The Consequences of Abject Ignorance

From the Islamic Revolution to Brexit

Abject ignorance, a state of being grossly unaware or uninformed, can have profound consequences on both individual and societal levels. This abstract explores the impact of abject ignorance by examining two pivotal events in recent history: The Islamic Revolution in Iran in 1979 and the British vote to leave the European Union in 2016, commonly known as Brexit.

The Islamic Revolution of 1979 was a seismic event that reshaped Iran and had far-reaching effects on global politics. The revolution was fuelled by a combination of social unrest, political repression, and economic disparity, exacerbated by a lack of awareness among the ruling elite of the growing discontent¹. This ignorance of the populace’s true conditions and desires led to the overthrow of the Pahlavi dynasty and the establishment of an Islamic Republic, which has since had a significant impact on the Middle East’s geopolitical landscape.

Similarly, the British referendum on EU membership in 2016, which resulted in a narrow victory for the Leave campaign, has been attributed in part to a widespread lack of understanding about the European Union and the implications of Brexit. Misinformation and a lack of clear, factual communication contributed to a decision that has had profound economic, political, and social consequences for the United Kingdom and its relationship with Europe.

Both events serve as stark reminders of the dangers posed by abject ignorance. In the case of Iran, it led to a radical change in government and policy that has had lasting effects on its citizens and international relations. In the United Kingdom, the decision to leave the EU has created ongoing challenges in trade, diplomacy, and national identity. These examples underscore the importance of informed decision-making and the need for transparency and education to prevent the societal upheaval that can arise from a collective lack of understanding.

The Islamic Revolution in Iran.

The Islamic Revolution in Iran, which occurred between 1978 and 1979, was a transformative event that led to the fall of the Pahlavi dynasty and the establishment of an Islamic republic. Here are some key details about the revolution:

• Background: The revolution was the culmination of a series of events and discontent that had been brewing for decades. The monarchy under Mohammad Reza Shah Pahlavi was seen as increasingly autocratic and disconnected from the populace, particularly due to its aggressive modernization and Westernization policies.
• Causes: Economic turmoil, social injustice, and political repression were among the primary drivers of the revolution. The Shah’s White Revolution, intended as a modernization program, disrupted traditional economic structures and angered many, including landowners and clerics¹.
• Key Events: The revolution gained momentum through mass demonstrations and civil resistance. On January 7, 1978, the first major protests erupted, and by February 11, 1979, the monarchy was officially overthrown².
• Outcome: The revolution resulted in the exile of the Shah and the return of Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini from exile. Khomeini became the Supreme Leader of the new Islamic Republic, which significantly altered Iran’s political, social, and economic landscape¹.

The Islamic Revolution had profound effects not only within Iran but also on international relations, particularly in the Middle East. It marked a shift towards religious governance and has had lasting impacts on global geopolitics.

How has Iran changed since the Islamic Revolution?

 

Since the Islamic Revolution in 1979, Iran has undergone significant changes across various aspects of society, politics, and economy. Here are some key areas where Iran has seen change:

• Political Structure: The revolution replaced the monarchy with an Islamic Republic, which introduced a theocratic governance system under the Supreme Leader. This shift has had a profound impact on Iran’s domestic and foreign policies.
• Economy: Iran’s economy shifted from being urban-biased and elite-cantered to rural-biased and populist. The oil boom of the 1970s played a crucial role in this transition, providing Iran with substantial foreign exchange inflows.
• Society and Culture: There has been a significant transformation in social norms and institutions. The revolution led to the implementation of Islamic laws and customs, affecting everything from dress codes to media and education¹.
• Foreign Policy: Iran’s foreign policy has been characterized by a blend of Iranian nationalism and Shiite millenarianism. The country has expanded its regional power and influence, often challenging Western interests in the Middle East³.
• Economic Sanctions: Due to its nuclear program and other contentious issues, Iran has faced economic sanctions from the international community, impacting its economy and relations with other countries⁴.
• Internal Discontent: Despite the initial unity during the revolution, Iran has faced internal challenges, including economic crises and growing popular discontent, which have led to protests and calls for reform⁵.

