Shirin Neshat: Feminism in the Middle East Is Stronger Than in the West

Shirin Neshat (born 1957) has criticized the West for its superficial treatment of gender discrimination. In an interview with the Louisiana Museum of Modern Art, the Iranian artist stated that feminism in the Middle East, particularly in Iran, is much stronger than in the West. She accused the United States of having a tradition that minimizes women's value and their storytelling. Neshat specifically targeted Hollywood, arguing that despite scandals and the #MeToo movement, the industry continues to privilege male directors and actors, and promotes stories from a male perspective. She claimed that women's work is only occasionally included in festivals and reviews as a token gesture, and that Hollywood is inherently superficial in addressing these issues.