Reply #10: Iranian view of such laws [View All]

[kineneb]

From personal experience, the people of Iran have always played a "cat & mouse" game with the authorities (doesn't matter which ones). They push to see how much they can get away with, and then the government tries to crack down, knowing that it can't possibly eliminate the problem. It amounts to a national sport: "get one over on the authorities". The concept of rule by law/constitution is a fairly recent one, given the history of emperors and kings in the region.

The Islamic Republic has had an impact on everyday life, but in some ways, only a superficial one. Those dishes will get replaced, but disguised as something else- a garbage can, heater vent, etc. Out in the countryside, people disguise them as bushes or other objects.

I bet Cyrus is muttering to Miriam something to the effect of "Well, got to hide the dish for a while, until the blasted idiots get over this fit."