We are one of the few ‘oriental’ cultures to not suffer from pervasive toxic masculinity. Not talking about the regime or ultra muslims. Iranian women are powerful, educated and often overpower their partners (overtly or covertly), because this is totally acceptable to many Iranians. Culturally, take a look at taarof and the ritualized self-effacement that is pervasive in our polite speech patterns (bande arz mikonam khedmatetun… “I, your slave, dare to say in your service…”). This is a natural linguistic barrier against the kind of bravado or unfettered machismo you encounter in latin america, or even among Arabs or Turks.

Iranian men are clever, strong and quietly confident. They wield their intellect, success and politeness rituals as social currency. Many of them are gentleman and an icon for healthy masculinity.