Friere and Macedo argue that teaching "Persepolis" in a middle school classroom has proved to be beneficial in the development of students' literacy and critical thinking skills, which are necessary to help them interpret the world around them. In a journal article on how to teach "Persepolis" in a post 9/11 classroom, Lisa Botshon and Melinda Plastas from the University of Illinois assert that "Persepolis" offers a platform for students to question Western stereotypes and fear surrounding the Middle East. Another study that was done also showed that "Persepolis" has greatly impacted the thinking skills of middle school students who were taught it in their ELA classroom. Despite the images and easy-to-read text, "Persepolis" is also often taught at the high school level because high-school aged students would be able to take the information learned and thoroughly discuss it to enhance their literary skills. From writing about her life and the people in it, Satrapi's writing also denies the typical assumptions made by the world about Western Iranian women. Friere and Macedo believe that the way women and Iranian society in general are presented in the book can help students come to doubt their perceived sense of national insecurity when it comes to the Middle East.