Nahal Naficy gives evidence in this text of the discredit suffered by anthropology, especially ethnography, in Iranian academic contexts. She explains that her account is limited to the University of Tehran. The University of Tehran is not all of Iran (nor is it all universities in Tehran), just like anthropology and ethnography at Rice University is neither anthropology nor ethnography everywhere (including in the United States). It is useful, of course, not to generalize, but Naficy’s essay points to an endemic malaise that is very present in the main institution for the instruction of anthropology in Iran. Why, then, do anthropology and ethnography occupy an inferior status? We should try to identify the reasons for this tenacious malady, a malady whose reasons allow me to mention my direct (2006–2008)and indirect knowledge of the University of Tehran. Here I will refine this diagnosis with a more in-depth analysis of the situation of anthropology and ethnography in Iran.