The photo on the right depicts Ayatollah Khomeini's funeral who died in June 1989. Khomeini became the political and spiritual leader of the 1979 Iranian Revolution.The photo below depicts Ayatollah Montazeri's funeral in 21st December 2009. Montazeri was also an influential figure during the revolution. However, in today's Iranian political life he embodies the spirit of reform and Green Wave Movement.
Both are important and popular political figures during their time.However, apart from the political disagreements, there is another big difference that distingushes Montazeri from khomeini, and subsequently, the Green Wave Movement from the Revolution's era social mobilization.
The first cleric was leading the people and the second one was the voice of the people!
The first one was a charismatic figure with the power to mobilize the people and the second one was the representative of the people!
The first one was talking to people and the second one was listening to people!
Although I am talking about two individuals, Khomeini and Montazeri, the point I am making is actually a comparison of revolution and today's social movement in Iran. I think one of the most interesting differences that many have noticed is the fact that in the case of Green Wave Movement people are not looking for a father figure anymore! They are not following A leader! in contrast, although people see opposition political elite as leaders, they also keep these leaders in check.Karubi and Musavi and clerics like Montazeri are leaders of the movement not because they are charismatic individuals with the power to mobilize but because they voice the demands put forward by the people. Thus, this movement is the political project of the people and not the leaders or individuals.
*the first photo is from encarta website and the second one is by Associated Press.
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