E317. My Years in Iran: Moral Police, Private Parties, and 'Temporary Marriage'
Key
- Iran: The main country where the story takes place and the starting point of the narrator's profound connection with the country.
- Sanctions: Economic and military sanctions imposed by the United States on Iran, which have affected the daily lives of Iranians.
- Temporary marriage: A special form of marriage contract that exists in Iran to circumvent legal restrictions.
- Moral police: Law - enforcement agencies responsible for monitoring whether social behaviors comply with Islamic religious regulations.
- Cultural gap: Due to political, religious and other factors, there are cultural differences between Iran and the outside world.
Abstract
This episode of Story FM tells the decade - long fateful bond between Jean and Iran. Starting from a backpacking trip in 2012, this mysterious ancient Middle Eastern country of Iran deeply attracted her. Jean not only lived and studied in Iran but also established deep friendships with the locals and even experienced a special kind of love. However, under the heavy pressure of sanctions, religion, and culture, the lives of ordinary Iranians are extremely difficult. Through Jean's narration, we get to know the little - known side of Iranian society and the longing of Iranian young people for freedom and the future in difficult situations. This experience also made Jean a more determined feminist.
Insights
This podcast provides a unique perspective for us to gain an in - depth understanding of the mysterious country of Iran. Through the personal experience of the narrator Jean, we can see the profound impact of sanctions on the lives of the Iranian people and the simmering longing for freedom in Iranian society under religious constraints. In addition, the podcast also reveals the complex interpersonal relationships and unique survival rules in Iranian society, offering a rare window for us to understand Middle Eastern culture.
Views
01 "Under sanctions, the lives of the Iranian people are extremely difficult"
Sanctions imposed by Western countries such as the United States have made the Iranian people face many difficulties in their daily lives, such as difficulty in obtaining daily necessities and inability to use international payment systems.
02 "There is a longing for freedom in Iranian society"
Despite strict religious and political restrictions, Iranian young people still pursue freedom in various ways, such as attending family gatherings and watching foreign movies.
03 "Cultural differences and misunderstandings coexist"
Western media reports on Iran are often biased, while the real Iranian society is far more complex and diverse than we imagine.
In - depth
Ten Years in Iran: A Western Woman's Cultural Collision and Love Story
The latest episode of Story FM tells the decade - long fateful bond between a Western woman named Jean and Iran. This experience not only gave Jean a profound understanding of Iranian society but also led her to have new insights into life.
First Encounter with Iran: Behind the Hospitality
In 2012, Jean first set foot on Iranian soil. A backpacking trip made her develop a strong interest in this country. In Shiraz, she met a warm - hearted Iranian aunt who invited her to stay at home and experience the local life. The hospitality of the Iranians left a deep impression on Jean and made her full of curiosity about this country.
Studying in Tehran: Cultural Shock and Social Observation
In 2016, Jean decided to go to the University of Tehran to pursue a master's degree in Iranian studies. However, life in Iran was not all smooth sailing. Visa issues, political symbols in the teaching buildings, outdated computer systems, poor - quality toilet paper, and ubiquitous sanctions all made Jean feel the uniqueness of Iranian society. What shocked Jean even more was that in Iran, personal connections were more important than academic qualifications. A British classmate admitted that he chose the University of Tehran because he could meet people here that he couldn't meet elsewhere. This reflects the reality of a rigidly hierarchical and nepotism - rife Iranian society.
Life Under Sanctions: Hardship and Helplessness
Since the end of the Iran - Iraq War in 1988, the United States has imposed large - scale economic and military sanctions on Iran. Sanctions have made it impossible for Iran to use foreign website services, credit cards are useless, and large - amount remittances can only be made in cash. There are no McDonald's or KFC on the streets, and the prices of fast - fashion brands are outrageously high. For ordinary Iranians, every detail of life is full of hardship. They can only buy the worst and cheapest goods because the Iranian government restricts imports. However, powerful Iranian families can enjoy privileges through smuggling, monopoly and other means.
Love and Marriage: The Helpless Choice of Temporary Marriage
In Iran, single men and women are prohibited from traveling together, and even staying in a hotel requires a marriage certificate. For the convenience of travel, Jean and her Iranian boyfriend chose a way called "temporary marriage". This kind of marriage usually lasts from a few days to 99 years, and the bride must be non - virgin. In Iran, temporary marriage is sometimes used to cover up sexual transactions, which reflects the complex moral concepts in Iranian society.
Parties and Nightlife: Release Under Suppression
Despite strict religious restrictions, Iranians still find ways to have fun. Family gatherings are an important social way for Iranians. At parties, people can drink, dance, sing, and even take drugs. These activities are usually carried out in private residences to avoid being discovered by the outside world.
Moral Police: Ubiquitous Supervision
In Iran, the moral police are responsible for monitoring whether social behaviors comply with Islamic religious regulations. They often patrol the streets to check whether women are dressed appropriately. If a woman's headscarf is not covered tightly enough, or her top is too short and her pants are too tight, she may be taken to the police station by the moral police for education, and even her family will be notified.
The Crash of the Ukrainian Airliner: The Pain of the Iranians
On January 8, 2020, a Ukrainian airliner was accidentally shot down by the Iranian military shortly after taking off from Tehran, killing all 176 people on board. There were 82 Iranians on this plane, and most of them had waited a long time to get an exit visa. This tragedy brought great pain to the Iranian people and also made people worried about Iran's future.
Thoughts on the Future: Hope and Uncertainty
Jean's experience shows us the real side of Iranian society. Under the heavy pressure of sanctions, religion, and politics, the lives of the Iranian people are extremely difficult. However, they still pursue freedom and happiness in various ways. Iranian young people are eager for change and to integrate into the world, but their future is still full of uncertainty. Jean's story also triggers our thinking about cultural differences and cross - cultural communication. When getting to know a country, we should not just look at the surface but should deeply understand the local history, culture, and social background. Only in this way can we truly understand the people of this country and establish real friendship and cooperation.