an important graphic novel

I am really enjoying the graphic novel we are reading. Not only because it is funny and captivating, but also because the characters and the setting takes place in the Middle East. The book would be excellent on its own, but the fact that its setting is in Iran makes this especially important. I feel it was significant that Marjane Satrapi brought this novel to the world because our world, especially our country, needs to acknowledge the goodness of Islamic culture and the innocence of the people. Our society is exposed only to the terrorist attacks, hate crimes, and other negative aspects of the Muslim world. Our stereotypical attitude towards their race leads to suspicions and even mistreatment of every woman wearing a veil and every person who appears to be Muslim. They cannot ride airplanes without receiving  dirty looks.

Satrapi also makes her childhood life very relatable. From her experience with losing faith in God, and her relationships with other children and her family, Marji might remind us of our own personal life experiences.

Marji and her friends attempt to attack another child who happens to be a son of a murderer. An important quote which Marji’s mother says is, “His father did it but it is not Ramin’s fault…It is not for you and me to do justice…we have to learn to forgive”. This incident can relate to the United States’ grudge against the Middle East, and our ignorance. We tend to blame the entire race for a crime that only one group committed. With this graphic novel, the world is exposed to the other side of the war. We now have the ability to be aware of one girl’s struggle and a true experience of life in the Middle East.