My heritage is really important to me. My family fled Iran soon after the revolution in the late 1970s; they faced chaotic conditions and an oppressive government. In this photo, my grandparents stand proudly with my father, in Iran back in the 1950s. My grandfather was Muslim, but he was a forward thinking man who believed in choosing one’s beliefs. Although they are fully American citizens now, they also carry their culture with them, like so many of us do, regardless of our roots. In my experience, growing up hearing stories from my family, Iranian culture is so beautiful and powerful as is the Iranian spirit.
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I want so badly to visit Iran someday and be in the presence of where my father grew up. Although Iran is often painted in a negative light, due to the Islamic government, it is also a beautiful place filled with families who have hope for the future. And like my grandfather, there are many Muslims who are not extremists. Muslim does not mean terrorist. I always try to encourage people to remember that not every Iranian agrees with their government.
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I love my family and I am proud to be an Iranian American. I hope for a day in the near future where there is less fear, mistrust and oppression.
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~shared by @taraviolet
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