Being Iranian In LA.: More Than Just A Stereotype [Becoming Iranian-American, Pt. 2] | AJ+

Young Iranian-Americans in Los Angeles face two stereotypes: the wealthy snob or the “scary terrorist.” But they're way cooler than that.
Want more? Check out this similar video from AJ+: • Why Are So Many Korean...
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#IraniansinAmerica #IranianAmericans #Tehrangeles
Watch part 1: • Why Are There So Many ...
Iranian-American AJ+ Producer Yara Elmjouie goes to “Tehrangeles” and meets an incredibly diverse community of other young Iranian-Americans.
Special thanks:
Amy Malek, Neda Maghbouleh, Alireza Ardekani, Beeta Baghoolizadeh, Persis Karim
Resources:
Neda Maghbouleh - “The Limits of Whiteness: Iranian Americans and the Everyday Politics of Race” (2017)
Amy Malek - “Claiming Space: Documenting Second-Generation Iranian Americans in Los Angeles” (2015
Music tracks courtesy of APM, Audio Networks and West One Music.
Footage and images courtesy of Getty, AP, Reuters and “Best in the West” by Maryam Kashani.
Archival footage: "Warring Factions" by Justin Mashouf, Yara Elmjouie.
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[@Smurillo96]

It’s cool that the Iranian-Americans of LA learned some Spanish. I love that interaction between the two cultures. I myself am Mexican-American and I love Farsi and the culture.

[@roberto42231]

Oye amigo, ¿Cómo fue tu experiencia cuando conociste a los iraníes occidentalizados por primera vez? 🤔, ¿Te trataron bien? 🤔, ¿No te confundieron con un persa? 🤔 Porque tengo entendido que tanto los persas como los mexicanos somos muy parecidos físicamente.

[@agostocobain2729]

Yeah bro I’m Persian born and raised here I speak Spanish g 😂 I have more Mexican friends than Iranian. I also love Armenians

[@agostocobain2729]

@@roberto42231 Verdadero

[@agostocobain2729]

@@roberto42231 nosotros nos parecemos 😂

[@ciaronsmith4995]

It's not Farsi. It's "Persian". Cheers.

[@arash91324]

I am a Muslim Iranian and I have to say that I am so proud of our Jewish Iranians. The Jewish Iranian lady in this show was a prime example of it! Very proud of you

[@Fernando-fr5cu]

What about the Bahá'í iranians?

[@agostocobain2729]

@@Fernando-fr5cu why do you ask this? I’m Iranian I can give you an answer

[@green4760]

She has a beautiful voice

[@prairiehorse6168]

Persian does sound very sweet. The food looks delicious 😍.

[@thiccsangels1224]

You must try it! It's wonderful!

[@SimplySaamPilot]

It is the best!

[@bahareh4680]

I GASPED when I heard Yara mention Zoroastrians! I’m Zoroastrian myself, and we’re such a small community, I wouldn’t have ever thought it would be mentioned! Thank you Yara!! Zorastrians represent!!! I need to go visit “Tehrangeles” some time.

[@Mahalakshmi-Khan]

Bahareh which country are you from?

[@agostocobain2729]

Parsi probably ✌️ to the Persian Indians. I think there was a connection to Persians and Indians way before Paris’s

[@ciaronsmith4995]

@@agostocobain2729 Wrong. Many Iranians in Iran are still Zoroastrian.

[@agostocobain2729]

@@ciaronsmith4995 I’m Iranian, both parents. I know my culture thank you.

[@ciaronsmith4995]

@@agostocobain2729 Doesn't sound like it. But ok. Know your history then - an Irishman like me shouldn't know more...

[@brycem1207]

The majority of my Persian/Iranian friends mark the “asian box”, which was interesting. Though they’ve stated that Iran is in Asia, therefore they are Asian. Which makes sense lol

[@stefanogiordanengo6982]

Bryce Antony Franco da Silva Iranians are not Asian by American census bureau standards. *In the US Census, people with origins or ancestry in the Far East, Southeast Asia, and the Indian subcontinent are classified as part of the Asian race;* while those with origins or ancestry in North Asia (Russians, Siberians), Central Asia (Kazakhs, Uzbeks, Turkmens, etc.), Western Asia (diaspora Jews, Turks, Persians, West Asian Arabs, etc.), and the Caucasus (Georgians, Armenians, Azeris) are classified as "white" or "Middle Eastern". As such, "Asian" and "African" ancestry are seen as racial categories for the purposes of the Census, since they refer to ancestry only from those parts of the Asian and African continents that are outside the Middle East and North Africa.

