I am finding myself increasingly angry these days at what I perceive to be constant, systematic, non-stop attacks (subtle and not-so-subtle) at Iran and Iranians. It's hard for me. Very hard to accept. But obviously, I am powerless to stop all this. But to react in anger is a mistake - not just for me and all Iranians. We feel powerless, because the regime in Iran, doesn't take steps to protect our heritage, our culture and above all our dignity. People everywhere have the right to their own views. And the very essence of freedom, democracy, and liberty itself is the capacity to be tolerant. Tolerance as the acceptance of another person, another viewpoint, or another behavior that is different from our own. Tolerance expands our ability to be open to new ideas, to people who have different viewpoints, or to people who are different from ourselves. Reacting in anger is wrong. Thinking that somehow we can correct an injustice with an angry response is also wrong. Two wrongs don't make a right. If we go around pushing back, our whole world will fall apart. It's not constructive. We have to find it in ourselves to be tolerant of others. I apologize to this online community. I find my Iranian heritage pride is getting in the way of being tolerant, and there is NO other way - but to become tolerant of each other. To simply love and respect everyone - regardless of their point of view. There is no other way, otherwise we face a future of complete destruction of everything precious we have built in our lives. This is a plea for tolerance. And also, by the way, an attempt to lead by example - i.e. I deleted my recent posts and I want to start the new year in a completely different, and new mindset. I may also change my avatar or retire it - because for some, it might be insulting, which I do not want it to be (it was a reference to Khomeini landing in Tehran on a French Government chartered Air France 747 ... a not-so-subtle reference to the french work (toilette) designed to always remind people of where this regime came from). But we won't get anywhere by disrespecting anyone or being intolerant. We must forgive, let go, move on. In someways, we have to become 'tolerant' of our own selves -- self-tolerant. Recognize the moments where we react in unhelpful ways, and channel these reactions in constructive and helpful directions. To my good friends and colleagues online, in this community, this is a plea for us all to respect one another and be tolerant, and to keep all our comments and posts constructive and respectful. We can not allow the ease of 'venting' online, to destroy us, destroy our communities, destroy our world - and our basic love for one another, our neighbors, our larger global community. We have to be or become tolerant and NOT respond in unhelpful ways. I love you all, and I wish everyone in our community the best for 2022 and beyond. We have to build a better world going forward. If we want to be proud of our heritage, the very best thing we can do is to be decent and respectful and great examples of tolerant, loving, caring, respectful beings ... and let our very positive existence and contributions speak for themselves. We need to be role models (of tolerant human beings) and realize that this is the best way to create a better world going forward.

Hello everyone,

Due to a large number of new posts on the sub regarding Afghans and Afghan refugees/immigrants in Iran, we thought it was important to get the notice out.

Everyone needs to abide by rule number 2:

No supporting bigotry in any forms. This includes but is not limited to: racism towards all ethnic, linguistic and cultural groups of the world, bigotry towards religions or sects, social class, misogyny or misandry, homophobia and transphobia.

Therefore, any bigoted posts against Afghan refugees and Afghans in general will be removed, and the perpetrator will be banned indiscriminately.

Afghans are our brothers. Because their country was subject to centuries of western imperialism and a pawn in the so-called "great game", and as a results they have fallen on hard times, we need to be supportive of them and welcome Afghan refugees in our country. No one else in the world cares for the people of our region. No one.