Heroes Hurt

In the first half of Persepolis, Marjane Satrapi’s younger self sees a hero as not just someone who stands for a cause but also suffers for it. Knowing that someone went through anguish to achieve a goal enriches their experience and causes us to give respect because the person persevered. If a woman gave birth without pain or struggle would it be as special? If Michael Jordan didn’t have to lose for seven seasons before he won a championship would his story be as compelling? Hell, if we didn’t have to study or go to class for a degree what would really be its value? As we see with Satrapi’s reaction to her uncle, scars are the physical proof that gives a person more right in our minds to tell a story, and therefore more respect.