Religious Minorities in Iran Face Cultural Violence

Over the last 45 years, the Islamic Republic of Iran has weaponized textbooks, religious debates, movies and series, city walls, and even cemeteries to impose cultural violence and institutionalize its dominance, particularly over religious minorities. The government has employed physical, structural, and cultural violence against religious minorities. While physical violence (prison, destruction of worship places, execution, confiscation of properties), and structural or legal violence (discrimination in the labor market and education, testimony in court) are often tangible, cultural violence (art, religious debates, education) is more nuanced. Cultural violence not only facilitates direct (physical)  and structural violence but also legitimizes violence, making it acceptable in society.