Social Activism In Marji's Persepolis

In Persepolis, the political and religious turmoil during the years of Marji’s childhood paved the way for her passion in social activism and rebellious nature. Marjane is influenced by the major rebellions that occurred during her childhood. During the Iranian Revolution, many people were protesting against the regime’s excesses and the secret police used by the Shah. Her mother and father often attended many of these political protests and supported revolutionaries such as Marji’s uncle, Anoosh; this may have had an impact on her passion for social activism which is shown through her statements of “I want to to go too [to the demonstration]” after she overhears her parents discussing attending a demonstration (Page 16) and “For a revolution
(Page 70)” This shows the loss of her childhood innocence that previously prevented her from being rebellious because she was so focused on becoming a prophet. The universities were also closed to ensure that students do not stray away from the true path of Islam, but she wanted to become an educated liberal woman like Marie Curie. As Marji says at the top of the panel “And so another dream went up in smoke (Page 73),” shows that she was resentful of this new policy and the constrictions that it placed on her; she could longer become who she wanted and have the rights she felt that she was entitled to. The strict enforcement of Islam with the women wearing veils and men having beards, as well as no appearance of western influence, continued to fuel her resentment to these social constrictions. On the other hand, during her childhood there were many acts of rebellion, that she was exposed to, to these constrictions which had huge impacts on her such as her mother not wearing the veils at all times and the continuation of parties even if they were forbidden. Marjane applies the ideals she acquires from the rebellions into her personal life and which change her perspective about the things she