"for neda"

neda was the young woman who was killed in the post election protests in iran just over a year ago. today i watched "for neda," a documentary about her life, political convictions, family, and death. i had a very strong emotional reaction to this film, a reaction that i do not recall having at the time, and it's jarred me quite a bit.

first, even just seeing the camera phone video of her death (or murder, call it what you will) evoked anger and tears. her death was brutal. unjust. heinous. unscrupulous. ruthless. it is just one example of the lengths that some are willing to take to maintain power (even after rigging an election)

when the footage was shown of the sheer number of soldiers on the street during (what began as) peaceful protests was appalling. i would have to resist the urge to soil myself and run away, and i would certainly not have the bravery to join the accelerating protests.

i don't know why this all affected me so profoundly. i have never been an intensely patriotic/go america/toby keith is awesome/U!S!A! U!S!A! type of individual, but seeing this just made me feel like i have been taking everything i have for granted. the simple fact that the president is not engaging in massive election fraud and using the military to effectively hold the nation hostage was something that i never seriously... related to. i've always been aware that it happens. but this film made me feel an acute sense of empathy for those who live and struggle under such regimes and a great swelling of pride and respect for those willing to risk their lives to attempt to steer the future of their states.

if you'd like to watch "for neda" i believe it is on HBO on demand. i will most likely expand this post over the next day or two, but i really wanted to put this up while i felt this way.