My Sister, Guard Your Veil; My Brother, Guard Your Eyes

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In this groundbreaking anthology, Lila Azam Zanganeh explores the complexities of Iran, challenging the simplistic narratives that dominate American perceptions. Contributors like Azar Nafisi and Marjane Satrapi present a multifaceted view of a nation often misrepresented as either a member of the "axis of evil" or a place of youthful rebellion. This collection aims to dismantle cultural and political clichés, featuring diverse topics such as feminism, sexuality, and political dissent under the Islamic Republic. Reza Aslan clarifies that Iran is better described as a "mullahcracy" than a theocracy, while Mehrangiz Kar discusses how the Iranian Revolution sparked a feminist movement. Azadeh Moaveni uncovers Tehran's underground parties and sexual culture, and Gelareh Asayesh addresses the racial identity of Iranians in America. Naghmeh Zarbafian reflects on the experience of reading censored literature, and Roya Hakakian reminisces about the joyful past of Iranian Jews. With a compelling introduction by Zanganeh, this collection seeks to reshape understanding of Iran, revealing the intricate realities of its society—caught between political Islam, modern media, and stark social inequalities.