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Marjane as a teenager: You say that our scarfs and trousers are indecent and that we put on make up, etc. As an art student, I'm often in the studio. I need to move freely in order to draw. A longer scarf will hinder me. As for our trousers, you say they're too wide even though they hide our shape. Since these trousers are in fashion right now, I ask, is religion defending our physical integrity or is it simply opposed to fashion? You criticise us, yet our brothers all have different hair and clothes. Sometimes they wear clothing so tight, we can see their underwear. Why is it that me, as a woman, should their tight clothes have no effect on me, while they should be aroused by a shorter scarf?
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Marjane's grandmother: So you're French, now?
Marjane as a teenager: Nana, stop it.
Marjane's grandmother: No no, I'm just asking, is all. I didn't know you were French.
Marjane as a teenager: Do you think it's easy being Iranian here? The moment I say where I'm from, they look at me like I'm a savage. They think we're all bloodthirsty, violent, loud fanatics.
Marjane's grandmother: Do you think that's any reason to deny your roots? Do you remember what I told you? Be true to yourself.
Nathan Rippy
Extended Reading
