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Anthony Bourdain - Iran

Anthony Bourdain's Iran Show

  • I watched it - pure crap

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Dragonfly

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Anybody watch this last night?

Food star Anthony Bourdain tells of a ‘different Iran’ than expected


http://english.alarabiya.net/en/per...-tells-of-a-different-Iran-than-expected.html


Not surprising, but also highly informative.

Beer drinking, pizza eating, American muscle car loving, family oriented people just trying to live their lives to the best of their abilities.

Also - NOT hating America, although not forgetting that America supported Iraq during the Iran-Iraq war which included Iraq using some pretty hideous weapons on the Iranians.

I especially liked the one scene where Anthony was having a HUGE formal lunch with a family and the father specifically stated "we are not the axis of evil".

Someone then found out about his producer’s birthday.“The entire restaurant sang “Happy Birthday” to him and presented him with a cake.”
Bourdain was in awe at the stark difference between the Iran he had been led to believe and the Iran where an entire restaurant sang “Happy Birthday” to stranger.

So I'm wondering what your thoughts are regarding the show.
 
Boudain's shows are awesome, he has nail biting wit combined with some very good insight and mouth watering food. I havent seen this one yet but I plan to as soon as I finish watching all of his No Reservations episodes.
 
It should come as no surprise that Bourdain is able to show that there are many MANY Iranian people that are just people. Not world hating ready to start the apocalypse evil minions of the devil, but just people like anyone you'd find in any other country of the world.

In some cases he was floored by their open hospitality.

There was a scene near the end with guys doing burnouts and just hanging out drinking beer with their cars. Could easily have been a something happening in AnyCity, USA.
 
Anybody watch this last night?

Food star Anthony Bourdain tells of a ‘different Iran’ than expected


http://english.alarabiya.net/en/per...-tells-of-a-different-Iran-than-expected.html


Not surprising, but also highly informative.

Beer drinking, pizza eating, American muscle car loving, family oriented people just trying to live their lives to the best of their abilities.

Also - NOT hating America, although not forgetting that America supported Iraq during the Iran-Iraq war which included Iraq using some pretty hideous weapons on the Iranians.

I especially liked the one scene where Anthony was having a HUGE formal lunch with a family and the father specifically stated "we are not the axis of evil".

So I'm wondering what your thoughts are regarding the show.

I have had a lot of Persian friends and try to catch a Persian meal, whenever I can. The ones I have known were wonderful people, creative and reliable. I really enjoy them.

That does not mean that Iran is not dangerous and as close to a pure enemy as you can ever hope to find.
 
I have always liked AB's shows. He came to Ann Arbor a couple of years ago and we bought tickets and he is fascinating storyteller giving you two hours and more than our money worth. Having said that I saw the promo for his Iran show last night and did not watch it for one simple reason - never expect to go there and did not have any interest in the place at all. I have no doubt EB did a good job as usual.
 
That does not mean that Iran is not dangerous and as close to a pure enemy as you can ever hope to find.

In terms of countries that have invaded other countries over the last 100 years (think modern military weapons) who's been a larger threat to the planet's inhabitants?

The USofA does a spectacular job of fearmongering when it comes to "The Axis Of Evil".

We need a boogieman to keep fear alive and politicians in office. Iran and North Korea fit that bill pretty nicely.

The Iranian people in general, the average Iranian, are not the ones to be feared.
 
never expect to go there and did not have any interest in the place at all

A guy in the show stated something very intelligently.

The places and people we fear the most, or typically the places and people we know the least about.

To eradicate that fear, we must strive to get to know more about the places and the people.


Pretty much Iran in a nutshell.

It's a simple TV show. You should watch it.
 
A guy in the show stated something very intelligently.

The places and people we fear the most, or typically the places and people we know the least about.

To eradicate that fear, we must strive to get to know more about the places and the people.


Pretty much Iran in a nutshell.

It's a simple TV show. You should watch it.

Thanks for the recommendation. Perhaps I will give it a try later today.
 
In terms of countries that have invaded other countries over the last 100 years (think modern military weapons) who's been a larger threat to the planet's inhabitants?

