Interview With A Friend

I conducted an interview today with my good friend Amir. He is a good friend of mine who is easygoing and fun to hang out with. This is his story of Life in Iran.

Interviewer (Jonathan) : How long have you lived in Iran?

Amir: 17 and one half years

Interviewer (Jonathan) : What did you do for entertainment?

Amir: We played PC games. There was also a field where we played soccer. When it was snowing we went skiing.

Interviewer (Jonathan): What was the government like?

Amir: The government was very religious as well as sacred. They had a strong influence in the media and newspaper.

Interviewer (Jonathan): Were their elections for political leaders?

Amir: There is a election similar to the Presidential election but he was more of a symbol than the leader of the country. The actual leader was literally called "leader" and he is chosen indirectly by the people. There were nominees and members of parliament would vote for them. The parliament that chose the leader is not similar to the U.S Senate.

Interviewer (Jonathan): What was a typical day like for you in Iran?

Amir: Each day, I would hang out with my friends and go to school. It's the same as life in the U.S. The biggest difference is that it's easier to hang out in the U.S. There are huge shopping centers and malls. In Iran there are only small stores.

Interviewer (Jonathan): What was the primary method of transportation in Iran?

Amir: People traveled by car. In Iran they are importing more cars. Before I came here I used to believe everything in America was perfect. Police cars are typical Fords. In Iran, the police drive elegant cars and Mercedez Benz.

Interviewer (Jonathan): Is life tough in Iran?

Amir: People have a lot of stress, it's a part of life. Some people are really into politics and they would always talk about it and there are a lot of customs that you have to get used to. Most people just ignore them. For example you cannot hold your girlfriend's hand in public and a man may marry up to 4 wives. Typically in Tehran men have 1 wife and that's it.

Interviewer (Jonathan): How were holidays celebrated?

Amir: Totally different. Iran is a sacred country. We would celebrate the birthday's of prophets such as the prophet Mohammad and his 12 disciples who are leaders. We also honor the day of their deaths. The days are also different. A week begins from Saturday to Thursday and Friday is the day we would usually have off. Halloween and Valentines day are becoming popular holidays in Iran.

Interviewer (Jonathan): If you were in Iran now, what would be different?

Amir: I would be doing the same thing as I am now. Probably attending a university. Iran has SAT's and has ok schools but small labs. There's not enough funds for the schools to afford labs. The people are very educated and it's taboo for someone to not attend school. In the U.S about 50% attend college but in Iran the majority attend college.

Interviewer (Jonathan): How is life like in the city?

Amir: People are very liberal in the city. Things change outside of the city and people in the rural areas are different for example men tend to have more than one wife. In Tehran the people act very similar to Americans and homosexuality is taboo and you cannot drink alcohol.

Interviewer (Jonathan): How has life changed for you since you moved?

Amir: Life is easier, there's more freedom.

Interviewer (Jonathan): Thank you Amir for this interview!

Amir: My Pleasure.