Not Interchangeable

A friend of mine wrote a review for one of my books and used the word "Arab" to describe me. Many people around the world may not know the difference between Persian and Arab but I expect my friends to know, and more importantly, I expect educated people to know that Iran is not an Arabic country and its people are Persian, not Arab.

Persian, not Arab: different language, different culture, different history.
Consider salsa and saffron: both amazing, totally not the same.

Persian, like the rug and the cat.
Arab, like falafel and oud.
Both rich cultures, just not interchangeable.

We're neighbors, not twins.
Persians speak Farsi.
Arabs speak Arabic.
Big difference: like sushi vs. pizza."

I'm Persian... my language Persian (also called Farsi)... think Cyrus the Great, and poetry... not Arabic, camels, or desert clichés.

It may seem like a small mistake, but these distinctions matter — they honor our histories, our identities, and our stories. Understanding and respecting those differences isn’t just about geography or politics; it’s about recognizing the richness and diversity of cultures that shape who we are.

So next time you lump us together, remember: it’s not just a label. It’s a world of meaning.