Class 4 Homework

a) Marjane starts as a very young girl who is unconsciously rebellious to the Iranian government. She didn't have the knowledge yet to know that she was going against the gov. when she was making fun of wearing the veil. Eventually she becomes conscious that she's being a rebel, but it doesn't seem that during her childhood and early adolescence, she ever has a clear idea of why. She hates the government, but she does not hate her country. Her father and her rejoice at the word that Iraq had been bombed. It seems as though she gains knowledge throughout the story that leads her against her own government; knowledge of torture, execution, and exile. But the majority of her views come from the views of her family. Which she cannot control. She also gains her view because she is a woman growing up in Iran and is, therefore, oppressed.

b) Some characteristics that I nor anyone can control are their gender, ethnicity, physical characteristics, family, and where I grew up/what language I spoke growing up. My parents passed away when I was young, which I could not control, and so I was pushed towards taking care of myself and being less dependent at a younger age than most. It made me who I am today, and I had no control over it. People don't really have negative reactions to this characteristic of my life, they are generally sympathetic and caring. I advocate the idea that with the right mindset, someone can be whoever they want to be. But in some cases, it is much harder for people to get into the right opportunities, for example, if they were born in a third world country, it would much more difficult.

-Matthew