I am proud of my unique heritage, despite others wrongly seeing my country of origin as a dangerous, hostile and corrupt society.

This assumption could not be more false.

My father is from Iran, and day to day that shapes my life in many positive ways. Arguably the most prominent influence is my interest in staying informed about the country.

This spring my family packed its bags and traveled across the world to Iran.
One of the first aspects I noticed about Iranians is how poorly their society as a whole is represented. In a combination of poor media portrayal and leadership the Iranian masses are misconstrued.

Many Iranians, especially in younger generations, are concerned about the skewed perception Americans have of the people and their culture.

The most common question I received while in Iran was “what do your friends think about you going to Iran?” They were shocked that many found it cool and interesting.

Many Americans are still under the impression that the Middle East is nothing more than a desert with religious extremists harboring a passionate hatred for the West.

Iran is a developed, urban society. But it has a corrupt government that leads people to believe that the cultural divide is bigger than it is.

Many Iranians voice long-standing frustration toward the government.
Common vexations expressed are the prohibition of basic freedoms, the subduing of their people, imposing religious laws and negatively affecting ties with other countries.

Rocky relationships and distrust causes unnecessary barriers between the people of those countries.

I hope people will take away one thing from my story: as people, we are no different.

Nothing makes one group of people superior to another. Not skin color, location, government, stereotypes. Especially not a few people who poorly represent the whole of their counterparts.

Iranians are wholesome, loving people who deserve to be viewed with much respect.

Despite an unfortunate governmental situation, the people and experience the country of Iran has to offer should not be looked down upon.