1.
Here are the moments of love and
support I received after a life-
changing incident in my life which
made me an activist.

2.
Thank you for blogging
about this, so as to help
raise everyone's
awareness.

3.
Know that your
presentations about
Iran helped many
people to understand
and get to know the
real Iran and Iranians!

4.
I am happy that you are able
to channel your emotion
and feeling. You are not
weak …
You are much stronger than
you give yourself a credit,
stronger than I could ever be
(as I told you before, I gave
up a long time ago and
chose not to be in the public
too much any longer) HUGS
and much LOVE to you <3

5.
You are strong,
all my love!

6.
Some people are
narrow-minded and it is
a good opportunity to
help them see a bigger
world or to walk away
and think that the
person isn't worth it.

7.
If you're in a writing mood, heck,
write me a reader (low
intermediate or intermediate
level, please) on Iran. 5 or 6
chapters, your choice of topic
(Land, People, Food, Religion,
Customs, stuff like that), total
12,000-15,000 words), and I'd be
more than happy to publish it 

8.
Sweetie, I love you so
much and knowing you
had to go through one
more of these
experiences breaks my
heart! But, you are doing
the right thing in speaking
out, letting people know
it's not okay, and helping
to educate others on this
issue.

9.
You are channeling the negative
experiences in a positive and
fruitful way. That's a great choice.
In your disappointment and
frustration, always remember: it's
not worth wasting your energy on
being bitter about other's actions
towards you. You can't control
what they say, but you can control
your attitude towards it. I'm proud
of you for not giving up! I send you
all my love.

10.
Hugs to you! You're
simply one of the loveliest
people I have met and I'm
sorry your colleague was
being an insensitive jerk!
More hugs and thank you
for posting this. It will
surely help people to
unmask their own
missteps into
stereotyping, me
included.

11.
You are an
amazing person
and I'm so glad
that I've met you.

12.
I'm sorry you
experienced that,
how horrible.

13.
Parisa, thanks
for speaking up
about this.

14.
Something to lighten
the mood from my
Persian buddy Maz
Jobrani!

15.
Come on elllo and
talk about it. More
people need to hear
about this. People
are not rational but
a voice can convince
a lot of people.

16.
You're an exemplary
scholar and human
being... And thanks for
starting this blog.

17.
I for one am very glad to
know you the little I do and
always look forward to
seeing you. You cannot
change auch people and as
such, worry and emotion
should not be wasted on such
a fruitless endeavour. Carry
on with what you do and
who you are.
Peace and love from Nagoya.

18.
Parisa, l wanted to say
you're not weak. You're
strong, assertive, and
empathetic. I really
appreciate the
opportunity that I got to
know you. Love, Parisa.

19.
I think this is an
amazing way to deal
with things and
bring others support
too. You're amazing!

20.
Let's help shine your
bright light into dark
places where incivility
thrives.

21.
Sending lots and lots
of virtual hugs…
Parisa, even though
we met only for a few
times, but i know you
are a sweet and kind
person.

22.
I'm so sorry that this
happened to you at a
JALT event. Thank you
for sharing. Sending you
a hug.

23.
Parisa, taking umbrage
is a given. This cannot
be tolerated, and not
allowed to ruin JALT's
reputation.

24.
When you go through
hardships and decide
not to surrender, that is
true strength! Love you
my Parisa <3 Smiles

25.
Thanks Parisa for
speaking up against
macro/microaggressio
ns and stereotyping.
You are loud and clear.
I'm proud of you.

26.
Iranians rock, Parisa.
You know that. And I
told you that when we
first met. Every Iranian I
have ever met has been
an amazing, warm,
kind-hearted, and
totally lovely person -
and that is totally you
too.

27.
I'm so sorry this
happened to you, but
it's good to know you
don't just silently
suffer but really try to
do something about it.

