Understanding Iran's "Family Values" Fundamentalism - Rick Steves

Complete video at: http://fora.tv/2009/01/26/Rick_Steves_A_Perspective_on_Iran

Travel writer Rick Steves claims the perceived notion of anti-American sentiment in Iran is derived from conservative Iranians' attempt to protect their families from Western encroachment. Steves finds says it's ironic that "fear and love" seem to motivate both conservative, small town Iranians and Americans alike.

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Travel guru Rick Steves sheds light on Iran, calling it the most misunderstood country he has ever visited. He discusses his travels through the country and his new special airing on PBS.

From Friday prayer in a leading mosque to anti-American murals, Steves presents his message and experiences to help us better understand a nation that continues to be shrouded in mystery and clouded by myths and mistruths.

Rick Steves grew up in Edmonds, Washington and studied at the University of Washington where he received degrees in Business Administration and European History. But his real education came in Europe - since 1973 he's spent 120 days a year in Europe. Spending one third of his adult life living out of a suitcase in Europe has shaped his thinking. Today he employs 80 people at his Europe Through the Back Door headquarters in Edmonds where he produces 30 guidebooks on European travel, the most popular travel series in America on public television, a weekly hour-long national public radio show, and a weekly column syndicated by the Chicago Tribune. Rick and his wife Anne have traveled each of the last 18 years with their two kids, Andy and Jackie.

Category:

News & Politics

Tags:

• iran
• terhan
• islam
• islamic
• theocracy
• theocrats
• conservatives
• muslims
• iranians
• religion
• religious
• fundamentalists
• ayatollah
• president
• culture
• conservative
• right
• wing
• fora.tv
• foratv
• fora
• tv

[iranquest]

I appreciate Rick Steves' efforts. I am thankful that he speaks out beyond what he is known for (travel guru). Why shouldn't he? Actors and other folks do it. He's an intelligent man. I'm grateful he's talking about this.

[k166a]

It's interesting how fundamentalists are so similar everywhere. Maybe we should fund huge field trips for them all to go visit the countries they hateand learn about them.

Or maybe all countries should arrange a huge field trip for all their fundamentalists to one big island to they can all kill each other and get it over with ;)

[9663lola]

#2 I Appreciate your Interpretative view of Iran ,I am very happy to come across it . However you might want to clarify some of your views. 1st Iranian woman in Iran are the most educated in the world per capita..(PHD, engineers, DR. est.)The mullahs “Religious leaders “study a life time of Religion,(not just their own but all) philosophy, astrology est.Are extremely educated .

[9663lola]

#2

Iran government system works in the same way as America. (Vote every 4 years EST.)Just think of it this way Religious leader replace the Supreme Court but do not bother with the day to day happenings the same as the Supreme Court in the US.

[Faramarzrastin]

@lola Do not bother .

[bushmusharraf]

lols ...

USA itself along with ISRAEL the biggest terrorist .

Every American deep down has a terrorist Soul and Blood thirsty ambitions ...

Every American was Born to enslave a Zionist ISraelite .... So keep Slogging Gas hole Americans ..the worst Nation on Earth and the worst Slaves who think they are independent ....

[hosseinthc]

I am Iranian and I want to say that the Iranian people will overthrow the dictatorship of khomeini and khamenei very soon.

I just ask US to take PMOI off the terrorist list and put more sanction on Iran

Down with ahmadinejad terrorist

NO WAR

NO TALK

SUPPORT PMOI AND IRANIAN PEOPLE FOR THE DEMOCRATIC REVOLUTION IN IRAN

[persiandudeee]

If anything, the islamic republic has ruined alot of our family values.