeds Hate". This movie provides a haunting look to racism but this gore view of the film did affect peoples opinion on such racist groups.
http://www.oppapers.com/essays/Racism-American-History-X/56663
American history X
The story opens up through the eyes of Danny Vineyard (Edward Furlong), who idolizes his older brother Derek (Edward Norton). They were raging for retribution over the murder of their firefighter father and burning for a way to vent his rage, Derek finds himself in some kind of hate. His actions ultimately culminate in a brutal murder and a prison sentence for himself.American History X is a profound and stirring drama about the consequences of urban racism as a family is torn apart by hate.As we say "hate" all i could think of it the movie " La Haine " because in that movie there were having the same subject through the movie. In La Haine , as we all know Vinz, The angry man , looks alike with Danny. just like his brothers were in coma , and he wanted to take revenge from cops. SO Hubert tries to calm him down as Derek does to Danny.
The film follows one man's struggle to reform himself and save his brother after living a life consumed by violence and bigotry.While in from prison, Derek is transformed and no longer views hatred as a badge of honor. He is ashamed of his past and is now in a race to save Danny and the Vineyard family from the violence he's brought upon them.Three years later, everyone awaits Derek's return: His mother Doris (Beverly D'Angelo), who prays for his safety; his girlfriend (Fairuza Balk); and most of all Danny, who is desperate for his brother's love and guidance.On the day of Derek's release from prison, Danny hands in a school book report on Men Kampf. Enraged, the school principal (Avery Brooks) demands that Danny write a new paper, one on the events that led to Derek's incarceration. Derek tries to breakthrough with his brother through his love.
Persepolis movie
Marjane Satrapi is no ordinary young woman, she is a princess. And not only a princess, but what some people might call a 'Red princess': born into a progressive family, she was reading cartoons about Marxism when other children were reading fairy tales. Her maternal grandfather was the son of Nasreddine Shah, the last Qadjar emperor of Iran.
Growing up, she was surrounded by relatives and family friends regularly thrown into jail for being communists. Today, she holds no brief for either the Islamic regime or the monarchy it displaced.
The child of intellectual parents, she was sent to Europe in the mid-1980s, at the age of 14, to be spared the oppression of an Islamic regime then at its worst. Running away from the prejudices of the Iranian mullahs, she was faced with the preconceived ideas held by Europeans on Iran and Islam. Her observations have resulted in a wonderful series of comic strips published under the name Persepolis the first two volumes of which have sold more than 20,000 copies in their French version.And it is very good that she thought about making a movie. .
Saturday, June 26, 2010
Extra Credit X
American History X focuses on one very central issue, race. Throughout the film there is a battle between the stereotypes and racial attitudes. Hate crimes are cast throughout and there is a constant tension between the skinheads and blacks. It takes a tragic rape in a prison for Derek to realize that race doesn’t matter in a place like prison, and that his displaced hate has put him on the wrong track. Where the hate came from to me was very powerful and what of the most important parts of the film.
The scene is set with Derek’s family at the table. Everything is going well until the mention of Derek’s English teacher that happens to be black. This causes the father to go on a tangent. He makes a reference to the ill affects of affirmative action. Derek’s father believes that minorities (blacks) are getting jobs when they are not as qualified as other white workers, and in this specific case fireman. Shortly after Derek’s father was killed in an accident, which is what ultimately lead Derek onto his path of hate. The controversy of affirmative action was one that we discussed in the beginning of the semester ion Brodkin’s article, and one that had a great affect on the life of Derek.
Omar Mir
Persepolis the movie
I personally like the movie, but greatly preferred the book. This really isn’t a new thing for me; I do typically enjoy books more than I do the film versions. The book was far more descriptive and informational. The movie didn’t explain much of anything and seemed to be more just about Marji than anything. The other characters in the film did not have a chance to sufficiently develop.
There were some unnecessary cuts in the film I believe. The specific example I would like to point out is the “divorce.” The way it was done in the book gave more insight than it did in the movie. Like the rest of the movie it is hard to get a lead in what Marji is actually thinking at any given time and the flow is somewhat disjointed. Regardless it was a very entertaining Film.
Omar Mir
Persepolis II
I really liked the second half of Persepolis. I really enjoyed the scene where all the students are called to the main campus where they are then lectured about how they (the girls) need to clean up the way they dress. Marji of course stands up and states that the men are often also dressed provocatively, though they don't get yelled at. This was interesting to me, as I had always thought that the way they dressed was very strict for everyone. It was evident here that there may be a more sexist undertone to the forced dress code, as only the women are targeted.
Another part that I found very interesting was the part when we see Marji forced to draw a clothed person for her Anatomy class. We then learn that Marji and her friends meet at night and draw each other behind closed doors. To me this was a very important part of Marji's message that "one must educate one-self". She is taking matters into her own hands to enhance her mind, and I found that to be very strong of her.
Overall, this was a fantastic book. I enjoyed looking at Satrapi's drawings along with the dialouge and I feel like I have learned much about Iran and their culture.
