Body Paragraph 2

This image was taken in Iran during a "peaceful" gathering to try to spread awareness about the inequality of women. The government did not respect the request of these women and responded violently by beating them with nightsticks. In this image, you can see the four policewomen (the ones wearing veils) grabbing and beating a women not wearing a veil. In any country ruled by Islamic Law, women may live under extreme oppression. Women can be beaten, raped, and killed without legal attention. Their whole lives and everything they do is influenced by their extreme inequality. In Persepolis, throughout the book, certain Iranian laws prevented them from normal freedoms. Marjane from the time she was very young had few freedoms. She was forced to wear the veil at a very young age. The veil is not just a physical piece of clothing. It is also a metaphor. The veil is a symbol of oppression covering the face of opportunity. When oppression is lifted, freedom is achieved. Marjane stated that when coming back to Iran, wearing the veil is her least favorite thing because it constantly reminds her she is less of a person (Shmoop Editorial Team, 2008). To her, it is less about wearing the clothing. It is about having restricted freedom. This shows how the single piece of cloth can strip women of their dignity and individuality. The old veil of oppression and restriction, as shown in this photo, should be lifted leaving the face of freedom.