identity in persepolis

Unlike other books we've read throughout the semester Persepolis focuses on the clash between beliefs, not race.  Satrapi brings her childhood perspective to life as she is shaped by war, politics, and loss.  Marji believes herself to be against the government because her parents are against the government.  Because Ramin's father was in the Savak (police of the Shah), Marji and her two friends ran at him with "nails between their fingers like American brass knuckles" (p.45).  Unfortunately, guilt by association was common in times of strife, not only during the Islamic Revolution but during the Holocaust as well.  People were identified by who they affiliated themselves with publicly.  However, the difference between public and private life could be everything or nothing.  Marji's family was relatively westernized (they did know what brass knuckles were) in the home with clothing, music, and alcohol, but outside they would follow most rules, women would cover themselves, etc.  

Unlike Ex-Colored Man or Mary Jemison, Marji is not caught between two separate identities, the forces in her life simply restrain or aid her in building her own, unique identity.  I think the cartoon/graphic aspect of the novel brings out even more of Marji's emotion and identity, while still leaving some to the reader's interpretation and imagination.  Who or what do you think had a significant influence on Marji's identity?