Going To Iran: Kate Millett's Unforgettable Journey Into A Revolution
In the annals of feminist literature and political activism, few works resonate with the raw immediacy and profound insight of Kate Millett's "Going to Iran." Published in 1982 by Coward, McCann & Geoghegan, this seminal book offers a unique window into a pivotal moment in history: the Iranian Revolution of 1979, viewed through the eyes of an iconic American feminist. It documents Millett's courageous journey with her partner, Sophie Keir, to Iran's first International Women's Day, an event that quickly transformed from a celebration into a week of fervent protests against the emerging Islamic regime.
More than just a travelogue, "Going to Iran" is a powerful testament to the intersection of global politics, women's rights, and personal experience. Millett, already a towering figure in the feminist movement, arrived in Tehran just weeks after the fall of the Shah, hoping to join Iranian women in solidarity. What she encountered was a complex, rapidly evolving landscape where the promise of revolution clashed with the stark realities of a new, restrictive order. This article delves into the book's significance, Millett's role, and its enduring legacy, including its re-examination through contemporary scholarship.
Table of Contents
- Kate Millett: A Pioneering Feminist Icon
- "Going to Iran": The Book at a Glance
- The Journey to Tehran: International Women's Day 1979
- Witnessing a Revolution: Millett's Perspective
- Sophie Keir's Lens: Capturing the Unfolding Drama
- Beyond the Pages: Negar Mottahedeh's "Whisper Tapes"
- The Enduring Legacy of "Going to Iran"
- Collecting a Piece of History: Acquiring "Going to Iran"
Kate Millett: A Pioneering Feminist Icon
Kate Millett, born Catherine Murray Millett in 1934, was an American feminist writer, activist, artist, and filmmaker. She rose to prominence with her groundbreaking doctoral dissertation, "Sexual Politics," published in 1970, which became a foundational text for second-wave feminism. Millett's work systematically dissected the patriarchal structures embedded in literature and society, arguing that gender relations were fundamentally political. Her incisive analysis of power dynamics between men and women challenged prevailing norms and ignited widespread debate, solidifying her status as a leading intellectual of her time.
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Early Life and Influences
Millett's early life was marked by a keen intellect and a rebellious spirit. She attended the University of Minnesota and later St Hilda's College, Oxford, where she earned a first-class degree. Her diverse interests led her to pursue art in Japan and teach at various institutions. These experiences, coupled with her deep engagement with philosophy, literature, and social theory, shaped her critical perspective. She was actively involved in civil rights and anti-war movements before dedicating her focus to women's liberation, understanding the interconnectedness of various forms of oppression. Her background as an artist also informed her unique approach to activism, often blending creative expression with political commentary.
Millett's Impact on Feminist Thought
Before her pivotal journey that inspired "Going to Iran," Millett was already an icon of American feminism. "Sexual Politics" fundamentally shifted the discourse around gender, introducing concepts like "patriarchy" into mainstream vocabulary and demonstrating how personal experiences were inextricably linked to broader political systems. Her work was not merely academic; it was a call to action, inspiring countless women to challenge the status quo. Millett's influence extended beyond academia, shaping the strategies and goals of feminist organizations and movements globally. Her willingness to confront uncomfortable truths and articulate complex ideas made her a fearless voice for women's rights, setting the stage for her later engagement with international struggles, including the events documented in "Going to Iran."
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Catherine Murray Millett |
| Born | September 14, 1934 |
| Died | September 6, 2017 (aged 82) |
| Nationality | American |
| Occupation | Feminist writer, activist, artist, filmmaker |
| Known For | "Sexual Politics" (1970), "Going to Iran" (1982), leading figure in second-wave feminism |
| Partner | Sophie Keir |
"Going to Iran": The Book at a Glance
"Going to Iran" is the sixth book by American feminist writer and activist Kate Millett. It was published in 1982 by Coward, McCann & Geoghegan in New York. This vintage hardcover book, often found as a first edition with its original dust jacket, documents the intense and often harrowing experience of Millett and her partner Sophie Keir when they traveled to Iran in 1979. The book delves deeply into the topic of feminism in the Middle East, specifically in Iran, offering a firsthand account of the women's protests that erupted in the wake of the Iranian Revolution.
