"Lolita in Tehran" is a disturbing book where everything is black and white. The author depicts everything as being bad and a threat to her identity.
In the book there is a scene where she is having a ham sandwich with the magician. I found that highly disrespectful and a sign of her insecurities. Not all the Muslims rebel by yearning for a ham sandwich. I find friends that wear veils aka Naqab sexy and mysterious. These women feel like they exhibit control and power by wearing veils.
Considering the times we live in, one Muslims discontent exhibited negatively backlashes against the whole community. Nafisi should have considered the backlash of her words and the power behind them. Before 9/11 I never knew who Osama Bin Laden was. According to the stereotypes that have arisen since then, being Muslim means that I am somehow related to him. I find it highly atrocious and crazy that I am judged by his actions. The consequence of his lunacy- discrimination, governmental spying and invasion of privacy.
On one point I do agree with Nafisi, she should be allowed to the wear the hijab if she chooses to do so. It is her decision to make. Religion, regardless of the name, should be willingly followed.
Recently in the news reported there was an Orthodox Jewish man killing an Orthodox Jewish boy in Boro Park, Brooklyn. The guy chopped the little boy into pieces and shoved him into the refrigerator. There was also speculation of cannibalism. Should I consider all Jewish men from Boro Park cannibals? Should I fear going into that part of the neighborhood?
With the talk of chickens in the book, I tend to agree with Hamid Dabashi. I also think Nafisi is trying very hard to come across as Western and one of the mold.
