Iranian hospitality attack

It is amazing how different reality can be from the news as protrayed in Western Media and in this instance, American media. Iran is protrayed as one country in the axis of evil, filled with fundamentalist, evil people.

Throughout my travels I have had the pleasure of talking to many other travellers young and old. I have had that same pleasure in my hometown of Portland too. The most interesting stories are from those who are middle aged, 40 to 60 demographic who travelled in the early 70s. Some of these people even traveled to Iran. Believe it or not, Tehran and even Kaboul were back packers hot spots in the early 70s!

Today, only the most 'risky' travelers go to Iran (forget about Afghanistan). I have had the pleasure of reading a few of the 'brave' individuals who have gone to Iran and even run into a few.

But; the same theme seems to surface in all the reviews of the country I have heard and read: They are some of the nicest people in the world!! Axis of evil nothing, these are people desperate to shake the unfair image the West and especially America provides.

One such example:
http://www.digitalroom.net/index2.html

Sample of article:

"Beware! Forget about all the xenophobic, anti-Iranian propaganda dominating the media. What they say about terrorism and your life being in danger in Iran is absolute hogwash (I have no idea what that word means, but I like the sound of it: hogwash...). If anything, all that Iranians can be accused of is excessive hospitality. So, when traveling to Iran, beware of innocent looking situations which could turn into the experience of your life. Kind of like walking into The Twilight Zone. "

 

This page, http://www.key2persia.com/hospitality.htm is filled with comments like this from people who have been

'Iran has been one of the safest,easiest and most interesting countries I have visited and I have travelled alot. The Iranian people are one of the most polite and friendiest people in the world. People here are geniunely interested in meeting you as a guest to their country. The women are very educated and liberated in the fact that they work and are able to walk in the streets after dark in safety. Iran truely has been a wonderful surprise and a pleasure to travel. I will certainly spread the word about the misconceptions people hold in Australia concerning the Iranian people and their culture.'

and this

I enjoy this country very much due to its beautiful cities with amaizing mosques and persian culture.but the most extraordinary of all is the iranian people,they are kind and friendly and ready to help,and their hospitality is a great asset.thank you very much!!!

and this

Iran: Wonderful country with large variety in climate and nature; Woods, mountains, desserts, lakes and seas. I have enjoyed looking around a lot while traveling, hiking and sightseeng. Iranians: Wonderful, gentle, helpful and generous people. I believe there is no people like the Iranians; there is a lot that many can learn on that behalf. Vacation: I was quite unaware what Iran was all about before deciding to go. I did do some reading to familiar myself to know what to expect. That actually led me to quite some expectations. So far my expectations have been endlessly surpassed.


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I mean, people don't have to mention the people of Iran but they go out of their way to do it and have glowing reviews.

Don't believe the hype, Iran seems like a amazing place and one I wish to soleday see (as long as the West dosesn't SCREW IT UP)!

 

Totally agree. I keep telling this to the Islamophobes, but they wont listen.

How many violent thugs are there is Scotland? Quite a few. So what is everyone around the world started brandished all of Scotland with the same brush? But they don't do they? Somehow the drunken aggressive behaviour typical of Scottish culture is considered an endearing quality, one of jollity and amusement, and not a reason to hate us...

I've met people from Iraq, Iran, Turkey, Morocco, Egypt... and some of them would put us to shame with the humanity they have shown me. Not all of them though I must add.

 

I haven't finished cause I have to jet

http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/lucinate/whatwedid/1126110180/tpod.html

Imporant; especially in these times that we keep a level head about all those around the world.

 

I hope that Iran gets bombed off the map, but that's just me.

 

Sadly not. There are plenty other idiots who feel the same way.

 

You listen to Portishead, you have no say in matters of intelligence.

 

blow em all up. I don't care.


I'm happy in my little bubble

 

I would love to travel in Iran but I do believe that although there is alot of truth in Carlfloydfan's words you have to avoid certain things for sure. Bombing it of the map??? Crazy... You're probably missing out.

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VkgcSo4aHDE

 

As an Iranian myself...I've had the experience of watching a country affected by propaganda over the years. It's pretty crazy how easily someone will believe what an authoritative figure says when they don't know much about the subject matter. Our Government alone has brought hatred towards the entire Muslim population, solely because of the acts of a few outlaws. I've traveled to Iran a few times myself to visit family, and although it's not one of the prettiest countries, the people there are very friendly. There was a time also, years ago before the Islamic regime took over the country where their economy was doing well, and crime was almost non existent. My parents always tell me stories about when they were younger, and wouldn't have to even bother locking their doors because no one stole or committed crime. But only time will fade hatred from peoples' minds...there was a time when Americans hated the Japanese and Germans (as a whole) too..but I guess they're not so bad after all.

 

americans still dont like germans and japanese.....

 

Funny how your insults always seems to revolve around music...

 

I used to know someone from Iran and that's not what they said, it's supposed to have a very diverse geography. I was recommended to go there.

 

I have seen many pictures of Iran. Beautiful scenry. Mountains, rivers, lakes, forests, colorful fields of flowers, but also desert and more arid and even tropical climates.

Here is a nice sample of the diversity within the country:

http://www.worldisround.com/articles/73022/index.html


Bombing a country off the map? - It would be a shame to do such a thing to such a diverse region. Sorry you have such an ignorant view of Iran. A country steeped in history, tradition and culture, amazing scenry and again, people.

Really unacceptable.

 

pfft, I do.

I just like canadians way more.

 

As is the case with the United States, its the government that invokes the hatred of its enemies, not necessarily the people.

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uUjIA3Rt7gk

 

Thank you, Carl, I will be definitely adding these to my reasons why I don't believe in terrorists. Well, I do, seeing as our president is the most evil man alive and a huge terrorist, but I do not believe the Middle East is just teeming with them. Though I wouldn't be slow at all to call some of the American soldiers over there terrorists themselves, so maybe it is teeming with them, but that's just because we put them there. If America were to ever be attacked again, it would NOT be an act of terror, but one of revenge, I'm sure.

 

Yah I agree. I mean, Iran may very well house a few lunatics, but so does every country.