Cracking Down on Water Gun Battles

The best way to enjoy the summer is to have a splash. Going to the beach or the pool can be a good way to cool down. Then again what better way is there than to take out the old water gun and have a water fight? Apparently, that¡¯s the case in Iran as water gun fights have turned into a cultural thing for the summer. It sure isn¡¯t harmful for young teenagers to get together at a park for a round of water gun battle. Unfortunately, Iranian authorities think differently. The government is trying to put down a new wave of civil disobedience.

It doesn¡¯t like to see flash mobs of young people engaging in boisterous fights with water guns in public parks. Last week, the top judiciary warned that water fighters will be arrested.

Iranians are known to strictly follow traditional customs. Although their religion or customs don¡¯t put strong breaks on playing with water, it does put a heavy emphasis on the importance of being obedient and calm. The acting commander of Iran¡¯s police was quoted in newspapers that when groups plan a water fight through the Internet, it breaks the social customs of Iran.

He vowed that the police shall act in accordance with the law to prevent future attempts. Civic groups argue that it is pitiful to see youths being detained for water fights. Political analysts also pointed out that perhaps Iran¡¯s Islamic system is oppressing the young generation. It may be fair to argue that Iran¡¯s customs and traditions are constricting the lives of its people.

Sources say the water fight is becoming a large cultural phenomenon and a trend in Iran. The first major gathering took place in July where thousands of young men and women held a water fight at Tehran¡¯s popular Water and Fire Park. The act is quite simple. They spray each other with water guns and splatter bottles of water on one another.

Sadly, police have been cracking down on participants and detained dozens involved. Under the Iranian customs, the idea of water fights is unseemly and immoral. The act breaks taboos against men and women simply mixing, much less dousing each other with water and playing in the streets.

The major reason why the Iranian government is trying to put an end to this popular event is because large gathering can shake up adherence among young people. Iran follows a cleric-led Islamic rule. Continuous gathering of people can build into outright protests against the ruling system. The government is highly sensitive and wary of any gathering, whatever the nature may be.