Persepolis

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 10^th 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.