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This is a captionReza Dahdar

Unfortunately, the young person who became famous in just two days and came to Tehran, allows himself to criticize the minister, club manager, national radio and television, and the president.

The above sentences are a corner of the humiliating conversation of the head of the disciplinary committee of the Football Federation. They are self-righteous and irresponsible statements that indicate that the young “provincial” does not have the right to speak and express opinions about the issues and problems of society. Although most news outlets and social media users had a unanimous and harsh reaction to this shocking interview, it is necessary to scientifically examine and evaluate the implications and principles of the statements made by this responsible figure in the disciplinary committee of the Football Federation as a social problem. If we delve deeper into this matter, we will find that it is not the first time that a high-ranking government official has insulted and humiliated such “provincials”. Earlier, during the results of the Assembly of Experts elections in 1994 (the defeat of the Hashemi Rafsanjani coalition), Hossein Marashi, a member of the Kargozaran Party, had referred to the residents of small towns as “polit

In any case, the fundamental question is what are the underlying factors that lead to the insulting tone of Ismail Hassan Zadeh, the head of the disciplinary committee of the Football Federation? How is it possible that in our society, an official government figure like many others from the capital, use derogatory language to belittle individuals or groups with the label of “provincial”?

Undoubtedly, the answer to the above question is not solely directed towards and the result of one cause and social reality. However, among these, one cause can be attributed to other various factors. In my belief, the mentioned problem has its roots in the phenomenon of centralization and lack of sustainable development. These two causes and realities play a significant role in the process and formation of such damages and crises. A process whose product is injustice and discrimination in all areas. So much so that this epidemic can be seen repeatedly and in various forms in social, economic, and political structures. Undoubtedly, a better and more accurate understanding of this social problem requires a historical review and reflection.

Increasing growth and superiority of justice for the benefit of the residents of the capital, above all, is closely related to the growth of urbanization and the emergence of a centralized government in Iran. The discovery of oil and the abundant revenues from it have been a significant factor in promoting centralization. The central government injected the income from the sale of oil into its desired sectors, such as Tehran, and in doing so, systematically and directly created a discriminatory advantage for Tehran and its residents in political, economic, and socio-cultural aspects, causing chaos and instability in the tolerance and balance of sustainable and fair development. The constant reinforcement of the special position of the center (administrative, political, and economic) weakened the position of the peripheral areas and non-Tehran poles, and this factor became the most important motivator and desire for the residents of underdeveloped and backward regions and provinces to migrate to Tehran in hopes of a better future and their desired ideal life.

It was in this way that the identity and persona of modernity became intertwined with being Tehrani, and the essence and nature of the geographical location that it came from, “the city,” was subjected to humiliation, weakening, and forgetfulness; because it sees its own position in every aspect as lower than the position it has entered, and thus it finds itself defeated. Unfortunately, the implementation of this approach by governments before the Islamic Republic intensified and continues to this day. As a result, for many years, Tehrani-ness has entered the structure of cultural and social classes in Iran in the worst possible way, and other regions and provinces of Iran have become completely insignificant compared to Tehran.

Tehran’s arrogance is definitely a serious crisis in Iran. The dimensions of this cultural disorder are so widespread that we witness the humiliation and belittling of a famous non-Tehran football player by a high-ranking government official. Hassan Zadeh, who himself is one of the millions of immigrants living in Tehran, is a clear example of a Tehran resident who belittles his audience because of their non-Tehran origin and even considers them incapable of understanding criticism. He is a Tehran resident who shames Varya Ghaffari for his background, such as his clothing, accent, and lifestyle. Hassan Zadeh’s words and actions reflect a mentality that considers Tehran as a superior city.

Therefore, it is necessary to deal with this judicial-sports position more seriously and scientifically, not only to address the crisis and corruption in Tehran, but also to properly evaluate and place it in its proper position.

In this regard, naturally, efforts to deconcentrate and distribute power and wealth, as well as fair distribution of resources and facilities at large levels, can be a very effective solution to minimize and limit class divisions and social and economic gaps. It is necessary to prevent the accumulation of concentrated power, wealth, and resources to avoid the occurrence and deepening of crises and social damages caused by the epidemic of corruption and embezzlement in Tehran. Hassan Zadeh and others are the embodiment and manifestation of the same challenges that we have explained. Experts in social and behavioral sciences can make society aware of the dangers of such behaviors. Iran and Iranians should prioritize this strategy and approach to deconcentration in their agenda.

Note:

1. Insulting the people of the city by Hossein Marashi, Mashregh News, 9 Esfand 1394.