Lost Generation of Iran Seeks Escape

[democratic]

http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/world/la-fg-iranyouth26dec26,0,2335496.story?coll=la-home-headlines

By Megan K. Stack, Times Staff Writer


TEHRAN — Their cheeks were bitten by the threat of snow, but the sisters didn't have anywhere else to go. They'd coated their faces with makeup and painted their eyelashes until they looked too heavy to blink, gaudy faces to offset drab denims and black coats. This afternoon, their spirits hung as low as the brooding clouds over the mountains.

"This country is very dirty," said Mansureh, a pale 23-year-old who answers telephones at a law firm because she wasn't accepted to any of Iran's universities. "Nobody likes the regime, especially the youth. There are so many restrictions, we can't do anything."

It was Friday afternoon, time for prayers in the Islamic Republic, but the sisters and hundreds of other young Iranians trekked into the mountains on the outskirts of Tehran instead. Droves of twentysomethings flooded the rocky paths as if they were going somewhere in particular — a concert or a rally. But there was nothing at the top; they were simply climbing their way out of the smoggy urban mazes.

The mountains were alive with hormones and directionless potential. Forget black robes and beards; Iran's almost-adults dressed as if they'd just come from a rave, with faded running shoes and aviator glasses shoved high into their hair. They slouched along, glassy-eyed and smoking cigarettes. Many of them looked stoned. Boys and girls held hands. The winter light slanted through the dying trees. The mood was nihilistic.

"I think the government wants the youth to be on drugs so they keep quiet," said Mansureh's sister, a 17-year-old high school student who also gave only her first name, Mona. "They say it's a problem, but they're the ones importing it."

[Celeborn Skywalker]

1. I don't think anybody thinks Iran is a great place to live or,

defends their regime, but does anybody else think all these stories about Iran are designed to slowly build up public support for a possible military strike? It seems like Iran-related stories have increased in number over the past few weeks.

[loveable liberal]

2. we'll be showered with chocolate and flowers...

all we have to do is invade and the people will love us...

[democratic]

3. ..

The Los Angeles Times is building a case for invading Iran?!? Somehow or another supporting the people in Iran has become equated with President Bush and the war in Iraq. How unfortunate.

[Celeborn Skywalker]

4. I didn't say we shouldn't support the Iranian people's struggle

but I also think the media is pimping for an invasion. Why haven't we been seeing these stories all year round?

[proudbluestater]

5. This is the 5th one I've seen about "poor Iranians"

from the same poster. Never heard much of the Iranians until November 3rd, I reckon.

[Ms. Clio]

7. Never posts anything else, in fact

Strange, that. Most people come to DU to bitch about the neocons ruining our country, not to obsessively post about foreign lands.

Well, at least it wasn't the Iran Free Press this time, or whatever that bullshit propaganda site was.

[Ms. Clio]

6. "She wasn't accepted into any of Iran's universities"

Perhaps there was a reason for this, like maybe her grades sucked or something?

And these parties in the mountains near Tehran have been happening for a long time--this is the first time I have seen them described in such a negative way, though. "Hormones...directionless...many looked stoned...nihilistic." Wow. Sounds like any Saturday night at a suburban kid's house when his folks are away for the weekend. Young people seem to be about the same anywhere, even in those primitive backward Muslim theocracies. Whoda thunk it?