In dictatorship, truth is irrelevant and lying becomes a survival skill

Columnist Lisa Magnusson reflects on the profound impact of Marjane Satrapi's work in illuminating life within a dictatorship, particularly in Iran. Satrapi, who recently passed away at 56, used her biographical graphic novel series 'Persepolis' to transform her specific experiences growing up first in Iran and then in exile into a universally relatable narrative. Magnusson argues that Satrapi's great achievement was demonstrating that evil is not a simple, universal explanation and that the reality of living under an oppressive regime is far more complex than often portrayed. "In a dictatorship, you learn to lie early on," Magnusson writes, explaining that truth holds little value and logic is absent. She illustrates this with an anecdote about a teacher who might declare the Shah chosen by God one moment, only to punish a student for repeating it after a revolution brings a new doctrine. The necessity of adapting to new rules, like mandatory head coverings for girls, leads to confusion but also fosters the development of humor as a survival tool. Magnusson recounts how young Iranians learned to counter the pronouncements of zealous supporters of the regime with exaggerated responses or defiant whispers, protecting each other from punishment. While many might have resisted based on memories of a different time, Magnusson notes that even younger generations in Iran are resisting today, despite the immense dangers. Satrapi's work reveals that living in a dictatorship is not merely about silence and submission; it involves a fundamental division of self. It requires creating a private space, shielded from watchful neighbors, where genuine life can exist, filled with activities like playing chess, watching videos, or making wine in secret. Without these hidden outlets, Magnusson implies, the will to endure would be extinguished.

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In a dictatorship, you learn to lie early on. No one is interested in the truth, and there is no logic.