Re: where to start
First, I *really* appreciate your tone, your nuanced response, and your willingness to engage in a productive discussion. Frankly, it makes my entire day that there are people like you out there :-)
Now, let me address your points.
1. I don't think you misrepresented anything thing: I just think you were mistaken about one thing. Further, your point about Bosnia is well taken, and good food for thought.
2.I haven't read the full issue either: just what's presented here. I think I had a different takeaway, that's all. I find it's meta commentary offensive, but I don't take offense with people who disagree with me.
3.Honor killings, no doubt, are ugly and horrific part of ME culture But the degree to which they've been overexaggerated and overstated is, I think, part of the problem. Your impression of how widespread(and accepted) the practice is based on the media reports you've been exposed to. But the disproportionate amount of media coverage these freak-show get on the MSM is part of the problem. And comics like the above, that reinforce that message with every mention of Arabs or Muslims, are a direct root of that problem.
4. Fair point.
5. I'm sorry I wasn't clear. I have no doubt that Marjane's account is accurate: I'm the same age that she is, and I lived through almost the *exact* same time in Iran that she did. As a matter of fact, we lived in the same city, and I'll bet we went to some of the same 'mehmunias'(large, multi family parties). And yes, I was listening to contraband rock&roll too. I'll collaborate her story myself :-).
But, I'll also add there other sides to it as well. Iran has women as vice presidents, and 60% of college graduates are women. Sex change operations are paid for by the government, and Iran is the host to the second largest group of Jews in the ME, outside of Israel itself. Yes, they're a lot of backwards shit there too, and sure wish it wasn't. But it's a complicated story, and Marjane only told one tiny part of it. The other part if a people who fought(and won) against colonial interests, and improved their standing in education, medicine, and women's rights at the same time. And, to be fair, took a lot of angry steps backwards.
6. I can't say that I agree. I find pedophiles, murderers, suicide bombers, and werewolves to be signs of monstrosity. And, as such, I'm offended by the comic. Not big deal, ofcouse: just means I've have an extra scoop of ice cream tonight to sooth the aching sense of offense: but there you have it. And you listen to Amy? Cool! Can I friend you? :-)
7. I'm sorry, in reading over my own note, I the accusatory vibe it in. Please accept my apologies: I was out of line to imply such a thing. Of course you're not.