May 20, 2006

The real story behind the 'badges for Iranian Jews'

My friend Mehdi has translated the recent (quite silly and impractical) bill passed by the Iranian Majlis to limit the influence of Western dress code. This has apparently been the source of all recent uproar on Iran and other religious minorities: (Original text)

  1. Encouraging fabric designers and producers in using Iranian and Islamic patterns and styles in producing fabric and dress.
  2. Respecting the traditional patterns and lively symbols of Iranian ethnic groups and paying attention to proper body coverage based on Islamic Sharia.
  3. Taking advantage of research in obtaining original(to Iran) fabric patterns.
  4. Encouraging the public in using the Iranian styles.
  5. Supporting local producers of traditional clothes with loans and providing them exposure in clothes fairs and festivals.
  6. Helping the public access to traditional clothes by establishing permanent dress fairs on local and regional bases.
  7. Organizing regional (international) dress fair for exchanging experiences with other Muslim countries.
  8. Inspecting and Controlling the imports of fabric and clothes to prevent the import of clothes incompatible with cultural, Islamic and national values.
  9. This draft is written with coordination with the managing body in charge of clothing and dress.
  10. Financial support for NGOs, unions, and non-governmental institutions in providing national clothing.
  11. Media, in special the national TV, must help in establishing the usage of national clothing and they have to avoid advertising styles inconsistent with our culture.

The National Post has removed the original story from its website and published another one, retracting the initial report.

However, the shame remains with Mr. Amir Taheri, the real source of the story according to the National Post, and his blind hatred for the Islamic Republic.

Posted by hoder at May 20, 2006 6:55 AM| TrackBack

Comments
Mr. Amir Taheri is connected to a public relations company, a company that counts several u.s neocons as their clients.
- By: daz on June 1, 2006
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I was horrified by that headline in the Post. I just can't see this kind of toleration towards other religions or cultures here. Thanks for this post! Best regards! Nazar J.
- By: Nazar on May 21, 2006
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Hossein, I can see very well that there was no truth in the "minority tagging" claim. But just to be on the safe side, could you please explain the practical meaning of clause (2) "Respecting the traditional patterns and lively symbols of Iranian ethnic groups".
- By: Anat on May 21, 2006
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The neocons and death to the infidel (no THOSE infidel) crowd were quick off the mark spreading the latest "look they really are the Nazis!" slur. I guarantee this drivel will be quoted on right wing blogs as fact for the next 5 years. http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20060519/wl_mideast_afp/iranrightsreligion_060519200726 Golly, Iran has a jewish MP, who knew? Maybe this "black ops" slur will have a positive effect.
- By: Brian Coughlan on May 21, 2006
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Thanks for this. I was horrified by that headline in the Post. But then I've come to regard the post as a Canadian version of FOX news. Both in its far right content and poor quality writing. The publication started off with some talented writers (while they were still pretending to be a legitimate, objective news source) but then they fired them all. The majority of their content is currently written by established rightwing journalists, interns and emerging writers who are willing to say anything (to get their name in print). Or so I'm told (by insiders).
- By: canjourno on May 20, 2006
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Thanks for this post. I went crazy when I read that shameless article. I couldn't imagine how they had invented such a lie. This is something absolutely unimaginable in Iran's contemporary society. Iranians just can't go this far in discrimination. Maybe it is not in their blood. Only a "Western" or a "Westernized" mind may imagine such illogical fascist movements. In fact we have passed the age of wearing "zonnar" a long time before, and toleration towards religious miniorities is much more native to us. Just compare the difference between the social conditioning and general opinion of Iranian muslims towards Zoroastrians and Armenians of Iran. We all think of them az extremely pleasant and benevolent people. There may be enormus restrictions posed on them by some radical laws, but they are very well received by the majority of muslim Iranians. Their nationality is a much more determinant factor than their religion. Just compare this with the muslims in Europe. They are European and not Europan at the same time. I just can't see this kind of toleration towards other religions or cultures here. Public opinion is much more rigid.
- By: Zar on May 20, 2006
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