instruction please see attachment. 2pages assignment. Make up a story The person I will be interviewing describes herself as an lesbian. I feel curious about her identities and the experience of being
Interview Assignment
I interviewed a female Persian coworker from Iran. She fled Iran two years ago with her family because the government was becoming intolerable. In her country, most of the people are Muslim that practice Islamic rule and from her experience she did not like it because the laws were strict, such as fully covering herself and wearing a hijab at all time. If she was caught not wearing the hijab or exposing her body to the public, she could potentially go to jail for six months to a year. She described the lack of job opportunity and education for women compared to men, she was verbally harassed from men to the point that she had to call the police, but the police denied her of help. In addition, she explained when women were raped, they were blamed for putting themselves in a dangerous situation.
Despite the neglect and inequality of women, she described Iran as a beautiful place where its safe to travel. She has a tight knit family who eat together, pray together, and laugh together on a regular basis which she misses very much. Her father and two sisters are physicians in Iran but unfortunately, they’re unable to practice medicine in America. She did not consider her family wealthy or middle class, but they were comfortable. Her diet comprised of lots of rice, vegetables, and especially Saffron, a spice that she puts on everything she eats! In Iran they have an abundance of high quality Saffron and I commented how expensive it is in America. In terms of healthcare, it’s difficult to purchase medicine especially for cancer treatments, but she’s grateful her family has not endured any chronic diseases. When she came to America, she did not speak English very well, but learned quickly. Compared to Iran, she was overwhelmed of how hard she had to work in America, but she responded, “I finally feel free!” However, when someone asked her where she’s from, people would have an unsettling look as if she was a terrorist. She would feel sad at first, but she understood that the middle east has been portrayed in a negative light and she also acknowledges that people do not know the facts or her experiences, thus she doesn’t take things personally. My coworker admires how diverse it is in America and wants to learn about other cultures. Her ultimate long-term goal is to become a doctor and go back to her country to help others in need.
My initial assumption of the Middle East and the people were negative because I received my knowledge from the media which attacked the culture and religion. Apparently, there is a difference in the way Iran functions through Islamic Rule compared to America which we are free to practice any religion. It seemed like it was meant to suppress women of their rights, their voice, their bodies, their education, and their mental and physical health to the extreme. I knew little about the struggles of what the women had to endure but to personally hear it’s quite shocking. We both had a lot in common in regard to obtaining a higher education, using our knowledge to help those in need, be a productive member of society, and live in joy and peace Lastly, the fact that she values the relationships her family members is wonderful because I think it’s important to have a strong bond with family to reduce stress and gain support during hardships.
Throughout the interview she radiated so much positive energy and compassion for people, I was amazed considering her unpleasant experiences in Iran. I have learned so much about who she is and her life in Iran, it encouraged me to reevaluate my life and appreciate my blessings. I was astonished to hear the type of suppression and abuse of women still happening in the 21st century. It’s just not right, period! I have problems in my life but its not compared to what my coworker went through. I have been taking life in America for granted because I was naive to acknowledge other cultures because I thought my American values were superior. This experience has inspired me to be more open minded and respectful of other cultures, especially the people from the Middle East. As a future healthcare worker, this learning experience has given me the tools to be more sympathetic towards other cultures, so I may provide the best care. It’s not fair to assume anyone’s life or behaviors just because they’re different. My assumptions of the Middle East and the people have slightly subsided, I still need to change my way of thinking which takes time. But I’ve learned through my coworker, they are too individuals, entitled to a healthy and prosperous life. I agree when Martin Luther King Jr. said, “Nothing in all the world is more dangerous than sincere ignorance and conscientious stupidity."