"I am the light of the Aryans. I will make this country the most modern of all time. Our people will regain their splendor" (Satrapi, Pg. 27). This was the statement made by the Shah at his crowning ceremony. It always seems difficult to know a politician. promises are made and very few are kept. So many today seem corrupt and are only in office for reasons of greed and power.
The words that leap out at me are the use of the word I and the statement that "I am the light of the Aryans." This appears to be a man that has a growing "God complex." Meaning his power and greed have taken over and he feels that he can do no wrong. If you were a good leader your crowning speech would sound more like; We are the light of the Ayrans. Together we can make this country great. Our people will regain their splendor and we will strive to make our country modern.
The illustration shows the Shah standing on a raised platform behind a podium. He has his hands in the air and the illustration appears to be supporting the notion that he thinks he is omniscient.
I believe this portion of the book illustrates how disgusted the people were with their government. That Tierney would not prevail and that the majority could bond together and take back their country. I am often amazed at how screwed up an entire country can get. I sometimes can't believe that they can't agree on a direction and move to improve their status. I also am amazed at how one person can get a strangled hold on a country and dictate their future.
I agree that the Shah sounded like he had a God complex. The sign of a good leader is working as a team for the good of all. He was not a team player.
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