Change Your Image
laura-mckeever
Reviews
Not Without My Daughter (1991)
Not Propaganda
If I were to review the book, I would give a clear 10/10 as the content shows Betty Mahmoodys lack of bias and gives more of an idea as to how the Muslim religion is etc.
I would lie to begin by saying that like others I am disturbed by these film reviews. It does not portray ALL Iranians to be violent and inhospitable, it portrays Moody in this light and his family.
Those of you who believe Betty Mahmoody is a liar, racist, prejudiced or all of the above need to take the time to move away from your TV screens and read her books 'Not Without My Daughter' and 'For The Love Of A Child'.
In 'Not Without My Daughter' she expresses gratitude to the Iranian people and speaks of the oppression that reaches Iranian women. She only seeks to highlight her treatment at the hands of Moody and his family. She finds solace in the Muslim religion and respects it.
In 'For The Love Of A Child' Betty explores how this story is familiar to couples of all cultures. Such stories feature a South African woman taking her children from her Libyan husband, a German woman kidnapping her American husbands daughter, Algerians taking French children...Betty does not seek to paint the Middle East in a bad light and this can be seen in the way she explores what she clearly sees as a world wide issue of parents being 'left behind'. This book also shows how she counsels Mathob in remembering her Persian roots and not holding her father in contempt. At many points she tells Mahtob that it is okay to still love her father and remains within their Iranian, Pakistani and Iraqi social circles in America. She also highlights how the climate between America and Iran created bias around the film and how she personally along with Sally Fields attempted to illustrate that the Iranians were kind.
I know it has been mentioned that the Iraniabs are more hospitable than Americans. At the time of Mathob and Bettys plight that was most likely not the case. You must bear in mind that Betty simply couldn't fabricate this story, that is why we have laws against libel in most corners of the world. If the details of this film were untrue why has Dr Moody not successfully sued Betty? In addition to this friends of Dr Moody who were based in Tehran at the time of the story occurring confirmed the details. What reason would they have to lie? I think when watching a film like this its important to bear in mind that your bias' will come in to play and that seeking the facts is a better route to take than ranting like a maniac.
Ilman tytärtäni (2002)
A Poor Attempt To Combat Bettys Harrowing Tale
Dr Mahmoodys attempt to discredit his ex wife is intellectual but farcical.
If you read the book 'For The Love Of A Child' it is clear to see that Betty does not seek to create propaganda. She paints Moody and his affections prior to entering Iran in a fantastic light and repeatedly counsels Mahtob, ensuring that her daughter embraces her Persian roots and does not hold her father in contempt.
If the details of Bettys account were not true, why would she have taken her daughter on such a perilous journey to escape? Why would she have allowed her daughter to live in a country that demoralises women and hates Americans? Had Betty been lying Dr Moody would have successfully sued her for libel. Again, to cite her second book, friends of Moody have confirmed details in her story.