The USofA does a spectacular job of fearmongering when it comes to "The Axis Of Evil".

We need a boogieman to keep fear alive and politicians in office. Iran and North Korea fit that bill pretty nicely.

The Iranian people in general, the average Iranian, are not the ones to be feared.

The sheriff is always a threat. That is what she is about.

You are preaching to the believer. But while it is better to have at least a sheriff, it is better if she is collectively elected and paid for. At present that is not the case in the international realm. We should be trying to establish such a system, but the resistance is severe. It is one of the main reasons, why China and Russia are systematically against protecting populations, when the local dictators shoot at the demonstrators.

But as long as the international community is not willing or able to maintain the safety of people around the world and security is thus the mandate of nation states, it is better to blow away anything that looks dangerous, before it grows. It is a stupid way of doing it, but the only one that works in a factually lawless environment, which is what the international sphere largely is.
 
Didnt see it but from the remarks posted, Im not surprised. Ive spent 7 trips to the ME and worked with people from all around the region. Ive worked with lots of Iranians...most of them expatriots that were Muslim but not fundiMuslim. Lots in Abu Dhabi and Dubai. They are pretty savvy. They understood then the need to take out Saddam, understood the worlds upset with their own leadership. Recounted great stories of Iranian life before the ouster of the Shah and the return of the Ayatollah and a return to fundamentalism. The actually applauded the US activity in the first Gulf War as a means of correcting 'Brother Saddam'. They didnt hate America but were quick to point out the didnt love our government. I also told them in that they had common ground with most of our citizens.

Its not just Iran. Most non-fundamentalist Muslims are good, decent, family driven people. I almost said 'hard working' but thats not the truth. Many (I would say even a majority) are born with an entitlement mentality that is fed by their culture. There is a reason why they bring in so many 3rd country nationals...to do the dirty work they believe is beneath them. For many, it is more honorable for the government and the Red Crescent Society to take care of them then for them to dig a ditch (or defend their country). Thats what true peasants are for.

I enjoyed every country I went to in the ME. Regardless of what else was going on, I got to get into the cities and meet and work with people. I would go back tomorrow (I did NOT go hang out in fundamentalist countries). I'm sure Bourains experiences are real. Most Middle Eastern countries are complex. That DOES NOT discount the very real fact that the government of Iran presides over human rights abuses. 4 dozen journalists are in prison for speaking out. Women are still executed for daring to defend themselves agaisnt male attackers, even when some of the women are teens and they are defending themselves against 40 year old men. Its still punishable by death to be openly gay in Iran. Even where some disagree with those practices, the remain silent. Its almost like a sacrifice to the Gods, except it is a a sacrifice to the angry fundamentalist clergy and country leadership and helps keep a purging bloodlust sated.
 
Anybody watch this last night?

Food star Anthony Bourdain tells of a ‘different Iran’ than expected


http://english.alarabiya.net/en/per...-tells-of-a-different-Iran-than-expected.html


Not surprising, but also highly informative.

Beer drinking, pizza eating, American muscle car loving, family oriented people just trying to live their lives to the best of their abilities.

Also - NOT hating America, although not forgetting that America supported Iraq during the Iran-Iraq war which included Iraq using some pretty hideous weapons on the Iranians.

I especially liked the one scene where Anthony was having a HUGE formal lunch with a family and the father specifically stated "we are not the axis of evil".



So I'm wondering what your thoughts are regarding the show.

I haven't seen it, but I'll look it out. It doesn't really surprise me. Most ordinary citizens of every country form the usual mix of good and bad, but generally ride way above the politicking and sabre-rattling of their political élites. I'd love to visit Iran, but I don't think I'd do so as a private citizen, not because I'd fear hostility, but because I'd fear the authorities and their arbitrary cruelties - something that I reckon ordinary Iranians fear and despise too. I'd love to visit some of their archaeological sites and get into their fabulous cuisine. Until I can do that, I'll enjoy it vicariously through Mr Bourdain's programme.
 
Anybody watch this last night?

