Indeed, unity is the key difference. For far too long, the clerical cast had used the diversity of the Iranian nation to divide and conquer. Kurds, Azaries, Khuzies, Gilaks, Baluch, people of all corners of the country, women, youth, students, workers, farmers, religious minorities, all strata of society were vilified and alienated one against the others and portrayed as less than equal members unless favoured and sanctioned by the Islamic republic.
Iranians are discovering the opposite to be true. All peoples, marginalized at one point or another, are all basically one and all want the same things: freedom, rule of law, respect, choice in their lives and equal opportunities; and they all shall have it in a free Iran which will be welcomed at the head of the table of the international community. Its vast human and natural resources will facilitate its rise in the circle of nations as a beacon of arts and science once again.
During the Islamic revolution the driving forces were wrath, anger, hatred, vengeance and violence. Immediately after its establishment large swaths of the society were summarily executed, fired from work and many had their belongings confiscated. Dark Colors especially black were very dominant, music was not allowed, and being happy was generally not practiced, even clapping was forbidden. Those are still the impetus for the regime and its ideology.
However people of Iran do not want those things. They are generally happy people who love all expressions of arts including dance and music. We can see it clearly in the streets. Slogans are generally more constructive, more hopeful and people are happy chanting them, they often clap, sing and dance in the streets. There is less death to this and to that, rather simple expressions of justice and freedom for all. There is not a super-human aloof leader, rather many leaders borne out of the movement everyday. In spite of decades of segregation, boys and girls are respectful, people are kind to one another and strangers help each other, they cry together, laugh together. There’s more vibrant colours, maybe people will even use it to show their unity.
These are the qualities and values of this revolution. A nation is being reborn, renewed and refreshed. It is time for life and opportunity for all families, time for liberty for all, and time for women. For until and unless equality is firmly established, the full potential of a nation cannot be realized.
