Friday, November 15, 2013

Response to "Turkified" Article
            I thought the essay on racism by Ozlem Gezer was very interesting to read. It made me realize that what this Turkish girl is going through is nothing new in this world. I am sure that individuals of different ethnicities have experienced this racism at one time in their life when their race is a minority in a particular area. Growing up in California, I did go through the whole questioning phase during which I was continuously bombarded with inquiries relating to my ethnicity. I have been asked how Vietnam is like, how the people are, and have heard some stereotypical assumptions towards my culture. However, I think that California is more accepting to different cultures because it is a very diverse state. A city in California usually consists of a wide variety of ethnic groups, thus contributing to people’s willingness to be open-minded and respectful to others. I don’t think I have ever been offended when people ask me about my culture or feel out of place just because people I meet on the street are of different race. In my opinion, the article is very well-written because the author is revealing some truth behind why she can never be a “proper German” while approaching it with a light-hearted and humorous sense.

2 comments:

  1. I completely agree with- and think as well that California is so diverse and very open minded upon different ethnicities and cultures. However there is defiantly a lot of truth to her story and I wonder if the frustration spoke more out of her.. because overall she seems to have a good life in germany. Otherwise she wouldn't be there.

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  2. I think these are solid points but I also think it important we look at the other side of the coin, Turks may feel as if they cannot express themselves to the full extent they would like, but how do the Germans feel about changing their culture. I am not saying the German citizens are are wrong or right but rather tyat this issue is most likely not nearly as clear cut as thr writer makes it seems. The writer relies heavily on ethos, playing to the emotion of all the " hardship" encountered. It is a well written work but it is importsnt to note the ststements said above

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