Food star Anthony Bourdain tells of a ‘different Iran’ than expected


http://english.alarabiya.net/en/per...-tells-of-a-different-Iran-than-expected.html


Not surprising, but also highly informative.

Beer drinking, pizza eating, American muscle car loving, family oriented people just trying to live their lives to the best of their abilities.

Also - NOT hating America, although not forgetting that America supported Iraq during the Iran-Iraq war which included Iraq using some pretty hideous weapons on the Iranians.

I especially liked the one scene where Anthony was having a HUGE formal lunch with a family and the father specifically stated "we are not the axis of evil".



So I'm wondering what your thoughts are regarding the show.

Thats only some Iranians. For everyone normal person theres someone throwing acid on a woman for resisting rape. Or funding terrorism against the americans. I havent watched yet, but Bourdain usually does a good job of at least mentioning the bad stuff along with the good.

Acid Attacks on Women Spread Terror in Iran - The Daily Beast
 
Unfortunately, most of the exposure that we get to foreign cultures is through the lens of politics. If we could all sit down together over dinner, most of our preconceptions would disappear. Just like us on this forum. I may not agree with specific posters ideologically, but if I cooked dinner, and had them over to eat, our differences would melt away. Getting personal in the real sense has a way of dissipating mistrust and fear.
 
Anybody watch this last night?

Food star Anthony Bourdain tells of a ‘different Iran’ than expected


http://english.alarabiya.net/en/per...-tells-of-a-different-Iran-than-expected.html


Not surprising, but also highly informative.

Beer drinking, pizza eating, American muscle car loving, family oriented people just trying to live their lives to the best of their abilities.

Also - NOT hating America, although not forgetting that America supported Iraq during the Iran-Iraq war which included Iraq using some pretty hideous weapons on the Iranians.

I especially liked the one scene where Anthony was having a HUGE formal lunch with a family and the father specifically stated "we are not the axis of evil".

So I'm wondering what your thoughts are regarding the show.

I didn't watch it.Mostly because I do not care.Other because I refuse to watch unrelated content on a themed channel. I will not watch My Vagina is a clown car(18 kids and counting), Let let people who have no interests in the opposite sex dress you(what not to wear),Stage Whore Moms who make their kids look like pedophile bait(toddlers and Tiaras) or the Smurfs(The Little couple)or any other show that doesn't have **** to with learning on TLC. I will not watch Hillbillies hunting Alligators(swamp hunters), conspiracy/cryptozooligical crap or some other nonsense that doesn't have crap to do with history. I refuse to watch MTV because most of what they play is not music.I refuse to watch non-animated shows on Cartoon Network. I refuse to watch horror movies, WWE, douchbags pretending there ghosts and fantasy on Sy-Fy channel. I refuse to watch Lockup on MSNBC. If some politcial talk show pundit is talking about some stupid **** some celeb did or said not related to politics or what some roid rage football player said that is not related to politics then I change the station. So I am not going to watch a repackaged travel channel show on CNN.
 
Anybody watch this last night?

Food star Anthony Bourdain tells of a ‘different Iran’ than expected


http://english.alarabiya.net/en/per...-tells-of-a-different-Iran-than-expected.html


Not surprising, but also highly informative.

Beer drinking, pizza eating, American muscle car loving, family oriented people just trying to live their lives to the best of their abilities.

Also - NOT hating America, although not forgetting that America supported Iraq during the Iran-Iraq war which included Iraq using some pretty hideous weapons on the Iranians.

I especially liked the one scene where Anthony was having a HUGE formal lunch with a family and the father specifically stated "we are not the axis of evil".



So I'm wondering what your thoughts are regarding the show.

Where in Iran did he go?
 
Anybody watch this last night?

Food star Anthony Bourdain tells of a ‘different Iran’ than expected


http://english.alarabiya.net/en/per...-tells-of-a-different-Iran-than-expected.html


Not surprising, but also highly informative.

Beer drinking, pizza eating, American muscle car loving, family oriented people just trying to live their lives to the best of their abilities.

