Funny In Farsi

The chapter details a visit by Nematollah, Firoozeh’s uncle. Kazem and Nematollah share an interest in food, and Dumas recalls the various habits the two men develop toward junk food. As a consequence, Nematollah gains weight. Since he is a new bachelor, this is a problem. He then begins searching various ways to lose weight, beginning with diet pills. Any time a new gimmick pops up, he is willing to give it a try. He finally manages to lose the pounds that he gained while in America.

This chapter includes the first mention of Iranian-American political tensions. Firoozeh’s first experiences in America take place in 1972, well before the Iranian Revolution. Her interactions with Americans form the basis of this chapter. Though these experiences reveal Americans to be somewhat ignorant of her heritage, she maintains that the questions she receives are asked in friendly and gregarious ways. She also details some examples of how the general kindness of Americans make a lasting impression on her, such as when a neighbor teaches her how to take care of household plants. Generally, in Firoozeh’s experience, Americans tend to think that Iranians are Arabs, which she makes clear they are not. She quotes her father, who says that Iranians and Arabs have oil and religion in common, and that’s it.