[@persianguy1524]

Mehrdad Cavani i always put down middle eastern, asian or Iranian, never white.

[@persianguy1524]

Mesopotamian Kurd Kurds are also gyspy origin.

[@stefanogiordanengo6982]

Dariush Ashkani Well, Iranian is not a race. Iranian is just a nationality. You should put probably "Caucasian".

[@persianguy1524]

Mehrdad Cavani so if its not a race then why do you assume i should put down caucasian?

[@hazellissette5189]

I love how diverse Los Angeles is!

[@TsukiCondor]

It is city of Angles

[@juice8431]

And a shitstain at the same time

[@almurabitun]

Iran does not just have Persians. Iran consists of Persians, Turkmen, Baluchis, Azeris and Kurds.

[@persianguy1524]

almoravid almurabit yep. But most Iranians are Persian 65-70%.

[@naifalbaihed1230]

almoravid almurabit and Arabs

[@almurabitun]

Dariush Ashkani Besides the point. But yes I hear you.

[@aminsh3843]

Ethnic doesn't really matter tho! We're living in the 21th century and we should have more important concerts as Iranians. Like the never-ending inflation, draught, extremism, freedom of speech,unity,etc....just don't be shallow and try to have better priorities so as to make your country a better place to live for different Iranians with different beliefs

[@47samy]

armenians and assyrians too

[@gerardocortez8833]

After watching this video and living in Los Angeles my entire life, and being Hispanic , parents from Central America, I have really enjoy watching this video and understanding what’s around me. There is so much culture here and so many food to try out. I will for sure out over there and maybe catch a soccer game because of the World Cup games and Iran being part of it. Can’t wait to meet and eat and try something new.

[@mahdieh1796]

I LOVE THIS "SERIES" SOO MUCH!! Honestly keep up the good work!! Much love from Denmark!🤗

[@CHopeBerlin]

Thank you for this documentary. I am not American but Persian-German. And i always felt like there aint any content on KZbin about being a Persian in an other country. The closest i got was "Being a Muslim in a non-islamic country"-videos. So thank you for that. Finally getting a little sense of representation and understanding. And what that persian-jewish girl said i could really relate to.

[@dieulatoussaint6466]

4:01 Her voice and the back up vocal all come together to create this beautiful melody... damn sis I 👀 you.

[@pegah3874]

Thank you for making this series ! As an Iranian American immigrant ( immigrated when I was 10 I’m almost 18 now !) I never saw as much as representations I should have , And the ones I saw made us look bad though I think making this series is a great way for people to be educated about us Iranian immigrants !

[@axelcorsa2710]

I am interested in learning about Iranian Americans and am inspired to learn more by videos like this. Great interviews and content provided. Some of the stories resonate with me as a Colombian American. Cheers to Persian Culture!

[@AMIR-nm7fo]

Thank you for your time, knowledge, and effort in creating this video. May Allah bless you always. Salam

[@300ZCorradoVR6Z]

Loved this and would love to see more.

[@mohamadhoseineghbali4999]

Loved the video. Lot's of loving from Iran coming your way, Yara! Maybe someday you'll have a chance to visit Iran!

[@agostocobain2729]

You got a great name im Persian too

[@victoriaredman603]

WOW!! Thank you! I'm in awe, I had no idea. I'm from Florida but have visited LA before. The musician lady is incredible!

[@anapatriciag8510]

Thank you 🙏 Yara! What an incredible informative and wonderful piece🇮🇷🇮🇷!! As Someone who loves cultures, places and people.. it was a pleasure to watch these Great videos 👍👍👍

[@Withme-Iran]

Thank you Yara ! great job ! please continue . Well done and more videos please.

