Reza Asen's Journey and Insights

Reza Asen shares his experiences growing up in Iran, his family's aristocratic background, and the cultural and political upheaval during the Iranian Revolution. He discusses his migration to the US, the differences between Iranian communities in California, and the transformative power of religion in uniting diverse groups. These experiences shaped his interest in studying religion academically.

What was the cultural background of Reza Asen's father's family?

• They were farmers.

• They were part of the landed aristocracy.

• They were stage and film actors.

• They were merchants.

Why did Reza Asen's family leave Iran?

• They wanted to explore new opportunities.

• They were escaping political upheaval.

• They were invited by relatives in the US.

• They were seeking better education.

Where did Reza Asen's family first settle in the United States?

• New York

• Los Angeles

• Oklahoma

• San Francisco

What characterized the first wave of Iranian immigrants to the US in 1979?

• They were mostly intellectuals.

• They were predominantly artists.

• They were wealthy and affiliated with the Shah's regime.

• They were primarily middle class.

How did the Northern California Iranian community differ from the Southern California community?

• They were less educated.

• They were more politically left-leaning.

• They were wealthier.

• They were more conservative.

What is a notable characteristic of the Iranian community in Los Angeles according to Reza Asen?

• They are politically neutral.

• They are very liberal.

• They are highly conservative.

• They are mostly artists.

What did Reza Asen find unusual about the Iranian community in Los Angeles?

• Their indifference to the Middle East.

• Their focus on cultural activities.

• Their strong neoconservative stance.

• Their lack of interest in politics.

What did Reza Asen realize about religion during the Iranian Revolution?

• It was only important to clerics.

• It was irrelevant to the revolution.

• It had the power to unify disparate groups.

• It was a divisive force.

What aspect of religion intrigued Reza Asen and led to his academic pursuit?

• Its rituals and ceremonies.

• Its sociological and psychological impact.

• Its historical texts.

• Its artistic expressions.

What was Reza Asen's family's attitude towards religion?

• They were indifferent to religion.

• They were religious leaders.

• They were fairly irreligious.

• They were deeply religious.