Persepolis

Persepolis a novel by Marjane Satrapi, tells a story about a young girl who lives in Iran. Although everyone has an opinion about Iran she tries to clarify a couple of things. She then releases the novel Persepolis. However, the book is banned in some schools even cities. The Chief Executive Officer of SMJUHSD, Johan Bennett, 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.

There is inappropriateness in this novel Persepolis, and the reasons on why Bennett’s action on banning this novel is reasonable. Bennett says, “this book in not appropriate for our 10^th grade curriculum”. Which is true but yet we do not live in a perfect world and kids should know that. Bennett also states that, “the main character, Marjane Satrapi, in not a good role model. . .”. This quote is very unfair and rude for Bennett to say because Marjane fought for what was right. On that had she also taught me to stand up for what you believe in. Bennett is only seeing the negative things in the novel and ignoring all the positive things that are in this novel.

The reason on why I agree to Bennett’s decision is because there are very inappropriate scenes in the novel. For example, when Marjane becomes the official drug dealer for her school, on page 222 panel  7. This is inappropriate because it is showing kids that it is okay to sell drugs or do drugs on school grounds. Another example is when Marjane tries to attempt suicide on page 271 and 273. These are a couple of reasons why I agree with Bennett’s decision to ban the novel.

On the other hand, I disagree with Bennett action on banning the novel. These are a couple reasons why it should still be taught in schools. Whereas, Marjane is proud to be Iranian and shows you should never be afraid of who you are or where you came from on page 197 panel  1, Marjane says, “ . . . I am Iranian and proud of it!”. This is a very powerful to everyone because it shows you must be proud of yourself and where you came from. Another example is that Marjane shows strength threw out the book and does not give up no matter what the situation is. For example when she tries to commit suicide and does not succeed and she decides to turn her life around on page 273 through 275.

Yes this book can be inappropriate at time but it also teaches a lesson in life. Therefore this book should not be banned and it should be taught in schools.