The last century has witnessed countless examples of the struggle and sacrifice of ordinary Iranian people, fighting for everything from the nationalization of the oil industry to women's suffrage, to overthrowing a monarchy. Yet at each turn these heroic struggles have been suppressed, co-opted, or re-branded to suit a particular discourse or narrative. A simple example is the amazing diversity of secular, radical, and feminist forces involved in the 1979 revolution in Iran, who have nevertheless been obscured by the enduring image of this event as a seizure of control by reactionary mullahs.
There are many complexities underlying the new wave of protests currently taking place in the country, which are being framed simplistically by some so-called “Iran experts” as an instance of the actions and passion of ordinary citizens being used to serve specific political interests and ends. This includes the growing frustration with corruption and entrenchment of the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC), the branch of the Iranian armed forces formed after the 1979 revolution, in the economy. It is also important to understand the political infighting plaguing the regime, as well as the long-standing pressures and contradictions that have resulted in this outburst.

Yet the reality of Iran is right before us in its purest form, in need of no explanation by talking heads. These protests are about freedom, opportunity and democracy—ideals both universal and self-explanatory.

In order to let the people of Iran speak for themselves, I have attempted to highlight a few poignant images, slogans and actions that offer a glimpse into what is happening in Iran right now. I leave it up to readers to draw their own conclusions.