I was recently introduced to the show "Shah's of Sunset". It is a show about Iranian Americans in Los Angeles. Scratch that, it's about spoiled rich Iranian Americans living in "Tehrangeles". I'm not sure how these people were found but they are NOT a good representation of Iranians. Sure, Iranian people are gossips, wear a lot of makeup and do believe in plastic surgery but it is not accurate to represent the entire people as all of these negative character traits. I was disgusted watching these petty, pathetic individuals talking behind each others' backs and wasting money. On the very first episode, one of the females got mad at another female because she thought she had said that her dress was from the store H&M. She nearly lunged at the woman from across the table.
Should I be surprised? It is "reality" television after all and if there weren't disgusting individuals and everything was "normal" would people even watch? However, as an Iranian I would like to make it clear that not all Iranians are the same. Some of us have never had plastic surgery, don't have to wear only Gucci, drive designer cars or gossip at every chance. There is some truth to some of these stereotypes. Here are a few fun non facts about Iranian Americans:
1) Iranian men are totally mama's boys. Yes, they are. Sure there are exceptions to this rule but it is disappointing that this flaw from the old country has followed to America.
2) Iranians have to show one another up. If I have three degrees my cousin has to have four. If I am a nurse, you have to be a doctor. It's always competition. This type of competition shows how sad their lives are that they have to always compete even with someone who is NOT competing.
3) Iranians are doctors, lawyers or engineers. TRUE! It used to mean that a person who was not one of these preferred professions was a loser. The times are changing but there are still many in the community that hold true to this belief.
4) Iranians gossip. YES. I feel like most people gossip but Iranians do generally have a special talent for gossiping. Indeed we are notorious for it. In fact, I do recall a time when an Iranian girl was gossiping about me two feet away from where I was standing. I hate gossip so I confronted the girl upfront. Plenty of us Iranians don't gossip but hey it's indeed a work of art. ;-)
In a time when Iran and Iranians are getting a bad rap in the media, it was in poor taste to allow this show to air. We already have to fight other issues on an international scale but this just adds to all the misunderstanding of our rich, ancient culture.
