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Reza H. Akbari

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Reza H. Akbari

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Iranians Use Humor to Cope with Trump

May 25, 2019 Reza Akbari
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In my latest piece for Al-Monitor, I argue that for Iranians, humor is a form of psychological processing—a coping mechanism to deal with dark scenarios. Iran’s past is fraught with such grim realities, and this, perhaps, is the secret to the population’s unwavering wit and reliance on humor during challenging times.

“Facing unprecedented pressure from US sanctions, the threat of war and a failing national currency, Iranians have resorted to a time-tested coping mechanism: a deadpan, caustic humor that has been perfected over centuries. US President Donald Trump, the usual target of Iran’s self-referential humor, was once again a target earlier this month. On May 9, Trump, in response to a reporter’s question about a potential military confrontation with Iran, stated, “I don’t want to say no, but hopefully that won’t happen…What I’d like to see with Iran, I’d like to see them call me.” This curious phrasing about a nuanced process prompted the hashtag allô-Trump on Iranian social media, with humorous memes and videos poking fun at the implausibility of the suggestion. The next day, media reported that the White House had provided a phone number to the Swiss Embassy — America’s protective power in Iran — in case Tehran wants to call to ease the tensions. This reportedly prompted hundreds of prank calls to Switzerland’s diplomatic mission.”

Read more…

In Iran Tags Donald Trump, Humor, comedy, sanctions

Humor Prevails in Iran

May 10, 2019 Reza Akbari
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The threat of war and existing sanctions continue to greatly impact the everyday life of Iranians. There are many reports of high inflation, shortage of essential items, and potential rationing of food. Through all these pressures, one constant variable has been the population’s unrelenting sense of humor. There are countless jokes about corruption, Donald Trump, regime officials, and the daily challenges of life. A somewhat recent example is a short clip by Arzhang Amirfazli, a popular TV comedian and actor. In a minute-long clip published on social media, he does an incredible job to summarize the prevailing conditions of day-to-day life in Iran. I translated the short clip and I hope the sharp wit of its creator is not lost the process.

“The conditions of our everyday life: It got disconnected? Mhm. They cut it off? Mhm. It went up? It ran out? It totally disappeared? Uh-huh. It got eliminated? Mhm. Oh, so it’s no longer imported? Uh-huh. It’s no longer exported either? They took it? They removed it? Eh, they are no longer here? Hh-huh. It’s banned now?  They embezzled it? Mmm. So, it’s no longer possible? They stole it and polished it off with a cold glass of water? Uh-huh. It’s contraband now?  It’s prohibited. Mhm. They eradicated it? Uh-huh. They don’t give it anymore? Uh-huh. It’s very expensive now? Mhm. I shouldn’t even think about it anymore? Uh-huh. I can’t see it? Uh-huh. I can’t eat it? Mhm. And those we can’t even take anymore? Huh-huh. These we can’t hit anymore? Mhm. No! No! We don’t have any needs. It’s not important that you don’t have that. If this is not available then it’s not! No problem. We don’t need that either. There are no issues about this one either. It’s not here, so what? No problem. No! No! We don’t want this either. It was here until now, but it’s not here anymore. What can we do? We are used to it. No, I don’t want it. That one? I don’t want that either. No, we don’t want this either. We don’t need it. No problem! No!”

In Iran Tags comedy, Humor, sanctions

What If He Hears Us?

February 18, 2016 Reza Akbari

Reformist Shahrvand newspaper published an imaginary exchange in its humor column this morning. I thought it was worth translating. Enjoy!

“I am hungry. I wish there was a double McDonald’s burger I could eat so….”
“Shhhhhh….quiet. He is going to hear you.”
“Oh man…I forgot McDonald’s was a spying instrument. Alright, forget about that! I could go for KFC…”
“Shhhhhh….quiet. He is going to hear you.”
“Come on man! They said KFC opened up a branch in Tehran. It’s halal and they got a license to open it. Are you telling me they got a license to spy?”
“Shhhhhh….quiet. He is going to hear you.”
“What the…! Ok. Forget about it. I wish we had some potatoes. We could throw it in the fire together and…
“Shhhhhh….quiet. He is going to hear you.”
“What?! Talking about potatoes is forbidden too? Ohh..is it because that parliamentary member resigned over potatoes? Was it for real? Did he take his resignation back or…”
“Shhhhhh….quiet. He is going to hear you.”
“Oh…what a story! Even when we had potatoes, we didn’t have bread. By the way, why do you think bread is so expensive and low quality?”
“Shhhhhh….quiet. He is going to hear you.”
“Bread is a redline too! Are all kinds of bread redlines or just the barbary bread?”
“Shhhhhh….quiet. He is going to hear you.”
“Why is the price of produce so high? They say there is a fruit mafia…”
“Shhhhhh….quiet. He is going to hear you.”
“So talking about the fruit mafia is bad too? They say sandwiches are the way Americans will penetrate the country, maybe fruit will also…”
“Shhhhhh….quiet. He is going to hear you.”
“In this cold and dark environment…”
“Shhhhhh….quiet. He is going to hear you.”
“Ohhh…sorry! Not cold or dark. In this environment, what can I talk about? Rice? Can I Talk about rice? Indian rice is being imported to the market…”
“Shhhhhh….quiet. He is going to hear you.”
“Forget about! Let him hear it. What is he going to do to us if he hears us?”
“You are such a pest! We are playing hide-and-seek. He is going to hear you and come and find us. Are you here to play or talk?”
“Oh…you are right! I totally understand…shhhhhhh…..”

In Iran Tags Domestic Press, Humor, Satire