Persepolis Movie and the Connection to Globalization

             Persepolis is one of the French animated movie, made by Marjane Satrapi, the real main character itself that is very influential to the audience. The movie is based on a true story, and a comic made by Satrapi herself, that tells about her life in Tehran and the war that occurred for many years and how it devastates people socially and culturally. Persepolis can make audience think about the condition in Tehran, Iran and the fate within those people, as well as reflecting the impact of globalization in our country. This movie as well can give different interpretations of globalization, feminism and how globalization influences the future of Iran later on.

                In first scenes there’s a moment that Marjane’s ancestor, the Shah’s father, was persuaded by the English leader to make the country become authoritarian in order to run the country easier. From that moment he made a strict regulation; he made every society obliged solely to his kingdom, and everybody must down with the Shah’s family, and his Sharia & Anti-America regulation, particularly for women; such as no cosmetics, modern outfit, even American music and movies. His dictatorship is negatively acknowledged by Marjane’s family, who mostly were a pro-democratic country, such as Uncle Anoush, who was in prison for 9 years and assassinated several years after. According to writer’s opinion, Marjane’s family is the reflection of the impact of globalization, where they rejected his dreadful laws. This effect of globalization changes (not only Marjane’s family), but also the society itself. They greatly want freedom, although it is not heard due to the fact there was a huge war between Iraq and Iran, and must lost the lives of a loved one.

                As the story continues, the change after Iran and Iraq war finally has finished, however the freedom of the people is still oppressed by the government. It turns out even worse. More women MUST wearing black, long veils (chador to be precise), without asking the opinion for women first. This phenomenon clearly states that there’s a big repression into gender inequality. Women has no right to do any major activity because the government is mostly determined by men, which has this strong patriarchal culture over constructing norms, as well as treating women as a second sex; while on the other hand men can dress as cool as western artists. Moreover, even women in painting class must draw a ‘naked’ body covered by a closed burqa. How crazy is that?? In writer’s perspective, this phenomenon can repress people into become more rebel, and might lose faith in religion, because the use of Sharia and religion isn't because of women’s choice, but because of political purpose.

The impact of globalization isn’t going to affect the whole community, however globalization can create more oppressing culture as well. Not all globalization from the west can greatly change the nation in becoming like them; but globalization can influence people’s perspective on certain social norms.