Persepolis, a novel by
Marjane Satrapi a non-fiction novel, tells a story about a young girl who
experiences living through the Islamic revolution and how she escapes the chaos
of the revolution. Although everyone has an opinion about Iran, Satrapi tries
to clarify ideas that people may have formed from stories they have heard about
Iran. Satrapi releases the novel Persepolis; however, the book is banned
in some schools. The Chief Executive Officer of SMJHSD, Johan Bennett, is
planning to ban the book for, “crass language, graphic violence, torture,
sexual content, lewd humor, and instance of suicide”, although there is much
evidence on why it is inappropriate, it should ultimately be taught in schools
everywhere.
One
reason that the novel should be taught in schools is because, Satrapi is a
great role model to students and everyone. For example, when Satrapi over hears
a couple of girls talking about her how she is not proud of who she is Satrapi
exclaims, “… I am Iranian and proud of it” (197.1). This is important because
she stands up for herself and teaches teenagers that they need to be proud of
where they came from and never forget their roots. In addition, Satrapi also
shows that she is strong and determined threw out the novel, for example on the
last pages of the novel she shows her strength, by overcoming every obstacle
she has been occurred. This is important because no matter what life throws at
you, you must stay strong and determined. It is clear that she is a great model
to not just students but also to adults.
Another reason
that this novel should be taught in schools is because, it shows how real life
is and how it is not perfect as some students may think. For example, when
Satrapi explains how her parents had to go protest almost every day for their
rights, “my parents demonstrated (protest) very day” (18.1). This is important
because, whoever is born in the United Sates know they are born with freedom,
but we must open the students eyes and show them that not everyone has the
freedom as us Americans have, also that students and everyone should appreciate
their freedom. In addition, life is not always perfect; for example, when
Satrapi attempts suicide on page 272 and 273. This is important because after
that tragic even she turns her life around becomes a dance instructor and
starts eliminating the negative things in her life. Satraphi teaches students
that you have to live life to the fullest and have no regrets; also she teaches
you how real life in Iran is. It is clear that life is not perfect and people
with go through obstacles both internal and external and yet you must fight for
things that you believe in.
But
Bennett accusations of the novel are not completely incorrect. Bennett often
argued saying, “the main character, Marjane Satrapi, is not a good role model.
. .” There is somewhat of truth in Bennett’s words but Satrapi manages to
educate students while staying true to herself. Opposing views clam the novel
is, “not appropriate for our 10th grade curriculum.” This is true
but we do not live in a perfect world and students should know that. Overall Persepolis
should be taught in schools.
The
final reason why this novel should be taught in schools is because, it has less
violent graphics than what teenagers see now these days. For example, on page 51 people find it very
graphic but it is not that graphic as people may think it is. This is important
because people need to know that teenagers have seen a lot more graphic things
online. Furthermore, on page 52 panel 1, it seems very gruesome with the
dismembered body but yet it is done in a way that will not traumatize students,
it will just show them how monstrous people were in Iran. It is clear that this
novel in not as bad as what teenagers see online or their video games they are
playing daily. On another hand they should ban those violent/graphic games, not
the novel Persepolis that is educational but makes you see life in
another perspective.
As
a result Persepolis should be taught in schools overall, it will benefit
everyone not just students but also the teachers teaching the novel. Because it
will open their minds and challenge everyone to think differently and see things
from a different point of view. By showing students that Satrapi is a great
role model, how the novel shows how real life is, and how it is less graphic
then what people may think it is. Schools should not ban the novel Persepolis;
teaching this novel will expand everyone’s knowledge of the world.