--Cameron
Persepolis part 2
The second part of Persepolis to me was much more interesting than the first. I do believe that Marji grew up during the first part, but she became an adult in the second part. Marji was forced to find herself throughout the entirety of the second part. Through much the beginning she didn’t have much of an identity. She was forced to find out things about herself under unusually strenuous conditions. For her to be able to find herself she would have to overcome much more than what most people would have to go through.
What I found most interesting is that she comes full circle. She is at one point at odds with herself and her identity. She conforms to those around her and loses herself and who she is, directly opposing what her grandmother told her to do. She then begins to realize the error of her ways towards the end of the novel. She takes all the life lessons learned and then becomes who she is today. In my opinion, had Marji not gone through the drug use, the boyfriends, along with all her other various obstacles through her country, she would not have been able to educate the world on the culture of Iran.
Omar Mir
Persepolis pt 2
The second part of Persepolis was definitely something. I was quite surprised with Marjane getting married. It seemed to out of character. In the beginning it was like a point that was made that she was a little rebel who was bold and outspoken. She seemed to want to stand out and not fit in. I suppose though, that this was an example of how tight things were during the times and how people were really oppressed. It did work out in a way because it helped her realize she couldn't stay there anymore and just had to get out.
What really bothered me was how her parents knew they should've left the country but they didn't. Marjane's said he didn't want to end up driving a taxi cab. I found that to be really stupid. If they left Iran and got away from all the oppression he could have had a better life as well as his family. He didn't have to get a job as a taxi driver. It was his choice. Like did he really expect his daughter to be better off alone at such a young age?
But overall the book was really good and i enjoyed reading it
What really bothered me was how her parents knew they should've left the country but they didn't. Marjane's said he didn't want to end up driving a taxi cab. I found that to be really stupid. If they left Iran and got away from all the oppression he could have had a better life as well as his family. He didn't have to get a job as a taxi driver. It was his choice. Like did he really expect his daughter to be better off alone at such a young age?
But overall the book was really good and i enjoyed reading it
persepolis 2
What I found in Persepolis was a great connection of Marjane with her family. Even though the most of her connections with her friends were failed, her strong relations with her family led her to more mature and successful life. I was thinking about my own family while thinking of Marjane’s. Her grandmother resembles mine when she always on her side supports her and misses her. Her mother portrayed as a very normal and ideal mother who is being supportive, sometimes scold at her but most of the time being a friend and share the thoughts with daughter. Her father was like a distant teacher of her, In the scene ‘the wedding’, Marjane’s father knew that they are not made for each other, but he was playing supportive and wanted her to realize by herself through the experience. Family members of Majane’s were so sweet and it was good to see parents respect their daughter’s decisions and believe in her.
Persepolis 2 made me to think back of my life when I first came to U.S. Like Marjane in ‘Tyrol’, because I was good in math (compare to other subject), I made some friends by tutoring them. Moreover, in the scene ‘the soup’, I agree with my experience that people who speaks other languages can easily be a friend, if they open their eyes to find the common thing to share, because people sense closeness to others when they find something in common.
Persepolis movie
Watching the movie that is made from the book always interests me. The movie Persepolis also I found it very helpful, even though there were many facts missing in the movie. Before I watch the movie, I was not able to feel any sadness that Marjane felt toward the war but after watching the scene of bombing, killing people I could sense her fear and those changes of her facial expressions made me easier to understand her feelings. I almost cried when I watched the scene of Marjane going to abroad, saying goodbye to her parents, because it reminded me the moment I was waving at my parents at the airport few years ago.
If I were the seller, I would sell this movie and book together as a one plus one item, because I found the movie hard to follow without any background knowledge from the book. However the movie I think was well made, because I think it is going to be hard to describe every events of one’s life in ninety minutes.
Persepolis
Her books are enjoyable, although that is certainly a strange word to use to describe books that tell about murders, torture, and the repression of an entire population, particularly women. But Satrapi has such a sly sense of humor that she makes her points with bitter laughter in the background. That's the only way to bear oppression, she says in some of her graphic stories.Her second book tells about her childhood as an upper-class girl whose family, many of whom were communists, opposed the Shah. She and they supported the revolution, which they thought would bring about democracy or the rule by the proletariat, only to find that the result was a fundamentalist Islamic republic that was more repressive than they could have imagined.Then, in 1981, Iraq attacked Iran and the fundamentalist Iranian Government urged everyone to fight and become martyrs. During the eight-year war, the Iraqi military killed 1 million Iranians. But at one point when Saddam Hussein wanted to end the war, Iran's Ayatollah Khomeini refused because it had become a holy war. Teachers held daily sessions in which children were supposed to hit themselves to show their sympathy with the martyrs.
Apparently Satrapi was always rebellious and full of pranks that could have landed her in jail. She even struck a teacher who treated her badly. Her parents sent her to Austria because they feared she was likely to wind up imprisoned, raped, and executed if she stayed in Iran (it's against the law to execute a virgin in Iran, so jailers rape virgins before they kill them).
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