Remember Ahmadinejad claiming no gays in Iran?

Well, first off, it was my perception that his expression took on a unique flavor. I think Ahma... is a bit to bright to honestly believe there are no gays in Iran. That unique expression on his face said to me, "Darn, why'd you have to go there? Don't you know I'm still subordinate to the Ayatollah and have to follow religious policy. I walk a treacherous line and now you force me into a corner and I have to speak embarrassing nonsense..."

And the USA got what it wanted, Ahma... to speak out in front of god and everybody some of the ancient beliefs the orthodox carry - a good juicy, ignorant statement. ...and then, "We do not have gays in Iran."

My head dropped in disappointment. Every reporter began scribbling madly. And Ahma... knew that one hurt, bur then again, he had no choice. Just keep moving...

I think all the shock and repulsion and backward ass labels began 1st thing in the morning. Shocked Americans across the country felt their point had been made - Iran (incl the President) were ignorant, dangerous, fools and basically deserve whatever they get. To the people's credit, we have not attacked Iran.

Personally, I like Ahmadinejad. He is constantly misquoted and has his meanings manipulated to make him look like a monster, however if you hear him first hand, you'll likely see a different picture. Still, I have continued to consider this issue of gays "is not a problem in Iran." Finally it dawned on me, prior to the 1960's, what would someone in the US have said? Did the US acknowledge homosexuality as a legitimate personal preference? If James Dean and Rock Hudson had announced they were dating, would the public have been suprised? or would they have hung them with the next batch of 'n-word's? I don't think the US attitude about homosexuality prior to the 60's was much different than Iran's. That was only 50 years ago. As I age, I'm coming to understand how even 100 years ago really isn't a very long time - even in terms of an individual's life experience.

Point is, next time you hear or feel the notion of enlightened superiority try to keep things in perspective. "We ain't all that." and please try to refrain from placing judgment on others. We truly don't have such authority.
cheers
-v

Good post, Kint.

A couple of months ago I was reading an article (I forget where) about...I think it was David Bowie...where he expressed regret about "coming out" in America because Americans can be so puritanical. His coming out in the 70's--or declaring himself bisexual, I think it may have been--didn't really matter to Europeans, but Americans didn't take it well...and, obviously, in a lot of ways very little has changed.

So, yeah...Ahmadinejad may have caused himself some embarrassment, but your point about being sympathetic to his possible circumstances makes some sense, I think.

Personally, I'm skeptical that Admadinejad could truly be so ignorant.

Well it is the Islamic Republic of Iran. It is essentially run by Islamic Mullah's with Ahmadinejad as their mouthpiece.

Since homosexuality goes against the Koran, it not surprising that he denied there were any gay's in Iran. He was just spouting "the company line". To say otherwise would go against "Islamic values" that the Guardian Council so vigorously enforces on any reform minded individuals and the general populace.

I remember watching him on Larry King a month or so ago.

He did imply that he was against homosexual's however he also implied that whatever people do in there own privacy in there own homes is up to them.

A friend of mine who is Iranian (a Baha'i' refugee) was asked about that comment a while back and laughed and said Ahmadinejad was right. I asked why was that and he held a cocked finger to his head and said BANG!!!