Funny In Farsi By Firoozeh Dumas: An Analysis

The Iranian Revolution of 1979 had an enormous effect on many Iranians, including those who had immigrated to other places. But not the Dumas family. They were fortunate enough to have immigrated to America before that shift in the government. They were able to experience American hospitality in its truest form. Firoozeh Dumas, a published author of “Funny in Farsi”, wrote about her and her family’s experience in America before that turning point in Iranian history. In her book, she says “We remember the kindness more than ever, knowing that our relatives who immigrated to this country after the Iranian Revolution did not encounter the same America,” (Dumas 19). This quote relates to multiple aspects of Dumas’ life being herself, her relationship with her family, and her family’s relationship with her community.

But, who wouldn’t, given the fact you are in a brand new country and know next to no one. And let’s not forget about the communication problem. Imagine their relief when everyone was extremely kind and helpful to them. When the Dumas family had to go back home, the one thing that stayed with them most was the hospitality shown to them by their community. “Even though I had been the beneficiary of all the attention, my mother, watching silently from a distance, had also felt the warmth of generosity and kindness. It was hard to leave,” (Dumas 18). The California community welcomed them with open arms and was sad to see them go. This awe-inspiring impression of Americans left the Dumas family mourning their departure. Years after the Dumas family left America, the Iranian Revolution took place and Americans were shunning anyone of Islamic ties. Hence, Dumas’ reflection on the fact that her relatives who moved there afterward would be ridiculed and dissed and that they wouldn't get to experience the amiable and kind-hearted spirit of