In this excerpt from Azar Nafisi's "Reading Lolita in Tehran: A Memoir in Books," the profound observation of a five-year-old girl serves as a lens through which the author reflects on the lasting impact of Khomeini's regime. The child’s innocent remark about women wearing scarves highlights the ongoing presence of the revolutionary ideals embodied by Khomeini. It suggests that the struggle for freedom and identity is not merely political but deeply personal and societal.

Nafisi emphasizes that the true end of Khomeini’s influence will be marked by a change in cultural practices, such as women choosing not to wear the scarf. Until that day arrives, the legacy of his revolution continues to shape the lives of the people. This moment encapsulates the tension between hope and reality, indicating that although Khomeini may be physically gone, the repercussions of his ideology remain entrenched in everyday life.