Overall, the Islamic Revolution has had a lasting impact on Iran, shaping its trajectory over the past four decades and continuing to influence its future direction.

What are some notable cultural changes in Iran post-revolution?

 

Certainly! The 1979 Iranian Revolution brought about significant cultural changes in Iran. Let’s explore some of the notable shifts:

1. Religious Influence: After the revolution, Iran’s culture shifted significantly toward Shia Islam. Theocratic principles became more prominent, and religious leaders gained substantial influence. This shift impacted various aspects of daily life, including dress codes, social norms, and artistic expression.
2. Dress Code and Veiling: The revolution had a profound impact on how women dress. The old Shah had banned the veil in the 1930s, but after the revolution, headscarves and modest clothing became mandatory for women. The enforcement of veiling became stricter, reflecting the Islamic Republic’s values.
3. Education and Gender Equality: Despite the conservative turn, there were also positive changes. The revolution led to increased access to education for women. They gained the right to vote, enrol in higher education, and pursue careers as doctors, lawyers, and public officials. However, gender segregation became more pronounced in educational institutions.
4. Social and Political Activism: The revolution sparked a surge in political and social activism. Iranians became more engaged in discussions about their identity, rights, and the role of religion in society. This activism continues to shape Iran’s cultural landscape³.
5. Youth Disenchantment: In recent years, Iran has witnessed a widening rift between religious traditionalists and a group referred to as “hybrid-postmodernists.” The latter, primarily composed of young people, may still be religiously observant but prioritize other aspects of life over orthodox religion. Their interests range from congregating at malls to listening to Western music, reflecting a drift away from strict religious adherence.
6. Social Reforms: In the 1990s and early 2000s, the Islamic Republic introduced social and cultural reforms. These included relaxing dress codes, family planning initiatives, and the establishment of women’s health clinics. These changes aimed to address public grievances and adapt to evolving societal needs.

In summary, the Iranian Revolution profoundly reshaped cultural norms, emphasizing religious values while also sparking debates and shifts in various aspects of daily life. The tension between tradition and modernity continues to shape Iran’s cultural evolution.

How has Iranian cinema evolved post-revolution?

 

Post-revolution, Iranian cinema has experienced a remarkable evolution, marked by both challenges and triumphs. Here’s an overview of its development:

• Initial Impact: The 1979 revolution initially led to a period where films were seen as Western products and faced bans. Many theatres were burned down, and there was a significant disruption in the film industry¹.
• Censorship and Control: In the early 1980s, film production resumed but under heavy censorship. The government imposed strict rules on both production and exhibition, influencing the content and themes of Iranian films.
• Artistic Renaissance: Despite these restrictions, the 1990s saw a renaissance in Iranian cinema. Filmmakers like Abbas Kiarostami, Asghar Farhadi, Jafar Panahi gained international acclaim for their work, which often featured minimalist storytelling and rich political undercurrents³.
• Cultural Storytelling: Iranian films have become important cultural expressions, frequently breaking the fourth wall to highlight contemporary societal inequalities. They often incorporate traditional elements like poetry and Sufi narratives to convey emotions and create synergy between characters.
• International Recognition: Despite difficulties in distribution and censorship, Iranian cinema has earned global recognition at prestigious festivals like the Oscars, Cannes, and Berlin. This success is a testament to the filmmakers’ creativity and resilience.
• Modern Themes: Today, Iranian films explore a variety of themes such as dominance of masculinity, women’s rights, rural life, and the importance of cinema as a means of resistance. They often address social issues with subtlety and originality, navigating the constraints imposed by censorship.
• Hybrid Documentaries: A new wave of Iranian cinema includes hybrid documentaries, psychological dramas, and even violent thrillers, reflecting the complex social dynamics of modern Iran.

In summary, Iranian cinema has navigated through periods of strict control and censorship to emerge as a powerful medium of cultural and artistic expression, gaining both national pride and international acclaim.