A new book by Kate Millett, one of our most important feminists, is always a major literary event, and "Going to Iran," illustrated with dramatic photographs by Sophie Keir, is a powerfully political and beautifully written work. It's a valuable piece for collectors interested in political literature, offering not just a narrative but a crucial historical document. While not signed or personalized, its significance lies in its content and its place within Millett's formidable body of work. The book captures a pivotal moment when the euphoria of revolution began to give way to new forms of oppression, particularly for women, making "Going to Iran" an essential read for understanding the complexities of social change and resistance.
The Journey to Tehran: International Women's Day 1979
In March 1979, just weeks after the Iranian Revolution had toppled the Shah's regime, Kate Millett embarked on a journey to Tehran. She was long active in efforts to expose SAVAK terrorism and discredit the Shah, making her a figure with a keen interest in Iranian political developments. Millett had been invited to speak at a rally in Tehran on International Women's Day, March 8. The invitation represented a beacon of hope for many, suggesting that the revolution might usher in an era of greater freedoms, particularly for women who had played a significant role in the uprising.
Accompanied by her partner, Sophie Keir, Millett arrived with expectations of a day of celebration and solidarity. However, the reality on the ground quickly diverged from this optimistic vision. What was intended as a day of celebration for women's rights and achievements rapidly turned into a week of intense protests. As the newly established Islamic government began to impose restrictive laws, particularly mandating the hijab and curtailing women's freedoms, Iranian women took to the streets in defiance. Millett and Keir found themselves not just observers, but participants in a spontaneous and powerful wave of resistance, providing the raw material for "Going to Iran."
Witnessing a Revolution: Millett's Perspective
Kate Millett's account in "Going to Iran" is remarkable for its raw, unfiltered immediacy. She arrived in Tehran at a moment of profound transition, when the euphoria of revolutionary victory was quickly being overshadowed by the imposition of new, restrictive social norms. Millett's narrative captures the palpable tension in the air, the initial optimism of the women who had fought alongside men against the Shah, and their subsequent shock and anger as their newfound freedoms were threatened. She witnessed firsthand the spontaneous eruption of protests against compulsory veiling and other decrees that sought to roll back women's rights.
Her perspective is that of an engaged feminist, keenly attuned to the nuances of power and oppression. Millett doesn't merely describe events; she analyzes the implications of the emerging Islamic state for women's autonomy and agency. She recounts the passionate speeches, the courageous demonstrations, and the often-confused reactions of the international press and even some male revolutionaries. "Going to Iran" vividly portrays the courage of Iranian women who, having just participated in one revolution, found themselves compelled to launch another, smaller, yet equally significant, struggle for their own liberation. Millett's account is a testament to the universal nature of the fight for women's rights, transcending cultural and political boundaries.
Sophie Keir's Lens: Capturing the Unfolding Drama
Integral to the power and authenticity of "Going to Iran" are the dramatic photographs by Sophie Keir, Kate Millett's partner. Keir's visual documentation complements Millett's written narrative, offering a stark and compelling visual record of the events unfolding in Tehran. These photographs are not mere illustrations; they are vital components of the book, capturing the intensity, emotion, and sheer scale of the women's protests.
Keir's lens focuses on the faces of the women, their expressions ranging from defiance and anger to solidarity and determination. She captures the vibrant street scenes, the banners, the crowds, and the confrontation with revolutionary guards, bringing the reader directly into the heart of the protests. The photographs add a layer of visceral reality to Millett's observations, transforming the abstract concepts of revolution and resistance into tangible human experiences. Together, Millett's words and Keir's images create a multifaceted and deeply personal account of a pivotal historical moment, making "Going to Iran" a truly unique and powerfully political work that continues to resonate decades later.
Beyond the Pages: Negar Mottahedeh's "Whisper Tapes"
While "Going to Iran" stands as a monumental work, its narrative has been expanded and re-examined through the lens of contemporary scholarship, most notably by Negar Mottahedeh in her new book, "Whisper Tapes." Millett’s whispers – her raw, often fragmented audio recordings from her time in Iran – were the primary material for her own "Going to Iran" (1982). However, Mottahedeh has newly transcribed and meticulously examined these very same recordings, doing something in "Whisper Tapes" that Millett, perhaps due to the immediacy of her experience, never fully could: she listens closely to the women speaking, yelling.
Mottahedeh's work is a crucial expansion of the historical record, offering a deeper dive into the voices and perspectives that underpinned Millett's observations. It highlights the ongoing scholarly engagement with historical events and the importance of re-evaluating primary sources with new methodologies and insights. This academic endeavor enriches our understanding of the 1979 protests and the complex dynamics of the Iranian Revolution, reinforcing the enduring relevance of "Going to Iran" as a starting point for further inquiry.
