Wednesday, January 10, 2018

Iranian Elite

While the working class in Iran took to the streets to protest against the government and its economic policies, the “Rich Kids of Tehran” are busy flaunting their luxurious lifestyle.

The elites indulge in poolside breakfasts in their lavish mansions while the poor and famine-struck residents of their city have no choice but to stand up against the corrupt government.

“Attractive 20-somethings flaunt $1,000 Hermes sandals and frolic poolside at lavish mansions in a capital where, perhaps in another part of town, the desperate hawk their own kidneys to feed their families," wrote Shashank Bengali and Ramin Mostaghim.
The New York Times’ Iranian journalist Amir Ahmadi Arian also talked about the lavish life of these kids.
He said, "Wealthy young Iranians act like a new aristocratic class unaware of the sources of their wealth. They brazenly drive Porsches and Maseratis through the streets of Tehran before the eyes of the poor and post about their wealth on Instagram.”
These cars drive down the roads of Tehran in front of people who can’t afford to even dream about them. The lavish lifestyles of the elites show the inequality that is widening with the rise of poverty in Iran, which does not seem to affect the “rich kids” in the slightest. An austerity budget by President Hassan Rouhani sparked a huge controversy, encouraging protesters to take a stand against inequality. The difference between the working class and elites can be understood by who they support in this sensitive time — the working class shouting “death to the dictator” and the elites supporting the government. 

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