The student media organization of California State University Northridge

Daily Sundial

The student media organization of California State University Northridge

Daily Sundial

The student media organization of California State University Northridge

Daily Sundial

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How Iranians could ever claim democracy when they fail to recognize it in a free land…

At a time when unanimity is of utmost importance to Iran’s political destiny and the fate of Iranians across the globe, some are not willing to unleash their differences and acknowledge each other as members of the same organization: The Iranian Society.
Separation within the Iranian community escalates, as Iranians continue to condemn each other’s beliefs and opinions in spite of all disorders and uncertainties facing Iran and its people.

Statements such as: — is one of them; — is pretending to care about Iran but in reality does not support democracy; reform will not bring change so long as — is in power; — wants dictatorship; — is a dictator in disguise; — is a communist; — is a product of the British; — is with the Russians; — has no courage to take over Iran; — is planning a coup d’état; and the comments continue endlessly.

When those issues become exceedingly exploited, color matters come into play: lighter shade of green denotes the Islamic Republic and Ahamdinejad; dark-green symbolizes pro-Mousavi; white color attire is politically correct for demonstrations; black embodies the recent uprisings.

And from there it goes into the different types of flags protesters across the world have been displaying, what each of them mean and which political party they represent.

I have recently been criticized for wearing a green wristband, not being alert that in some minds, the shade of green displayed on my wrist is connecting me to a certain political party. How could Iranians ever claim democracy when they fail to recognize it in a free land, I thought as I watched this individual analyze, criticize and disapprove of my political beliefs based on incorrect assumptions.

Despite my recent curiosity in politics and as opinionated as I have become in this area, I have always had very little interest on the topic. I blame my past irrelevance, specifically on issues concerning Iran’s politics, to the tension and division I witnessed within the Iranian community while growing up in the United States. No one ever wants to hear the other person and everyone is always right, is my overall analysis of the subject.

Free of a specific political party, a sense of disgust took over me as the person persistently linked me to an association in which I have no affiliation.

At this stage, green with all its shades, represents democracy and freedom for Iran as it symbolizes the recent uprisings. I do not believe green to stand for a particular candidate or a definite organization. As an Iranian-American living in the United States, when I display the color green, I am reminding the people of America that a nation across the world is yearning for democracy.

By this point I was determined to rid myself of every piece of green belonging I ever owned, including my notorious wristband. But then I thought, if every Iranian would wear a green wristband, it could become a great preparation and rehearsal toward a liberated Iran under the condition that we all recognize it as a symbol of freedom and keep our opinions to ourselves.

It has been extensively repeated through articles, blogs, tweets and any other form of communication you can think of, that Iran can only gain freedom and democracy through the unity of its people. Iranians must put aside all differences, including political and religious, in order to obtain a democratic state.

So the next time you see a green wristband, an Iranian flag you despise, or hear a political slogan that gives you that same feeling of noxiousness my friend gave me, put aside all your personal beliefs and repeat after me, “Freedom for Iran.”

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