[@majkhan3376]

keep it up very interesting .. I love Iranians and am fascinated by the history! keep up the great work!

[@tube3365]

Well done! Thanks for your insightful report!!!

[@ichtube]

Good work man. Keep it up.

[@VegHui]

I'm so excited there are going to be more parts!!

[@martinequetino8997]

i am argentinian persian.... and resident in brazil... i felt unique... this video represent me a lot. thanks for explain many goods ideas. khodahafez

[@MehrshadRajabi]

داداش دمت گرم، عالی بودن هر دو اپیزود و‌ منتظر سومیش هستیم ⁦❤️⁩😄

[@michaeltayon9184]

This is an awesome video, and to be honest, helps *ME* "see" things differently, thank you!!! :)

[@ptg805]

the reason I watched this video is because I met a very nice guy at a tire shop that was super nice to a Mexican worker . he asked me are u getting tires for your car and i told him no i brought my own tires . it seemed like he liked cars and science by the way he was talking so I asked him were he was from . he looked at me and said I can't say cause you'll start running. my heart sank when he told me that and i told him no that's not true I'm not like these Americans. then he said I'm from Iran . such a nice person shouldn't have to feel like this in America it is not right . he is an intelligent individual that deserves the best in this world

[@giorbymiranda]

1) i love the musician woman. she's a cultural melting pot. 2) i always find it strange that Americans (or i suppose specifically white Americans) would so easily judge people of different color/race when their country is a nation of nations, beliefs, cultures, identities, etc. 3) "whiteness falls apart" deep. let that sink in.

[@1031103899]

I think the influence of the Iranian American community can be felt by iranians anywhere outside of Iran. I `ve lived in Malaysia for 15 Years now. And this video just resonates so much. I remember growing up and at times of insecurity i wished i was not so tall, had a smaller nose and just simply blended in better. I hated that people kept pointing me out from my group of friends. And the media created by the iranian amarican community has always been a great help and a way to somehow find your voice. So Thank you very very much!

[@eliseoandradecordero936]

Excelente video. I'm surpised that some Iranians speak Spanish, too. I already feel loved by them. Thank you for sharing this. Greetings from Mexico.

[@suzannenobel6809]

There’s an Iranian community in Madrid, Spain actually and they speak it perfectly

[@geneva1999]

My dad; born in Theran, speaks almost fluent Spanish, since he lived in East LA.

[@narcissamary9337]

Wow so good job! Love this video ! So much work and nice camera movement

[@jimpixx3277]

More video like this please!!! I'm Middle East and I live literally on the other side of the world so it's really interesting to see real American Iranians

[@robel1089]

I’m extremely proud to be Persian. I’m so blessed to be Iranian. all tho I missed my country a lot. 😭

[@David-yi1vo]

@@theliberaltalk813 A lot of Iranians were kicked out after the islamic revolution and they cannot go back to Iran. Look up the Iranian Jewish community in Beverly Hills and Calabasas for example, they cannot go back to Iran. Thats why they all literally fled to America and Israel. And thats just ONE small subgroup of Iranians who cant go back

[@leilaleila4874]

This was so beautiful to watch 😍

[@user-jc6el3uv5e]

I love Iran😍 from Yemen 😍

[@user-me6px3hx6e]

The relation between Iran and Yemen went back to Pre Islamic era, did you know that?! We love our Yemenise brothers also.. specially the Hothi ones.

[@S3NTR7]

yes your right bro @@user-me6px3hx6e

[@zerrinp7022]

your videos are great. I love them. love from Tabriz ❤

[@bhka6423]

Tabriz💪💪

[@Ronon878]

Great series!

[@davidholt1250]

Living in LA it was fascinating to explore the various ethnicities that have settled there--Iranian, Armenian, of course Mexican and Latino. A very interesting part of the world.

[@vengeance5020]

I love everything about iran their movies, music, foods etc etc

[@nimamaghame983]

This was dope thank you

[@samiradadoun4381]

lovely series

[@the7hertz948]

Long live Iran/Persia the real home of the brave💪❤️❤️❤️🇮🇷🇮🇷🇮🇷🌹🌹🌹

[@bhka6423]

Persia was the name of a province.

