Activism from the Turntable
November 21, 2008
With Madra at Açik
Turkey has sometimes proven to be a tremendously difficult place to get an opinion out. Article “301″ of the constitution makes “Insulting Turkishness” a crime and many have faced (and served) prison time for expressing their views on how to improve the state. It is important to realize just how important a free forum for these ideas actually is as freedom of dissent is a main driver of democratic government.
When people are not allowed to air dissenting thought in a society, well, there is no way for it to progress. Turkey is so close to reaching a point in its development where it can finally become a strong, proud, open democracy, it is difficult to see it stuck where it is.
I know I am an outsider and have little legitimacy when expressing views on the Turkish political landscape- but what a great benefit it would be to the global community to see Turkey move past these obstacles and fully join the international community as a member of the EU and regional powerhouse.
Omer Madra and Açik Radyo are propelling Turkey in that direction. Despite all the challenges they face, they bring hope to the country. I write about this dynamic today in my Cornell Sun COLUMN “Turntable Activism,” your thoughts, as usual, are welcome below…
Watching from Afar
November 7, 2008
ABD
Anti-American imagery is something we see often these days but, despite this familiarity, I was particularly disturbed when seeing the real thing last Sunday. The group we marched with in no way represented the mainstream views of the Turkish people but from the reactions of the onlookers it was clear that their message wasn’t exactly rejected.
Election day was fantastic. We had a large party in the center of Istanbul and watched with many fellow interested Americans. For more info on that, please check out DAMARIS KREMIDA’s fantastic article in Hurriyet- HERE.
If you’ve read my article (HERE) in today’s Cornell Sun I thank you, and welcome any questions or comments below. If not, I think it may be worth a look-through.
It’s been a long week and I promise more content coming up, stay tuned for future updates.
(I’m now officially late to class)
Us on Turkish television Tuesday night!
