Das folgende Interview habe ich im Januar 2023 mit einer Iranerin geführt. Aus Sicherheitsgründen ist es leider nicht möglich, ihre Identität preiszugeben. Dennoch ist es mir wichtig zu sagen, dass es sich hierbei um eine starke, junge Person handelt, die ihr Bestes tut, um die aktuelle Situation im Iran zu überstehen und aktiv zu einer Verbesserung beitragen möchte. Der Rest soll unkommentiert bleiben, insbesondere, um die Worte der Interviewten nicht zu schmälern. Auch aus diesem Grunde erscheint das Interview in der von ihr gewählten englischen Sprache und ohne sprachliche Veränderungen.
I conducted the following interview with an Iranian woman in January 2023. Unfortunately, for security reasons, it is not possible to reveal her identity. Nevertheless, it is important for me to say that this is a strong, young person who is doing her best to survive the current situation in Iran and who actively wants to contribute to an improvement. The rest shall remain uncommented, especially in order not to diminish the words of the interviewee. Also for this reason, the interview appears in English and without any modification.
1. What is it like to live in Iran right now?
It’s a vague and beautiful contrast between being patriotic and hatred … even though this is my country, and I should thrive as much as I can!
2. In which parts of life do you notice the most change?
I think, personally and also according to live in Iran, we should all know how to practice mindfulness and enjoy life through these crises… It’s tough but when you grow up you see the result.
3. Has the revolution also had a strong impact on your working life?
Sure, everyone who lives in Iran felt severe PTSD from those recent happenings, even the people who didn’t care and ignored them. I had the worst days in my life and it worsened my depression… These suffocating days and dolorous feelings caused overthinking for me.
4. Are you still able to live a “normal“ life like you did before the revolution?
Definitely, I’m not!! Nobody can! Believe me! I stare into everyone’s eyes and I see the deep grief and bright hope… It’s an amazing contrast!
5. After all, it can be seen above all that the younger generations are driving the revolution. Do you receive support from the older generations or do they tend to hold back?
I can’t answer it clearly because it’s not clear to me either! In Iran the old generation always had struggles with the young ones, they couldn’t understand their needs and their dreams; but the good news is this is the first time that they’ve appreciated young successes and they rose up.
6. Do you think there had to be the death of Jina Mahsa Amini for the revolution to start or do you think there would have been a revolution sooner or later, anyway?
The people of Iran can’t live with this high level of inflation anymore! Their dissatisfaction is about the long years since 2008 but her death illuminates and lightens the hope of change in everything…
7. What is the mood like in your social environment? Are you optimistic when you think about the future?
Hope, dissatisfaction, perseverance… Sometimes disappointment… consistency for surviving… These are all moods that can be seen everywhere! It’s so bizarre and dramatic.
8. What are you most afraid of at the moment?
Afraid of not progressing and being stuck in this dark situation.
9. Are you considering leaving the country?
I do my best to migrate soon, but I deeply have a bad feeling for my friends who are living here and are stuck here. What about their desires, their dreams and their goals?
10. What gives you hope for the future?
Changes and breaks of the old rules and imperfect culture, especially for women.
11. How do you think people from other countries can best support you?
By awareness and being a voice for every disaster and challenging situation that the people tolerate and suffer from it.
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