Persepolis

Laura: Marjane’s graphic memoir has sparked my interest from the very first page. Her use of a simple art style has made it easy to view the story through her point of view. Although her life has been very different from mine, I was able to draw some similarities between the cultures we grew up in. I grew up in Lithuania, a rather patriotic country, likely due to it being faced with oppression and forced assimilation. Lithuania’s native language faced extinction during Russia’s occupation; all the Lithuanian books were ordered to be burned and the language itself was forbidden to be used. Those who disobeyed faced serious consequences, sometimes even resulting in death. Yet, there were still those who refused to let go of their country, and secretly delivered Lithuanian texts to the people. It was a sign of hope, and it silently built a resistance which eventually won back their country. I can understand Marji’s parents’ compliance with Marji’s desire to own posters of western stars and to show off buttons of Michael Jackson. These things have not only been art to enjoy, but also significant symbols of freedom and rejection of oppression.

Dillon: This story really hits home for me. I’m a second generation from an immigrant family. My family are refugees that escaped a communist regime in Laos in the 1980s. My parents didn’t know any English and came here by boat and spent time in as refugee camp. My parents wanted to give me a safe and caring home and they made sure that I had the freedom to study what I love. My parents taught me that even though it was scary for them back in the 80s, it’s no longer like that. Laos is a thriving nation full of people and an exotic culture and tons of delicious food.

Ripin:

Shailah: