"Persia" Ramedani: Proud Iranian Canadian finalist of reality TV show
Known for its diversity and inclusiveness, Toronto is the backdrop for "Lake Shore," a new and popular reality show on Canadian TV. According to show's official Website, Producer Maryam Rahimi and director George Tsioutsioulas are trying to find out "What happens when eight vibrant and volatile twenty-something Torontonians from different backgrounds, cultures and sexual orientations shack up?"
Among the 20 finalists selected to be auditioned for the eight spots, are two with Iranian ancestry: Roxie (Roxanne) "Persia" Ramedani, a York University student, and Melissa Karimzadeh. Roxie, unlike Melissa, emphasizes her Persian background, and is so proud of her Persian ancestry that she goes by "Persia." She says: "I want to be a Persian Culture Ambassador, I want to change the way the world looks at us, we aren’t terrorists, we’re people, who are JUST as entertaining and fun to watch as the rest of the world. We deserve that recognition." In fact, "Persia" has been a vocal opponent of MTV's plans for the Persian version of reality show "Jersey Shore" which would portray Persian- Americans as a shallow, spoiled, materialistic minority.
"Lake Shore" may also end up being a "shallow" show. With wild and voluptuous contestants like Ashley Corbett and Kimberky Kerekes, and some homosexuals finalists, it is expected that the show, like many other so called "reality" shows, contain more "sexual" content than "cultural" or "educational." But if "Persia" is selected, there will be some "cultural" elements from Iran. Persia plans to cook ghormeh-sabzi, zereshk-polo, and adass-polo for her housemates in the show!
Apart from producer (Maryam Rahimi) and two finalists, one of the judges is also an Iranian Canadian: Samantha Tajik, former Miss Canada 2008.