Also - NOT hating America, although not forgetting that America supported Iraq during the Iran-Iraq war which included Iraq using some pretty hideous weapons on the Iranians.

I especially liked the one scene where Anthony was having a HUGE formal lunch with a family and the father specifically stated "we are not the axis of evil".



So I'm wondering what your thoughts are regarding the show.

You should search out the episode Bourdain did from Beirut in 2006. Unfortunately, it's not the people who welcome you in to their home that establish the sentiment of the region, it's the people trying to get their hands on you that do.
 

Interesting. I'd like to watch it. Though it's worth noting that Tehran and Isfahan are among the most liberal cities in Iran and gave deep support to Mousavi and Rouhani in the Presidential elections. It would be like coming to the United States and visiting New York City and Chicago. I wonder if he ventured into Qom while he was in Tehran.
 
The USofA does a spectacular job of fearmongering when it comes to "The Axis Of Evil".

Media doesn't have to do much with Iranian crowds screaming death to America.

I'd agree that many of the Iranian people don't share such extreme sentiments, but you make it sound like the media does all this on their own, which is laughable at best.

BTW, no American fears North Korea or Iran. Recognizing a threat and fear are two different things.
 
So I am not going to watch a repackaged travel channel show on CNN.

I think CNN has off-and-on tried to see itself as a world affairs, news, and investigative journalism channel. In that regard, Bourdain's programming fits really well. Lisa Ling and Mike Roe likewise compliment that. The thing is, the more news stations can become flexible yet intelligent like PBS the better it is for the audience.

They aren't there yet, though. I'm not exactly expecting a documentary on, say, the inner workings of the IRS or the Forest Service bureaucracies without the need to start bringing out pitchforks or sit-in demonstrations yet. It's unfortunate 24 hour cable news networks haven't matured to that point, but they're getting closer and closer to being adults about information.

My motto is: give them something they can't get anywhere else or as good anywhere else and don't bother catering to the Bravo crowd in the process. Make them smarter while making them feel at ease, and other times just straight up bore them so they can get smarter.
 
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I think CNN has off-and-on tried to see itself as a world affairs, news, and investigative journalism channel. In that regard, Bourdain's programming fits really well. Lisa Ling and Mike Roe likewise compliment that. The thing is, the more news stations can become flexible yet intelligent like PBS the better it is for the audience.

They aren't there yet, though. I'm not exactly expecting a documentary on, say, the inner workings of the IRS or the Forest Service bureaucracies without the need to start bringing out pitchforks or sit-in demonstrations yet. It's unfortunate 24 hour cable news networks haven't matured to that point, but they're getting closer and closer to being adults about information.

My motto is: give them something they can't get anywhere else or as good anywhere else and don't bother catering to the Bravo crowd in the process. Make them smarter while making them feel at ease, and other times just straight up bore them so they can get smarter.

But they can get it somewhere else, the travel channel.
 
Watching it now, and as expected, Bourdain is pretty balanced. He shows mostly the good side of things, because its a travel show, but also mentions the way women are treated, and how fascist the govt is. One interesting part he talks to an Iranian Washington Post reporter and his girlfriend about the situation, nothing too dramatic, and then mentions how they were arrested after the govt saw what they said.
 
Watching it now, and as expected, Bourdain is pretty balanced. He shows mostly the good side of things, because its a travel show, but also mentions the way women are treated, and how fascist the govt is. One interesting part he talks to an Iranian Washington Post reporter and his girlfriend about the situation, nothing too dramatic, and then mentions how they were arrested after the govt saw what they said.

There's absolutely no doubt just how horrific the Iranian régime really is. It could be argued that it still enjoys widespread popular support too, although how anyone would go about measuring that support is anyone's guess. What seems equally self-evident to me is that a large proportion, large minority or actually a silent majority, do not want that régime, do not support it and are yearning for change, although there's also no evidence to suggest they hanker after a western-style 'liberal democracy'. What shows like this teach us is that you cannot talk about nations as homogenous, unified entities. Iran isn't the enemy of the West, although the Iranian régime certainly is.
 
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