Persepolis

The frames that I was drawn to the most were the middles and bottom ones on page 144. In this section she is questioning her teacher and backing up her argument with facts, and she shows an interest in learning instead of being lied to. These frames demonstrate just how important education is. This doesn’t just simply mean going to school and reciting what the teacher is saying. People should be knowledgeable and aware of what is going on in the world around them. Students should never be afraid to ask questions because this is the only way people are going to learn. If you walk around in a daze just doing what you are told, then you are always going to be ignorant. These particular frames speak to me because I cannot even begin to imagine a world where I am not encouraged to ask questions. Asking questions is what shows that people are thinking for themselves. Of course, in the context of the book, thinking for yourself is not considered a good thing. It is considered radical and can get you arrested, tortured, and executed.

However, being educated doesn’t only mean being aware of things. Educated people also know how to act in certain surroundings. It is clear in this situation that the main character does not see the importance is keeping her head down. Because she is still just a child, she is not aware of the consequences of her actions. Not only could she get herself killed, but she could also put the rest of her family in danger. Of course, like every other child, she is a product of her surroundings. Being raised by radical parents has is good and bad effects. The good is that she does know how to think for herself and she does not believe everything just because someone said so. Her parents taught her to question things and to think for herself. The bad side to this is that it could easily find herself in a deeper trouble than she can get herself out of.

While reading this book, I have come to realize just how ignorant of the world I am. My parents did not raise me to be politically active or even aware. We never discussed foreign affairs in my family while I was growing up. And since the events in this book took place before I was born, I honestly had no idea what had gone on in Iran, so I had no opinions to either confirm or deny. I can‘t even begin to imagine what life would have been like to grow up in those situation. In my opinion, it was probably harder for her than it was for those whose parents assimilated with the rest of society. At least they were not constantly hearing two opposing arguments. I don’t think that those of us that were born into an environment where we are allowed to think for ourselves will ever be fully aware of just how lucky we are to not have to constantly keep our heads down and our mouths shut.