Persepolis Argumentative Essay

I strongly believe that the non-fictional graphic novel, Persepolis by Marjane Satrapi should be taught in every school. It is the case that I go against Johan Bennett's argument and prefer Persepolis to be taught at school not only because it helps you think twice about calling Iranians, “terrorists”, but because it teaches you about things that can actually happen to you-- whether its teenage struggles or conflict during adulthood. Unlike my opinion, Johan Bennett, the chief executive officer of SMJUHSD believes that Persepolis should be banned from every school in the district saying, “... let me be clear – we are banning this book from our schools.” In her graphic novel, Persepolis, Marjane Satrapi elaborates on what it was like to live in Iran during the Islamic Revolution. It became obligatory for women to wear veils in public in 1979, men couldn't show their wrists, women couldn't wear make up, and couples weren't to be seen in public. This book clearly shows how hard it was to live in Iran during the revolution. This side of the novel really helped me value and be grateful for what I have. We are given the chance to express ourselves here by wearing and saying what we please. It's always important to throw your input out there because you should always have the right to have justice which is something they lacked in Iran. Marjane also explains what her life was like – what choices and mistakes she made throughout her life. In life, we all make mistakes; nobody is perfect. Satrapi tells us about the bad choice she made in her youth and in her adulthood. For instance, when she leaves to Austria and makes friends who she thinks were a great choice, but later finds out that she was wrong. We've all done this and this also helped me realize that I need to start being more careful on choosing my friends. Marjane also explains how she attempts to fit in with the crowd, but later finds out that she has failed doing so. It's important to always be ourselves no matter what. She then talks about her suicide attempts and how she felt at the moment. Personally, I wouldn't blame her for wanting to commit suicide considering all the things she's dealt with – having family members and friends dying, having to live life with so many restrictions, having no friends or a place to live for a while. There are people in the world going through situations like these, but it's important to go on in life and make the most of it. It's also important to choose the right paths, wisely. It is the case that I prefer Persepolis to be taught in school because it helps you think twice about calling Iranians “terrorists” and because it teaches you about real obstacles that may cross your path someday.