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We may get past our bigotries in a couple of millenia, freerain, but
that isn't going to help us now. Understanding the greatness that once was Persia and the excellent qualities of modern Persia (Iran) that place it among emerging nations will not offset perceptions -- perceptions perhaps engendered over the centuries through various Western agencies but also not dispelled by acts of extremists and actors playing to an alien audience. Humans fear what they don't understand. And the powers that be on both sides fan the flames of fear to perpetuate their own regimes and expand their myopic agendas. That is the reality. That is the tragedy.
posted by
saul_relative
on May 27, 2007 at 10:57 AM
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All things old are new again
especially when the history of the defeated is written by the conquerer. Persia was a grand empire with many humanitarian qualities that are just resently being "discovered" by Western culture, thanks to the History Channel. Such awakening of cultural truth can have a cascading effect in the hearts of rational, intelligent people who welcome the "truth" of historical events that arent colored though a biopic prism slanted to the glorification of the victor, Greek culture, which is the foundation of Western Civilization. I see the conflict between Greece and Persia still being played out to this day--Western Civilization vs Eastern Civilization.
Persia was so advanced in culture that Alexander the Great, once he was victorious in Persia, declared himself Persian. He married the daughter of the king, and intended to have a united Persian/Greek empire. But, the bigotry of his fellow men could not see his vision and rebelled against his union, saying the King of Greece should have a Greek heir and nothing but a "pure" racial union and son could succeed him.
Western society does not know the history and contributions of the Persians and continue the bigotry begun thousands of years ago. It's time we stopped being so ignorant and start building a history of inclusiveness of cultures that can establish peace in the world.
Peace
FR
posted by
freerain
on May 27, 2007 at 9:37 AM
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My pleasure, Foliage. I wanted to show how a purely romanticized and
embellished period piece could be distorted not just by Hollywood but by politicians (and others) as well...
posted by
saul_relative
on March 28, 2007 at 10:07 PM
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saul_relative
Well-written piece! I first heard about the film, "300" only a couple of days ago from my friend, Nikos, in Greece. As we're both avid history buffs, I was excited. I haven't seen it yet. Saddened to hear it veers far away from the, 'story'. However, history in many ways was recorded by the wealthy and is subjective, yes? Sorry to hear that it has so much gore in it as well, but I guess you can't show that period in history without it. Thanks for the heads-up! --Joy!Mary
posted by
FoliageGold
on March 28, 2007 at 11:51 AM
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Thanks, afzal.
posted by
saul_relative
on March 26, 2007 at 9:59 AM
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Good post .
posted by
afzal50
on March 26, 2007 at 9:49 AM
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