Every time Iran makes the news I’m reminded all over again of how vital it is to distinguish between people and their governments.
Like, that’s something that should almost go without saying and yet is so easily and often forgotten–or deliberately obliterated in nationalist propaganda–and it’s true in so many different places all over the world. (‘Sup, The Russians™?) But it’s downright whiplash-inducing to compare the relationship between the U.S. and Iranian governments with what happens when you actually get Americans and Iranians interacting with each other and/or each other’s cultures. (Usually some variant of “holy shit you guys are awesome.”) It just brings it into such sharp relief.
Anyway. From the inhabitants of the ~~Great Satan~~ to the inhabitants of the ~~Axis of Evil~~: godspeed, you guys are awesome, sorry about the fuckheads who run our country & best of luck braving the fuckheads who run yours, don’t let the bastards grind you down.