Two Sides of the Story

After viewing some of the short stories written by Marjane Satrapi, the true background of the Islamic people becomes evident. In America today, many people have harsh criticisms directed towards those of Islamic faith. After the attacks taken place on 9/11, a strong sense of prejudice has evolved with many Americans pointing fingers without a direct understanfding of the truth. It is through this analysis of American behavior that Satrapi's comic stories become all the more intriguing. She presents us with the true renditions of her experiences during the Islamic revolution with the war between Iraq and Iran. It is hard to face the truth when one has blamed the wrong person for so long. It was extremists that were responsible for the terrorist attacks in both the past and the present, and we must acknowledge that difference. Satrapi's words and concrete issues sort of help to distinguish that difference between the extremists and those who are the real victims.

Satrapi writes in such a way that we almost question ourselves what is truly happening, or what is the significance of this event. One such a story would have to be "The Veil." The story really demonstrates the radical side of Satrapi's character and her rambunctious attitude to cease to conform with her fellow people. A specific scene would be the class photo that was taken in the beginning of the story. As it was discussed in class, a possible explanation to why her character is separated from the rest of the class could be that she does not feel like she belongs. Her character comes across as being an outsider, especially later on the book when she leaves to go away. She wants to be independent from everyone and live the life that she chooses, rather than live a life that is pre-determined much like the rest of her classmates. It is similar to how American associate anyone of Islamic faith as being a terrorist. This is horrible to think like this, but it is the truth of the majority behavior in this present time. It's almost as if Satrapi recognizes herself as being the "enemy" and doens't want to have that association anymore. She wants to leave her past behind in a sense to start her own story, one that spells the truth of the harships that she had to endure.
(David Roberts, Post 21)