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Toys threat to Iran's society



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IMPORTS of Barbie dolls and other western toys and characters such as Harry Potter will have destructive cultural and social consequences in Iran, the Islamic Republic's top prosecutor was quoted as saying yesterday.
Iran's conservative clerical establishment often rails against the perceived dangers of US-inspired culture and consumerism, branding it "Westoxication".

But young Iranians are often keen consumers of such music, films and other goods from the West.

In a letter to Parviz Davoudi, the vice-president, published in the daily Mardom Salari, Ghorban Ali Dori Najafabadi, a high-ranking cleric, said Iran was the world's third-biggest importer of toys and suggested this posed a threat to the "personality and identity" of the new generation.





The full article contains 122 words and appears in The Scotsman newspaper.
Page 1 of 1

  • Last Updated: 28 April 2008 10:47 PM
  • Source: The Scotsman
  • Location: Edinburgh
  • Related Topics: Iran
 
1

Bien E. Bien,

29/04/2008 04:53:33
This Ghorban Ali Dori Najafabadi fellow sounds like he has a bit of a chip on his shoulder. Did he not have any nice toys himself when he was a kid? Someone buy him a Race 'n' Chase.
2

Fanling,

Hong Kong 29/04/2008 05:32:03
Islamic clerics ... Aren't they the world's most fun people? If Islam is so comfortable with itself then the likes of western toys and Harry Potter would represent no threat. But it isn't. Islam perceives everything and anything "un-Islamic" as the devil incarnate. The so-called clerics know a threat to their vicious power when they see it and are naturally worried. But not all of Iran is fundamentalist nutterdom.

There is a glimmer of hope for an up-and- coming generation of Iranians. Just a glimmer, that they might eventually turf out the religious dictator-nutjobs whose evil Islamic laws keep that society in a near permanent state of medievalism with the fear it engenders.

The year 1979 seems a long way away now, but the "revolution" that came in with mad-dog Khomenei has long passed its sell-by date. Its achievement? A return to the ages of darkness and the birth of the Achmadinnerjacket philosophy of nuke-em-all who don't subscribe to the Allah myth.

One day the world might be rid of this vile cult and all who sail in it.
3

Black & White Triumph,

Greenhill road.....soon 29/04/2008 06:22:22
barbie takes over the world and destroys the evil ayatollahs.
I am really pleased I live where I do!
4

,

29/04/2008 11:28:05
Comment Removed By Administrator
Reason:
5

Stefan,

NYC 29/04/2008 14:04:26
Funny part is, I've always thought that this is the way to defeat radical Islam as a political system. No need for guns, just pipe in some Hip Hop and air-drop dvd's of Bay Watch.
6

ebbi,

spain 29/04/2008 16:04:15
well in iran and countries alike what isn't a threat to national security?
7

John Blackley,

Florida 29/04/2008 16:17:57
In some ways watching Iran is, for me, a look into a museum of cultural conservatism. The good mullah is using western toys as an illustration but is most concerned about preserving the status quo - and why not? From his point of view change can only reduce his quality of life, not enhance it. Of course he's going to be resistant.

Unfortunately for him, history shows you can slow change but you can't stop it. All that remains for Iran is to find out whether that change is going to be peaceful or painful.
8

Guga II,

Rockall 29/04/2008 17:15:02
I see the Hootsmon (Pravda Branch) & (Xinhua Branch) Censors are now stopping us from questioning why we can't comment on certain stories.

Mr.Editor Alan, you really need to have a word with these people, or does the Hootsmon no longer believe in things like democracy and free speech?
9

Biker,

Ayr 29/04/2008 17:18:18
I dont dissagree John Blackley, after all it seems that churches of all denominations take it upon themselves to pontificate upon spurious and supposedly dangerous issues.
Although I cant dissagree with him . Barbie, Ken and all the rest of the rubbish should be binned.
10

Griffe,

29/04/2008 20:24:12
What a load of 'spherical objects'. The cleric has got his head so far up ... he can no longer see the light.
11

Lynne,

Palm Beach Gardens 29/04/2008 21:11:15
Today I read, that in Iran women are not allowed to go swimming. I assume it's because the burqa is so heavy they would drown!!!; and of course, the swimsuit would have skin showing, and women must not do that!!
I say, less competition in the Olympics!!..lol
12

John Blackley,

Florida 29/04/2008 21:35:16
Lynne, where did you read that?
13

SouthernGent,

29/04/2008 23:21:33
All those Iranian boys stripping Barbie will lead to the next Iranian revolution.
14

truthsleuth,

30/04/2008 00:26:35
It says it all. The Islamic faith(full) are frightened of childrens toys.
15

Siroos,

UK 30/04/2008 15:12:52
11- Lynne,
Please NEVER assume anything. I will post you correct information.
Women in Iran ARE allowed to go swimming, but on separate times / days.
Women in Iran do not wear the Burka. Only in Saudi Arabia and the UK , they do - an a few other places.
16

Siroos,

UK 30/04/2008 15:18:38
9- Biker,
Go and ask a 5 year old girl is she would like to bin her Barbie first.
You sound like the Mullah in Iran. You are for oppression too?
17

Lynne,

Palm Beach Gardens 02/05/2008 01:26:56
Siroos..You are right. I am at fault
. I saw 2 items and coinfused them. Men and women are not allowed to swim together...
I saw this Associated Press Release on Mon. 28th.
I guess the twins that Iran was trying to ptomote to overtake the Barbie didn't work Their names are Dara and Sara. They never quite became as popular as Barbie.
18

Siroos,

UK 03/05/2008 05:36:26
17#- Lynne. Thank you.
You know why the Mullah does not like the " Barbie "? Because most Iranians LOVE everything American. It is a pitty that, they should be ruled by such tyrants.
The Mullah calls it WESTOXICATION !! They would rather promote martyrdom and export terrorism.
In a recent visit to Iran, I took 20 Barbie items for my 7 year old niece. She was over the Moon with joy.
I hope BIKER reads this post.

 

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