[@Cyanidal187]

As a European of mixed descent the entire premise of having to specify your 'race' is utterly dystopian and exposes the horrid racialized systems of the U.S.A.

[@eduardoroca1991]

But many people choose to define themselves in terms of their identities, and in the end we all talk about identity. If you don't really care about having an identity in this sense that's fine, but I think one should respect the identities of others.

[@Cyanidal187]

In a country that was built upon the marginalisation of certain races and ethnicities to the benefit of the ruling racial class this necessity to racially distinguish being ingrained within the structures of the governmental and corporate systems can only be detrimental to society as a whole.

[@clintonjefferson6494]

Race is just a means to identify. There are ways that people are separated other than race.

[@Cyanidal187]

@Clinton Jefferson Distinguishing individuals or populations based on racial conceptualizations primarily originated in the colonial era to establish a hierarchical structure of power. It is a quite irrelevant concept in a society that wants to be progress to an egalitarian standard that is inclusive of all.

[@laptv2144]

It’s used to “give minorities a fair shot” which basically just applies to blacks and dark Latinos and absolutely no one else.

[@IR-yd5bp]

Great job Thank You

[@MsKewi-NYC]

Thanks Yara, I truly appreciate these shorts they've really educated me to Iranian Americans population living their American dream. I've watched the Shahs of Sunset and found them them for the most part just comical to say the least oh and Mike on there is Jewish. However, its sad to believe that this day and age that people would describe or stereotype people buy a show. I look forward to seeing your next short on your family's Journey to America. My Hope Is that AJ will do more shorts on Arabs and Muslim people in general so that we can break down walls of stereotypes.😃✌

[@BenHayat]

Nice video. Subscribed! Although, there are many Iranians live in US and the neighboring country Canada, but due to media poisoning the Iranian's rich and educated culture in West, many Iranians live under the radar. This wasn't like this back in 1975 when I was going to university of Miami. I think AJ is on a great mission to uncover Iranian culture and how the media and US government have blindly put the wrong stamp on this civilization. A few months ago, an older American guy asked me a sincere question and he was not trying to provoke me. He asked "Do you have cars in Iran?". That was telling me how deep and ignorant most Americans are about other countries. And the media rides and profits on that. AJ, do these videos since you seem to enjoy it. It will be a great service and offering to your heritage.

[@chrisb9996]

Ben Hayat I don’t think a conversation with one guy or even the media can tell you about what most Americans think about Iran. There’s 320 million Americans. I do think there are a lot of ignorant people here, but there’s also a lot of diversity here which allow us to be in contact with people from different cultures. One can also say that there are many people outside of the US who are ignorant about the US due to them believing what they see on movies and the media.

[@EsaChinita]

06:58 I wish more young parents would take these wise words into consideration and name their children cultural names instead of plain Americanized names.

[@mohsenansary5145]

This is actually the first one of parents' duties for children according to Islam (obviously a child's right ...because name is kind of important)

[@hellomeloO]

Wow her music was so unique and soulful

[@nabilaali4649]

Am British Pakistan! I love Iran 🇮🇷 and Iraq 🇮🇶

[@rofidganteng1]

the man soundss soooo GAY. lol

[@comprendersi1444]

I think this is the future, the mix that I bound to come. A respect for history, a new identity with he allowance of culturally specific hubs :)

[@10Fountainhead]

What Chloe Pourmorady says is so true: English cannot replace the poetic beauty of Farsi..Farsi is so special

[@freya1689]

I've always been interested in the Iranian culture. Also Persian culture too. Farsi is a lovely language.I was wondering the other day what's the name of the Persian poet who had books found on titanic? Rumi?

[@maccybear8093]

Really cool doc

[@whhusa]

Stereotypes.....remind me of the 70's and 80's....gold chain, open shirt hairy chest, enough perfume to share with all the neighbors, and Pontiac Firebirds! LOL. But you gotta love the food in the West LA/Beverly Hills areas.

