Our loving community
By: Niloufar Modaress
We were one from the beginning – let’s continue...
In reviewing our history, Iranians were mostly always inclusive, lending out a hand when possible to fellow citizens, extremely hospitable to other nations, and always have an extra seat or will to make room for another at our dining tables. This is a strong trait to have and one to be proud of – even today – under excruciating sanctions, our citizens still are hospitable to those visiting from other lands and make room for strangers at their dining room tables. Here, in our own backyard, this tradition continues until we mix in other variables such as entrepreneurship, cultural growth or promotion, demonstrating civilian rights – eventually becoming one voice when our country might be taken advantage of.
Sooo what’s the big deal? Why should we care? It’s not our business – we’ve moved on … we’re raising children, we have great jobs, friends, and families ….. the rest is just noise or sometimes – it can be a form entertainment – right?
Sure – but let’s look at the messaging ….
We can form cliques, we can have our group of friends, we can support who and how we want – that’s not up for discussion. But there’s a much bigger picture at stake – one that might have a bigger impact – our next generation and ones after that. What message are we sending? Who are we? What do we stand for or better yet – how are forming history? What we sow today, our children will be reaping in a few years – what are we sowing for them?
Our children go to proms, are in National Honor Societies, receive academic and athletic recognition, they volunteer, they receive tons of hours participating in community services - they’re bright kids! But what do they know about Iran, their history, heritage, challenges our nation has met, reasons why, types of natural resources we have and have lost due to wars.
The next generation has been well integrated with American culture for they live it, breath it and are immersed – but our Iranian culture is one that shouldn’t be forgotten or put aside for it is what and who we are. This land is in our blood and our DNA – it’s where we have our dogged persistence, stubbornness, it’s why we desire to excel and always seek for quality and to become more.
The Iranian programs and events which are provided annually comes from many groups getting together to plan, budget, and implement for entertainment and educational purposes. These programs are put together by many people who volunteer their time and wallets so our next generation can learn more about our culture, people, history, and at the same time, reach out to our American counterparts for we are sharing the same land and zip codes to learn more about us. Let’s work together for it’s not about who, what, or why – it’s about supporting one another, unifying for a greater cause, and demonstrating our character, integrity, and the fact that Iranians have and always be a people of ONE nation. We need to show the next generation how to become involved and engaged within our own community by volunteering ourselves, by donating to causes, and immersing within the culture and sometimes even re-learning it ourselves.
Dividing ourselves won’t get us far but by unifying, we become more, greater, and force which can’t be reckoned with.
We were one from the beginning – let’s continue...
In reviewing our history, Iranians were mostly always inclusive, lending out a hand when possible to fellow citizens, extremely hospitable to other nations, and always have an extra seat or will to make room for another at our dining tables. This is a strong trait to have and one to be proud of – even today – under excruciating sanctions, our citizens still are hospitable to those visiting from other lands and make room for strangers at their dining room tables. Here, in our own backyard, this tradition continues until we mix in other variables such as entrepreneurship, cultural growth or promotion, demonstrating civilian rights – eventually becoming one voice when our country might be taken advantage of.
Sooo what’s the big deal? Why should we care? It’s not our business – we’ve moved on … we’re raising children, we have great jobs, friends, and families ….. the rest is just noise or sometimes – it can be a form entertainment – right?
Sure – but let’s look at the messaging ….
We can form cliques, we can have our group of friends, we can support who and how we want – that’s not up for discussion. But there’s a much bigger picture at stake – one that might have a bigger impact – our next generation and ones after that. What message are we sending? Who are we? What do we stand for or better yet – how are forming history? What we sow today, our children will be reaping in a few years – what are we sowing for them?
Our children go to proms, are in National Honor Societies, receive academic and athletic recognition, they volunteer, they receive tons of hours participating in community services - they’re bright kids! But what do they know about Iran, their history, heritage, challenges our nation has met, reasons why, types of natural resources we have and have lost due to wars.
The next generation has been well integrated with American culture for they live it, breath it and are immersed – but our Iranian culture is one that shouldn’t be forgotten or put aside for it is what and who we are. This land is in our blood and our DNA – it’s where we have our dogged persistence, stubbornness, it’s why we desire to excel and always seek for quality and to become more.
The Iranian programs and events which are provided annually comes from many groups getting together to plan, budget, and implement for entertainment and educational purposes. These programs are put together by many people who volunteer their time and wallets so our next generation can learn more about our culture, people, history, and at the same time, reach out to our American counterparts for we are sharing the same land and zip codes to learn more about us. Let’s work together for it’s not about who, what, or why – it’s about supporting one another, unifying for a greater cause, and demonstrating our character, integrity, and the fact that Iranians have and always be a people of ONE nation. We need to show the next generation how to become involved and engaged within our own community by volunteering ourselves, by donating to causes, and immersing within the culture and sometimes even re-learning it ourselves.
Dividing ourselves won’t get us far but by unifying, we become more, greater, and force which can’t be reckoned with.
Comments
Post a Comment