Re-examining the Voices: Mottahedeh's Contribution
In "Whisper Tapes," Mottahedeh brings a fresh and critical perspective to Millett's original recordings. As a researcher who focuses on various aspects of Iranian resistance and protest, Mottahedeh possesses the expertise and knowledge for understanding the women’s protests that Kate Millett, as an outsider experiencing events in real-time, inherently lacked. Millett's account, while powerful, was necessarily filtered through her own immediate perceptions and the limitations of her access and understanding at the time.
Mottahedeh's contribution lies in her ability to contextualize these "whispers" within a broader historical and cultural framework. By carefully transcribing and analyzing the voices of the Iranian women themselves – their arguments, their frustrations, their calls for action – Mottahedeh does not just expand on Millett's work; she offers a more nuanced and polyphonic understanding of the protests. This re-examination underscores the importance of listening to marginalized voices and challenging dominant narratives, making "Whisper Tapes" an essential companion to "Going to Iran."
The Power of Listening: A New Lens on Protest
With the same recordings, Mottahedeh does something in "Whisper Tapes" that Millett never could: she listens closely to the women speaking, yelling. This act of deep listening is transformative. It shifts the focus from Millett's interpretation of events to the direct experiences and expressions of the Iranian women themselves. Mottahedeh's approach highlights the power of attentive listening as a research methodology, allowing for the emergence of new insights and a more empathetic understanding of historical moments.
Mottahedeh’s "Whisper Tapes" is as much an expansion of her own research into Iranian resistance as it is an expansion of Millett’s "Going to Iran." It demonstrates how historical texts can be continually re-interpreted and enriched through new scholarship, offering a multi-layered understanding of complex events. This new lens on the 1979 protests, emphasizing the direct voices of the women, serves as a powerful reminder of the agency and resilience of those who stand up against oppression, and further solidifies the foundational importance of Millett's original journey and documentation.
The Enduring Legacy of "Going to Iran"
"Going to Iran" by Kate Millett holds an enduring legacy in both feminist literature and the broader study of political movements. Its significance stems from several factors. Firstly, it offers one of the earliest and most direct accounts of the women's protests that occurred in the immediate aftermath of the Iranian Revolution. At a time when much of the world's attention was focused on the geopolitical shifts, Millett brought the specific plight and courageous resistance of Iranian women to the forefront.
Secondly, the book exemplifies Millett's unique ability to blend personal narrative with sharp political analysis. It's not just a memoir but a critical examination of how revolutionary fervor can paradoxically lead to new forms of repression, particularly for women. The book serves as a cautionary tale and a testament to the continuous nature of the struggle for human rights, even within movements ostensibly fighting for liberation. Its themes of freedom, oppression, and resistance remain profoundly relevant today, making "Going to Iran" a vital text for anyone interested in global feminism, Middle Eastern studies, or the dynamics of social change. Its impact continues to inspire scholars and activists to explore the complexities of women's experiences within revolutionary contexts.
Collecting a Piece of History: Acquiring "Going to Iran"
For collectors of political literature, feminist texts, or those interested in the history of the Iranian Revolution, "Going to Iran" by Kate Millett is a highly sought-after item. Published by Coward, McCann & Geoghegan in 1982, a first edition with a dust jacket represents a valuable piece of literary and historical significance. While it is generally not signed or personalized, its intrinsic value lies in its content and its status as a firsthand account from a pivotal figure.
Acquiring a copy of "Going to Iran" can be done through various channels. You might search for used copies from independent bookstores or online marketplaces specializing in rare or vintage books. For those seeking digital access, an ebook version may be available from platforms like ebooks.com. Whether you're a scholar, an activist, or simply a curious reader, owning or accessing "Going to Iran" allows you to engage directly with Kate Millett's powerful narrative and Sophie Keir's dramatic photographs, offering a unique window into a critical moment in women's history and global politics. Its continued availability, even decades after its initial release, speaks to its lasting importance and demand.
For more insights into Kate Millett's work or the broader context of women's rights in the Middle East, consider exploring related academic articles or contemporary analyses. Your engagement with such vital historical accounts helps to keep these important conversations alive and inform future activism. What are your thoughts on Kate Millett's journey and the enduring power of "Going to Iran"? Share your reflections in the comments below!
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