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Utanmaz türklere is a derogatory term that is considered hate speech in Turkey by a lot of people. Others argue that the use of this term is simply freedom of speech. The meaning of this controversial term is “shameless Turks” and its use among people of Turkish ethnicity often sparks heated debates. It is because this set of words carries a burden of historical prejudice against a specific group of people, which has changed from time to time in history. This group of people has changed over the years but this term has been there for a long time.
Historical Background of Utanmaz Türklere
Utanmaz Türklere is not a new term that just surfaced recently. In fact, this term has had a long-standing history and the meaning of this term has been changing ever since. Let’s divide the historical data into different phases for this subjective term.
During the 19th Century Ottoman Empire
The first use of the term started in the 19th century Ottoman Empire. A group of Turkish intellectuals blamed the weakness and shortcomings of the empire on its different flaws in their eyes. This group believed that the problems were linked to the empire not westernizing and modernizing with the rest of the European powers. Thus, the people valuing the traditions of the Turkish identity were called Utanmaz Türklere or shameless Turks.
After World War 1
After the World War 1 defeat, the Ottoman Empire ended. Turkey was not resisting modernization and westernization. So, what the intellectuals were criticizing the empire was now happening in reality. During this time, the conservatives were using this term for the nationalist Turks adamant about staying true to the Turk identity.
Other Shifts in Meaning
After decades of use of this term against the nationalists, this term is now also used by the nationalists against the conservatives. The motivation may very well be the fact that conservatives have lost their true identity in the process of modernization. It is often the reason for the nationalists and religious groups.
This historical background for the readers to know that this term is not specific to a particular group. It may be hurled against people for their conservative leanings, religiousness, and nationalism.
A Political Tool
The politics in the country of Turkey are not different from the rest of the world. Painting a false narrative and exaggerations have always been political tools. In Turkey, they already had the term Utanmaz Türklere. The political entities are quick to hurl such insults at each other.
Such political activities come from the top and are then adopted by the general public. Though they are helpful for parties competing in the election, they do a lot of damage to the public. The biggest problem is the divide hurling such insults among the public. Inciting hate for one group by another, whether conservative or religious, has never brought any good. There are many examples people can see every day. It is easier for outside powers to benefit from such divides and add fuel to the fire.
A Topic of Heated Debate
Having differences with any group of people is normal. Ideally, the differences in opinions should be respected. The responsibility of not saying controversial things that a group of people would find offensive falls on everyone. Unfortunately, people are quick to hurl insults instead of respecting each other’s opinions. And that’s how some insulting terms find their way from one generation to another. The cycle of hatred continues.
What Should Be the Way Forward in the Future?
Just like how other terms we generally see employed for hate speech have started to get backlash by mainstream media, something similar needs to be done with shameless Turks. It may be better to treat it like racial and ethnophobic slurs. The people of the country will benefit significantly from such an approach and can eventually get over this subjective insult and political tool.