[@chrisa6455]

, I enjoyed your video. I'm an American female who lived in Tehran for 10 years I was there after the revolution during the Iran Iraq War and the American hostage crisis my children are half Persian I speak fluent Farsi I would love to live in LA to be immersed in that culture again I love love love the culture and the food is the best in the world that's all we eat please keep doing more videos of real people not Shahs of Sunset

[@manliomartinezbarona5627]

I went to visit Iran like ten years ago, I travelled many place there, since that trip I became a fierce defender of Iranians, they are marvellous people. My best wishes to iranians from México

[@Brandi.Nicole]

I speak English and Spanish - now I want to learn Farsi! Such a beautiful language.

[@the.r32]

🔥🔥🙌❤️

[@sarnabdasgupta5376]

Iranian people and their culture are great. They are really proud nation and I love as well as respect Iranian people. The persian lsounds so sweet that I fell in love with the language.

[@joeldavid5692]

Hey guys! What is the name of the song that chloe was singing? Thank you in advance to the finder.

[@marcoanian]

Hi, What´s the name of the song : start by 03:00, or dose somebody else knows the the name?? thanks for the info.

[@theunforgiven159]

I really loved to see these iranian-americans speaking spanish, greetings from Mexico guys.

[@iamdee2615]

i love her music...

[@mar1355]

Persian (Iranian) are very cool people's and they have the most wonderful history and richest Culture in the world..and they're so Proud being Iranian. They're famous by their luxury lifestyle specialty in LA.. I'm German and I have to many good Persian friends.. By the way Persian foods are delicious and tasty like Persian pretty girls.. Love and Cheers to all my Iranian comrade🍺🍺💘💘

[@reyhaneranjbar7172]

MercySincere hey I'm Iranian too and I bet you I'm one of the sweetest

[@mar1355]

Reyhane Ranjbar Hey! i bet you are one of the sweetest 😍

[@reyhaneranjbar7172]

MercySincere but unfortunately I'm trying to immigrate because here our lives don't live up to standards and to be honest if you're language was easy I probably immigrate Germany it's a very good place in every aspect

[@psxbr60]

I’m a Persian from Canada & both my sister in law and my best friend are half German. IMO Persians and Iranians get along very well with Germans. Even historically speaking. 🍻

[@EhsanShabahang]

You are amazing

[@hamzab1821]

Hate comments are comming, i can smell them from miles away

[@MsKewi-NYC]

hamza B Think positive! If they've watch the short hopefully they will have learned from it at the same time.✌😃

[@ciaronsmith4995]

Hamza are you Arab? Stop inciting shit on PERSIAN videos.

[@sandernista6499]

Nah thats just the cologne that the Persian men are wearing

[@honggao7992]

Persians are so cool I wish I can be Persian for a day

[@comprendersi1444]

I never understood why so many people want to go to LA. I thought it was just game and fortune. Watching these episodes of these different ethnic series I get it. It’s so much more and now I have a part of me that wants to go even though I know of the environmental problems LA is plagued with

[@E_99LDN]

Holy shit I relate to this so much

[@fluffball131]

Tehrangeles reminds me of Little Poland in New Britain Connecticut.

[@william66100]

Hi there ,am a Persian (Iranian) living in Cardiff Wales and there isn't eny Persian resturant and shops here😢😢,They all in London ,and i miss having Persian foods, Faloda and other sweets

[@Arushd4441]

I am a Bangladeshi Canadian and I can relate with this video from the core of my heart living in Colonial North America.

[@shereemorgan1430]

Loved the video! The Shahs, of Sunset, is a joke!

[@sarwarsarwar6460]

i like ur personality and smile ,,,,, huge love from pakistan my dear,,,,

[@faceitimright]

Awesome music

[@yossisavage8732]

Loving these series.

[@goldenmemes51]

long live sikh-jewish friendship

[@BS-mr4um]

he comment on a iranian video why you guys answer it.... tnx for watching from iran

[@samsen3965]

2:41 وای که این کلوئه چقدر خوشگله و چقدر خوش صدا. خدا کنه خواندن رو جدی بگیره و حتماً موفقه.

