TedTalk: Art in Exile

This Ted talk has fortified my understanding of the hatred that many countries have for the United States. Being the daughter of a political exile myself, I can understand the turmoil in which Shirin Neshat lives. My father could attest that finding your place in a society that you despise on the best of days is difficult.  I find it inspirational that she chooses not to assimilate into western society although she has taken refuge here. I respect her work as an artist and admire how respectful and careful she is to criticize the government and inform the public of its faults.  I find her artwork just as beautiful as it is powerful.  Her messages to the women of her country can be interpreted in many ways, but for the most part, she encourages women to participate in the political process of her country.