Our Similarities Are Greater Than Our Differences
When everyone realizes that we are all one and that we can’t harm someone without harming ourselves, all war will perish.
It has only been a few years since Iran was considered an enemy of the United States of America, part of the so-called “Axis of Evil.” We were told, “They hate our freedoms,” and though radical extremists can be found in many countries, like this one, the majority of the people fall somewhere in the middle. While our countries have their differences, the largest differences seems to be between our apparent leaders, and their rules.
Rick Steves’s hour long travel special on PBS: “Iran, Yesterday and Today” is a surprising and fascinating look inside modern Iran, its history and rich cultural heritage. It can be streamed in six parts here; Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4, Part 5, Part 6.
Iran’s capital city Tehran and the surrounding area is home to over ten million people, and looks like any normal big city in any developing country. It is apparent that modern Iran has been shaped by a culture that has been around for over a millennium. Besides the infrequent use of traffic signals, women in “madras” or headscarves, and lack of western advertising, the city looks pretty normal. It is filled with people trying to do their best to live their lives based on the environment they are in. According to Rick Steves, over 70% of the women would dress less conservatively if it was allowed.
The people of Iran enjoy many of the things that Americans enjoy, like spending time with friends and loved ones, visiting markets, shopping, dining in restaurants and watching sports. A few women in this PBS special even said, “We love Americans!” They understand that we are the same as them; we are all humans living on this planet together. Find out more about Iran from Rick Steves’ Website.
“All war must be just the killing of strangers against whom you feel no personal animosity; strangers whom, in other circumstances, you would help if you found them in trouble, and who would help you if you needed it.” – Mark Twain
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Posted on 07/13/2009 05:27 pm