PART-4: DO WE KNOW WHO WE ARE?
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This post was going to wrap up the 'assimilation' process, as I theorize (or fantasize about) it, of Turks into the American structure as yet another mutually necessary and beneficial ingredient, which will add spice/taste to the work-in-progress, instead of insisting on the lone existence of such ingredient as another item on the shelf of goods waiting for the right taker. Or worse, as some others see it ("assimilation") as complete removal of the essence of the ingredient by accepting and embracing the recipe as is.
Neither of the two latter approaches will work for us Turks in the long run, as we shuffle our Turkish heritage, as well as our American obligations, as global citizens of the current century.
I decided against it, because we have to identify who we are before we can convince others of such a necessity, but probably more so for the reasons of self-interest as I extend the four-part mini series into a five-part season. Seriously though, before any talk of 'assimilation,' we must overcome some of our worst fears. The people, places, and things which we consider 'taboo' even in the present day and age.
One of the requirements of humility, and acceptance of the reality that is obvious to everyone else around us, is confronting the deficiencies that limit our ability to see the big picture. Admittance, identification, willingness, and resolution are the steps involved in proper assimilation by adding to the sum for the good of all rather than removing one's self from one to embrace the other.
Having said that, as Turks (of one grouping or another,) we are all aware of the ongoing struggle between national and personal pride versus the generally acceptable societal principles of the current global environment.
On the one hand, we have the Kurdish, Greek, Cyprus, Armenian, EU, honor killings, illiteracy, sexism, racism, prejudice, police misconduct, human rights violations, ethnic and religious persecution by politicians and other so called 'literarians,' and Islam vs the West questions that remain unresolved. And on the other side, our transformation from dictating and self-defining our future to the common desire to feel wanted and loved by everyone, along with the insistence of empowering the inclusionary tendencies by the powers to be, which for the time being, may not include our involvement. Hard pills to swallow.
How dare they - Do they know who we are - Whatever! - We'll show'em - They have no choice - They need us more than we need them . . . quickly turns into showing a lot of excitement if things go our way but put on a poker face (after the cards have been dealt - face up,) retreat, and pretend as if we're better off anyway when they don't.
Let's be realistic. Can we lighten up and discuss openly our weaknesses and shortcomings. Why can't we listen to both sides with an open mind when it comes to the disturbing issues (ex: Armenian genocide claims or Kurdish ethno-geographical tendencies.) Why do we have to defer all of our current and foreseen obligations to the man (or the symbolism of such idolatry,) whom we call the father of our country. Why can't we be revolutionaries instead of insisting on reform (by asking for it of the same people responsible for our stagnate pace.) Why do we have the tendency to ask for change for the sake of change. How quickly do we get impatient even if things are much improved let alone expecting overnight successes. Why do we take things for granted. When should we take charge instead of asking others to do so, and complain when they can't. Why are we so nostalgic when it comes to politicians and other figureheads who've repeatedly screwed us but we've continued to idolize, sometimes even after their death. And so on . . .
In summary, we must be able to face the facts, we need to take off our 'Turkish' hat, stop believing we are more Turkish than the Turks in Turkey, and realize the perception or the conception of how others (amongst which we live or we've become) view us. How do we correct that vision by working from their perspective. If we are part of the equation that judges us, wouldn't we end up with a better outcome. Instead of performing in front of judges who've pre-disqualified us, shouldn't we become members of the greater panel and not the lone juror.
In other words, if you are an 'assimilated' Turk living in Europe, should you ask yourself, "if you were them, would you accept Turkey as a member of the EU," or as a citizen of the EU, should you help decide whether the EU accept Turkey as a partner instead. And that decision should not be solely based on your loyal allegiance to everything that's Turkish. You should be able to vote for the opponent of a Turkish candidate in a general election, if the opponent offers a better platform to bring prosperity to the 'entire' constituency. That's what assimilation means. But don't worry, even the native Americans seem to have a problem with that. Just take a look at the African-Americans or the Democratic Party.
Until tomorrow . . .
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