28.
Sorry to hear that Parisa, I
know you, you are on of the
best friend I've met in my life
from Iran, I still remember I
met you the first time you
came to this country, you are
such a loving a very kind
person, I wish for you all the
best in your life, don't feel sad,
you are carrying the peace
message by your smile, please
keep this smile my friend 

29.
I can imagine how
you feel and I'm so
sorry to hear but くじ
けないで！sending
my love

30.
So sorry for what you
have been through. Stay
strong.

31.
Stay strong Parisa and
continue to be your
own wonderful self -
that is the best
teaching you can do!

32.
Be strong sister, you're
not alone! <3

33.
You are not a weak
person at all Parisa-Jan.
I'm very proud of you for
speaking out and for
your forever beautiful
smily, friendly
personality. I have been
there many times and
feel you here! You are
indeed much stronger
than I am.

34.
Out of a negative
experience comes a
positive response and a
wonderful learning
opportunity. The blog is
a great idea and if I can
contribute in any way,
let me know.

35.
I would say there are a
lot o people out there
who are open-minded
and don't stereotype…
focus on them. Big hug
from me.

36.
You are incredible
Parisa. Keep up good
work.

37.
I am so sorry. This
breaks my heart.

38.
Sorry for your pain
Parisa! I count myself
lucky to be able to call
you a friend and
colleague!

39.
Parisa, I am so sorry you had to
experience this! Everyone here
is right: you're not weak,
you're so strong and one of
sweetest people I've ever met!
I think your reaction sent a
message more powerful than
any other reaction could've!
Glad to see you using this bad
experience for good in helping
people become more aware!
Sending my love your way!

40.
Parisa, it is not you who is weak. It is your
colleague. I hope this Facebook message finds
that person and gives them the power to right
their wrong. Having seen the dedication and
passion you have put into JALT during such a
very short time here, I can honestly say that you
have created a lot of excitement around you. I
am proud to see you changing the face of this
organization in such a positive way. Stand tall
and look at the big picture your colleague fails to
see. You are here to educate. It's just sad that
you have to educate the educators as much as
the learners. Keep your chin up high. You have
much to be proud of. So many of us are in awe of
you. That's who counts. The ones you affect
positively.

41.
I am so happy to see this great
outpouring of support and
understanding! At the same time, I
think it's important to acknowledge
that this is a systemic problem; I don't
think we should dismiss it as a rare
aberration.
I don't think we want to just say she
should get over it and let's go back to
the status quo, things were fine as they
were, don't rock the boat anymore. I'm
going to go out on a limb here and just
come right out and say, I would be
happy to offer a PD seminar at a future
Osaka chapter event.

42.
I am so sorry and I really
hope we're heading to a
future where people
won't have to go
through this... It lacks
empathy.

43.
oh no...

44.
And as others have said,
it is not weakness to be
bothered by such
questions.

45.
First and foremost, from my position as your
friend and colleague, I'm very sorry to hear
about the awful experiences you've had
(the ones in this post and the link you
attached). It breaks my heart to think of
how comments like those must make you
feel. I am really pleased to see the
outpouring of support and engagement, and
I admire you for tackling this head on. You
shouldn't have to do this... Your strength
and spirit continue to inspire me.
I read some comments in this thread about
a possible workshop in Osaka/with SIGs.
Personally, I really do feel education is the
way forward.

46.
Parisa, I am so sorry that
you had such a sad
experience. Please
remember that you are one
of the greatest friend for me
and my husband. We really
love you especially your
lovely personality. You're
not weak at all, Parisa. I
hope people in this world
try to know our differences
so that we can understand
each other.

47.
Aziztarin Parisa, U R
such a beautiful person
inside and out,stay
strong and brave.

48.
It's fantastic to see such a vast
number of replies of support to
this post. As someone said,
from a negative you have the
power to create a positive. The
blog looks great and hopefully
this outcry of support will be
an awakening for the small
section of the JALT community
in question. You're a strong
person Parisa, keep your head
up!

49.
This reminded me of a story
from my first year in
university in Canada. when a
classmate found out that I
was Jewish and my best
friend in one class, Lebanese,
he said, "You are supposed to
be enemies!" She and I both
thought that was pretty
stupid.

50.
I am happy to see so
many people writing in
support of you. You're
one of the happiest,
friendliest, and
warmest people I’ve
ever met.

51.
It's so sad, but I see
you have lovely
friends there.

52.
Good news is there is
you...with brains, passion
& amazing skills that bell-
end bottom-feeders just
cannot for a moment
fathom. Chin up kid - the
loser that affronted you is
not going to have anyone
left to talk to by the end
of the week. Think you
are ace.

