Left Hook
By Walter Davis
Iran: Are You Educated or Indoctrinated?
In 1899, Eurocentric racist Rudyard Kipling penned “White Man’s Burden” (1) Wikipedia).
The “poetic stanzas” of this writing were and are widely accepted by the ruling classes of the United States and Europe. It reflects the “childlike” nature of non-European cultures and the obligation for white people to rule over other nations, for their own good. This prevailing attitude allowed colonialism to proceed and facilitated unjust policies that continue to plague world politics today.
Recently, it seemed like every 15 minutes, television images of Neda dying in the street in Tehran appeared on news reports across America and the world. The young Iranian woman was killed (by whom?) protesting the Iranian election results. Yes, the scene was horrible. The American people are lead to believe that the government of Iran murdered her…..did they?
Balance was not achieved in the news reports. Certainly, coverage of the Treaty of Turkmenchay and the Treaty of Gulistan (2) Wikipedia) and other humiliating treaties forced upon Iran by European and American powers were not focused upon.
How many Americans are aware that the rightful ruler of Iran, Reza Shah, came to power in 1925 and was subsequently deposed in 1941 by Allied forces when he had the temerity to nationalize Iran’s petroleum industry in the face of British Petroleum’s colonial ambitions. Subsequent leaders were deposed and installed as puppets, matching Kipling’s views of the necessity of supervision of this ancient culture and today’s view that they are too irresponsible to have nuclear weapons.
It should be known that Donald Rumsfield was visiting Saddam Hussein in Baghdad on 24 March 1984 and shaking his hand, the very day that United Nations authorities reported Mustard gas and Tabun nerve agents were being used by Iraq military forces against Iran. This was a violation of international law, yet, no American official has been held accountable.
Events in Iran may be unjust; the unfolding events are the direct result of imperialistic greed of the ruling classes of the United States, Europe and the followers of Rudyard Kipling.
The “Don’t blame America” voices are heard loud and clear. The hypocrisy of a nation that had slaves put the statue of freedom atop the capitol building sometimes rings louder.
"Most people prefer to believe their leaders are just and fair even in the face of evidence to the contrary, because once a citizen acknowledges that the government under which they live is lying and corrupt, the citizen has to choose what he or she will do about it. To take action in the face of a corrupt government entails risks of harm to life and loved ones. To choose to do nothing is to surrender one's self-image of standing for principles. Most people do not have the courage to face that choice. Hence, most propaganda is not designed to fool the critical thinker but only to give moral cowards an excuse not to think at all."--Mike Rivero
1 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_White_Man%27s_Burden, 28 June 2009
2 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_Iran#Qajar_dynasty_.281795-1925.29 28 June 2009
This article was originally published in the Rancho Bernardo Sun Signature July 2009 issue
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