Turkish Men Should Rethink

Uslucan, a Turkish sociology student, studied the education methods used by Turkish families and found that in 20 percent of Turkish households, children are brought up with violence. The father that uses violence, is a problematic model for the child. A beaten child fluctuates between the feeling of inferiority and the idea that aggression is the best way for expression. Conflict resolution without the use of violence is not learnt, and is viewed as feminine.

Education via brutal force was thought to be a useful method in Turkey in the old times. But even in Turkey these times are now in the past. However, many of the Turks in Germany, still have a view of Turkey from the 1960s.

While in Turkey the values and norms of society have experienced evolution, the influence of this evolution on the Turkish community in Germany was limited. Escape from modernity is a phenomena among the masses. Paradoxically, the Turks in Turkey are more modern and more western than the Turks living in Germany.

Relative poverty and bad education perspectives are always found together. The noted a decline in education and qualifications is a result of a familiar pattern. Despite education being highly rated by the Turkish Muslim culture, it is often experienced that Turkish families act ambivalent towards German education institutions. Children are expected to do house chores, help in the bringing up of the younger siblings, and to get married at a young age.

Turkish women coming to Germany by way of marriage, strengthen this education method. Actually these women despite their poverty are opener to change more than their men had expected them to be. However, their autonomy will be taken away soon right here in Germany by their husbands. They do not speak German, and do not have the chance to learn German because they are dependent upon their parents-in-law. Thus, failure at school and in the workplace are programmed beforehand, opening the way to alienation from society.

Language and values are two pillars of the togetherness in societal life. Both must be improved by the State and society. The state must offer language courses, but also must push immigrants to learn German. The political front, besides, must provide that the Turkish values are recognized by education. If, our constitution is a reflection of our values, then why can’t we find the courage to make the statement, “Everyone in Germany must respect the equality of women and men”. If the politicians do not force this, then we should not be surprised that some groups do not recognize this.

The women coming from Turkey, should be encouraged to learn German. They should be taught not only the language but also their rights. We need self-assertive women. Only then they can teach their children how to become a rational personality.

The politicians who do not demand participation from the immigrants, will suffer the most, as these immigrants will be pushed into isolation. The worst enemy of the foreigners is the uncritical friend of the foreigner.

Member of German Federal Executive Committee of Liberal Democrat Party.