[@courtneyc4649]

At 9:00 when you said "dual identity" I thought you said "dool identity" lol

[@junkandgunk]

1:44 did he say Masha Allah ? that would be wonderful if he did

[@Meelany261095]

When you speak Spanish and English and Arabic so you don't need subtitles hahaha I'm so proud of myself

[@aaax332]

what does arabic have to do with any of this? lol

[@stefanogiordanengo6982]

Iranian people speak *Persian* . They don't speak Arabic.

[@melodym.9845]

I speak Spanish and English and Farsi. I’m 12 years old. And I was born in America

[@stefanogiordanengo6982]

Tricked ya Farsi is the endonym of Persian language

[@melodym.9845]

Stefano Giordanengo I know, I speak Farsi. سلام، من فارسی بلدم از تو بیشتر! Hola, amigo! Como te llamas?

[@Leyla7292]

Salam Yari, che tori? 🙂 Hello i am from🇮🇷 but live in Scandinavia. Mamnoon kheyli khobi video 🙏❤️

[@user-il8bh2sn9q]

Damet garm pesar

[@sk-gi5wy]

Beryoon Isfahan at minute 7:33. House of Kabob rules.

[@SimplySaamPilot]

As an Iranian who went to school in a small town in South East Kentucky, this video makes me feel very special 😁

[@phil3924]

OBI?

[@SimplySaamPilot]

@@phil3924 Holly cow How did you know?

[@Benjaminimal]

very interesting to see that there's all this diversity within the Iranian community in LA. i empathize with a lot of what the lady was talking about. the so-called "contradictory" nature of being jewish AND iranian etc. really fascinating series so far! keep it up, from a part ashkenazi/ukrainian/irish norwegian guy!

[@mehrnoushrm]

I think it’s more inclusive to use the term “Iranian” instead of “Persian” since Persian refers to a certain ethnicity, where as Iran includes several ethnicities

[@fhdbgh]

Now I want to be Iranian. Beautiful people, beautiful job here. :)

[@maryam7402]

🥰

[@aradgharib8329]

At 2:01 was that the Bijan Rolls Royce?

[@narcissamary9337]

Which camera did you use when you were moving?

[@ferirahmatchandrapiliang5333]

May I know what song played when Yara entered the Synagogue? Thank you

[@abett6003]

Synagogue of Satan?? : /

[@wowicantgetausername]

Curious where other Iranians are from: I'm from Vancouver, I've lived in Irvine in the past.

[@iamdee2615]

that socks are way too cool

[@kingxerxes3139]

Calling your child Persian in the same sentence with muslim😂

[@ava8952]

0:52 my family goes there for groceries!

[@FarhanAhmed-nc6ks]

I have a question, I guess its safe to ask here, I don't know Do iranians or Shia people pray namaz after Adhan or there's no concept of it? I never asked anyone in person before, I'm curious... Heloo, I am Farhan, a Indian Sunni Muslim, on behalf of all liberal sunni's, Selam

[@user-ol7iy3be2s]

Hi . We pray Sobh Namaz during the time between adhan and the sunrise but praying as soon as adhan is said is better. As you know we believe we can pray Asr namaz and Zohr namaz at the same time and the time we pray is between Zohr adhan and sunset but praying them apart is better.(Zohr adhan Zohr namaz .Asr adhan Asr namaz) and the other two is like Asr and Zohr prayer except the time we pray is between midnight and Maghreb adhan. and you use namaz word? I thought that only iranians use this word!

[@shahhh418]

@@user-ol7iy3be2s in the sub continent we say namaz Also use both ALLAH and Khuda

[@onursenel7012]

They must have looked pretty hard to find those practicing Muslim Iranians.. I have yet to encounter one in SoCal...

[@TabbyAngel2]

EXACTLY. That is what I said lol

[@KING-bt1tm]

Yeah that’s cuz those who move out of Iran are the secularists who don’t fit in Iranian society. In Iran itself however, it’s a completely different story.

[@zacharykingston1046]

His friend reminds me of an Iranian Thaddeus russell...

[@yedidia100]

make story abut katab book in westwood.

[@jupiterthesun3217]

I Mark the question about race as “ other” because I’m unique! Lol 😂 Just kidding .