Beautiful is the Silent of the Ruins VI

'The way modern wars are fought is not just by mobilising troops from one part of the globe to another. In fact, the battle of cultural and ideological ambitions and concepts is fought in the most psychologically sophisticated, twisted and insidious manner. In Iran many believe that another war, based on intellectual ammunition, has been waged on the mind and spirit of her people since the invention of mass communication. For many, the global impact of Hollywood remains the instigator of an imperialistic battle against existing traditions and local culture. At the core of Hollywood's cultural imposition and exchange exists a strong sense of attraction and flirtation with the exotic and unknown nature of the 'other'. In the Middle East, this fascination with Hollywood and her exports also prevails.'
(Edited extract from the personal journal and notes of Farhad Ahrarnia, Shiraz, Winter 1010 in R. Issa, (ed.), Farhad Ahrarnia: Canary in a Coal Mine, London 2011, p. 20).