“No Way” Says Mohammad Reza Shajarian. Maybe a Sign For The Future.

Lesson Learned: When you think of Iranian artist, you think of artist who still want to create music despite the disapproval. As we continue in this battle between musicians and government, we see that musicians are losing hope and becoming fearful of what’s to happen next. Even though times seem tough, Iranian’s are continuing to do what they do best and love - play music. 

Description: 

     This newspaper article written by Rachel Lee Harris, tells a story about a popular Iranian singer named Mohammad Reza Shajarian, who sings traditional Persian music, and his efforts to make state radio and television to stop broadcasting his work (Harris 1). Weird right? The press reported that Shajarian threatened to file a complaint against them if they continued to use his music stating “No way”. Government has been responding to several artist’s by banning their work, and in some circumstances detaining and forbidding them to travel. Iranian artist’s continue to boycott state-sponsored awards, and appear wearing green, the color of opposition. Many have sought asylums out of fear of repercussions after releasing their work, some inspiring human rights violations which appear through Iran on a daily basis, just like Mehdi Kalhor. (Harris 1)

Evaluation: 

     I personally found this article to have not as much information in it as other articles I have read. Yes, it gives new information that I haven’t heard of before, but it doesn’t go in depth. I would of like this article to tell the reader more about Mohammed Reza Sharjarian. Instead, the author only gives your tiny bits and pieces of information. On a brighter note, I enjoyed the ending of the article the most, due to the fact that it adds a different tone unlike any others. It tells the reader that some artists are becoming scared of what the government has to offer in regards to musicians who believe they cannot be stopped. Take for instance Mehdi Kalhor, who has sought an asylum as a way out of getting reprimanded by the government for publishing songs that violate what officials believe Iran stands for. However, it is a strange thing to see artists who don’t want their music to be planned after hearing a dozen who don’t care what the government has to say. Is this a new wave of fear going to last? We shall see. 

Citation: 
MLA: Rachel Lee Harris. "Iranian Musician Declares His Protest: Brief." New York Times: C.2. Print. 2009.
APA: Rachel Lee Harris. (2009, Iranian musician declares his protest: Brief. New York Times, pp. C.2.

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