Silence Speaks Volumes: Where Are the Voices for Iran?

In Iran, a struggle for freedom and rights is unfolding, yet the world seems to have turned a blind eye. The government has cut off internet and cell services, making it tough to see or hear what's happening. Reports suggest that around 12, 000 people have lost their lives while millions of Iranians demand an end to decades of oppression. Thousands more face beatings, arrests, or worse. The scenes are heart-wrenching, with makeshift morgues filled with mothers searching for their children's bodies. Contrast this with the global outcry after the Hamas attacks on Oct. 7, 2023. Protests erupted worldwide, from London to Los Angeles, calling for a ceasefire and the liberation of Gaza. Mainstream media outlets kept us updated daily on the casualties, often quoting Hamas-affiliated sources. In the U. S. , over 3, 000 campus protests saw American and Israeli flags burned, with chants demanding an end to genocide. But where is the outrage for Iran? Where are the celebrities, the feminists, the leftist politicians? Why the silence when it comes to the tens of thousands of Iranian women fighting for equality and basic rights? No pins of support from stars like Ariana Grande or Mark Ruffalo. It's a stark contrast to the vocal activism seen elsewhere.Meanwhile, in America, protests commemorate the death of Renee Good, a leftist activist killed by ICE. Protesters use strong language, comparing authorities to the Gestapo, yet they face no arrests or brutality. This is a privilege not afforded to Iranians, who risk their lives for the right to protest. In Iran, women are treated as second-class citizens under Sharia law. They need male chaperones, their testimonies count as half, and morality police harass them for not dressing according to strict rules. This is not a dystopian fantasy; it's the harsh reality for millions of Iranian women, yet the world's left-leaning voices remain silent. The Iranian regime funds terrorism, denies basic rights, and discriminates against its people. Yet, America is often criticized more harshly by these same voices. The hypocrisy is glaring. It's time to ask why the brave women of Iran, lighting cigarettes with images of their oppressors, are not receiving the support they deserve. Maybe it's time to do more than just smoke in solidarity—maybe it's time to take real action.