All I am trying to do is for us to look like the Europeans so they would not laugh at us

If you, like me, often feel that Iran is not portrayed properly in the foreign press, this is an article to read. How many of us know anything concrete abt this country with an ancient civilisation? Now, I am not defending the ruling maniacs who make ridiculous statements. My point is that daily life and views are not reflected in the popular media. History is not respected. Result - a 5000-year old nation is viewed through the prism of the last 50 years or so. This book review provides some insights. Note the point abt the role of the average Iranian woman - how many of us knew that?

Another point here is how third-world leaders saw it as their mission in the mid-20th century to make their countries more like Europe or the US. Unfortunately, instead of copying good points like infrastructure building or the judicial system, they copied religion and culture (both of which are very local issues and in any case, cannot be thrust down anyone's throat).