'Happy' Video Brings Unhappiness in Tehran
You just can't help smiling when you hear Pharrell Williams' Happy song--unless you're a Muslim cleric in the Islamic Republic of Iran.
Using an iphone 5 for their camera, some young, creative Iranians recently put together a music video, dancing and laughing to Happy. They uploaded it to YouTube, and after government officials viewed it, they quickly denounced the video.
It apparently made them "unhappy." How dare Iranians dance in public, and females move around without covering their heads!
So, the six young adults--all under the age of 25--were arrested and forced to apologize for their actions.
It comes at a time when President Rouhani will soon celebrate one year in office. He promised reforms, but so far a more open and free Iranian society remains elusive.
The only happiness allowed in Tehran is what the Islamic clerics and ayatollahs dictate. It reminds me of the old Peanuts cartoon when Snoopy approaches a public building. The sign outside says, "No dogs allowed!"
Perhaps the Islamic Republic should posts signs at its borders, warning those who enter, "No happiness allowed!"
Watch the video. Seeing happy, young Iranians will make you happy!