Self-perception

While Iran was never formally colonized by Western powers, it’s governing regimes before the Islamic revolution were loyal to both the East and the West;  the country was therefore more or less a de facto colony of Russia, Great Britain, and the United States. One of the most pernicious consequences of such presences can be described as the "colonization of the mind," which has subtle and lasting manifestations. Using Edward Said's four major characteristics of Orientalism (i.e., binary opposition, over-generalization, fear and control, and depicting the Orient as stuck in past primitiveness), the present paper attempts to analyze the self-perception of the Iranians toward themselves to see whether the way they perceive themselves is similar to the Western discourse of the "Orient." In the first step, a number of interviews with a representative sampling of the population under investigation were conducted to develop a questionnaire. The questionnaires were then distributed and 650 responses were collected. The survey was meant to assess the four components of Orientalism as proposed by Said, among the respondents. It also contained questions about the respondents' lifestyle, their perceptions toward nationalism, and media consumption. The results reveal evidence of Orientalist self-perception among the Iranians when they compare themselves with the West.

This study aimed to explore the key components of identity development in adolescents with sensory impairments. This qualitative study employed a phenomenological approach to examine the lived experiences of adolescents with sensory impairments. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with 31 participants recruited via online platforms. Theoretical saturation was reached, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of identity development in this population. Interviews were transcribed and analyzed using thematic analysis, with NVivo software facilitating the identification of core themes and subthemes. The results highlighted four primary themes shaping identity development in adolescents with sensory impairments. Personal identity formation was influenced by self-perception, emotional regulation, autonomy, and future aspirations. Social identity was shaped by peer relationships, family dynamics, social stigma, and the presence of mentors. Cultural and community belonging emerged as a significant factor, with participants emphasizing the role of cultural engagement, media representation, and community participation in shaping their identity. Coping strategies, including the use of assistive technologies, psychological resilience, and adaptive social skills, were found to play a crucial role in navigating identity-related challenges. These findings align with existing literature emphasizing the intersection of self-perception, social interactions, and cultural narratives in identity formation. The study underscores the complexity of identity development in adolescents with sensory impairments, highlighting the interplay between personal, social, cultural, and adaptive factors. The findings suggest that fostering inclusive educational environments, providing mentorship opportunities, and improving media representation can positively impact identity formation in this population. Further research is needed to explore identity development across diverse cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds to develop targeted interventions.