53.
I am so sorry that you have had
these experiences, that anyone
has them. I have met you a few
times and been impressed with
your cheerfulness and vivacity
and your STRENGTH in not only
surviving in Japan, but excelling
in your activities here in Japan.

54.
Wow, look at all these
comments! At this
point, mine is just a
drop in the water of
caring and open hearts.

55.
We're having a beer in
celebration of Parisa
Mehran Day! Thank you
for making our lives a
little brighter dear
friend! Love!

56.
I am bowing in awe and
appreciation. You're the
woman, herself!

57.
Why only international?
Universal would be
more appropriate! much
love, Parisa.

58.
Proud of you Parisa
Mehran!
Don't despair, educate!
Keep calm and move on!
You are not alone, dear
Parisa Mehran. I stand
with you from Mexico!

59.
I have made some friends from
many places in my life. I have
been lucky to be exposed to
many different walks of life.
Last year I met some wonderful
humans from Iran and they are
teaching me so much about a
culture I had little contact with.
Thanks so much Parisa Mehran.

60.
Parisa Mehran is
beautiful inside and
out! I'm honoured to
know her!

61.
My best advice is to figure out
a way to ignore it, and simply
continue to focus on being an
awesome person yourself
regardless. There will always
be somebody around to put
you down, hold you back, use
you, hurt you, and so on…
Chin up kid, you're the future!

62.
Today is international Parisa
Mehran day. It's your best chance
to publicly acknowledge this
fireball of energy and pillar of
tolerance who makes the world a
better place to live in. Feel free to
show your admiration for this
wonderful lady who has brought
so much to the world, wherever
she lives. Parisa, from this day
foreword may your tolerance be
not only recognized but
celebrated, taught and learned.
You rock lady. Long may you live to
share the many lessons you have
to teach us.

63.
My best advice is to figure out
a way to ignore it, and simply
continue to focus on being an
awesome person yourself
regardless. There will always
be somebody around to put
you down, hold you back, use
you, hurt you, and so on…
Chin up kid, you're the future!

64.
I don't know you well,
so this may be weird
coming from me, but I
just wanted to say I'm
saddened about it and
hope that we have a
chance to get to know
each other soon. You
have a friend in me , my
dear.

65.
Parisa, I would be
happy to be a friend
on Facebook.

66.
The one good thing that
will hopefully come from
this is that there will be
more effort put into
creating an ethics
committee for JALT, which
will hold people
accountable for their
words and actions. I hope
that we will be able to
meet!

67.
I just want to let
you know I am
behind you 100%.
Sending love &
support

68.
Precious Parisa,
Just wanted to offer you
my support any time
you need a chat as you
navigate your way
through this trying
period.

69.
You have amazing
strength and
everyone who
knows you knows
it. XXX.

70.
Thank you for speaking
up about your
experience. Jalt powers
that be need to know
this kind of behavior
happens and needs to
be dealt with. Thank
you for stepping up and
promoting education…

71.
I am so thrilled to
see how much
support you have
been given, you are
so loved!!

72.
I read your post and it
broke my heart. You are
a strong and amazing
person to speak out
with such grace. You are
making a difference and
bringing about positive
change. Thank you.

73.
I'm so sorry this
happened and I
thought it was
important for you
to know that we
support you and
you belong here

74.
Dear Parisa,
On this International Day that has been
declared to honour you, I would like to join my
voice to the others to say that you are an
amazing person!! As I have said before, I am
truly sad that you have had to endure so much
negativity. I wish I could just wave a magic
wand and make it all go away... but that is
unrealistic. What is more appropriate is the
action that you have taken; that is to speak out
about the issue and in this way to help both
yourself and others. That is the action of a
hero!! and that is what you are to so many
people around you. You are truly loved by so
many. Please remember THAT!! and dismiss
those who revel in their ignorance and
negativity.

75.
I'm really sorry to hear
you went through this.
Many uneducated and
insensitive people are
still out there. Remember
that your friends, family,
and the people that
count know you are an
awesome person!