Protests on Taksim Square

Wednesday, June 2. Nearly midnight, looking out my fourth floor window on Taksim Square in Istanbul.
I can't understand what they are saying, but I'm certain this has to do with the Israeli raid on a Gaza-bound Turkish ship two days ago. I hesitated to post this video for fear that it may shed a negative light on these people whom I've found so dear--reinforce an already existing nervousness Americans feel about Turkey. A friend (a Turkish friend) and I were just chatting this evening about that habit all people have of pigeon-holing other peoples, especially those of whom we have little understanding. Imagine putting on a set of tinted eye glasses and seeing the world always through those lenses. As Westerners, don't we tend to see the Middle East (and people from the Middle East) as religiously repressive , unprogressive, politically hostile? I've witnessed none of these characteristics while visiting. Are there differences between the East and the West? ABSOLUTELY! (And I'll discuss these differences in an upcoming CIBERFocus.) But we must challenge our assumptions about people from Turkey. As my Turkish friend reminded me, Turkey, more than any other place, resists a simplified interpretation. I agree with my friend. Assuming an understanding of others based on a construct of our own design can be limiting, misleading, or worse yet, harmful. But I think the injustice perpetuated by many Americans (including myself) is the error of ignorance. We live an insulated life, a life centered around our own local and personal issues. The U.S. is huge—a super power. We've heard those very words said by politicians and busiess people alike in Turkey. The U.S. must be at the center of other national "minds" because we are a giant. If you were tiny, wouldn't you pay attention to what the giant is doing?

But have we allowed our giant size and might to make us cavalier about the affairs of others? How much did you know about Gaza prior to the invasion a few days ago? What is your opinion? Will your opinions on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict affect your voting decisions? Your activities? Your thoughtful consideration?

Granted, foreign political issues are complex and seem far removed. But as I sit here listening to these protesters chant, sing, and pray...the world seems to have shrunk.
Travel Tips of the Day:
1. Be aware that we have certain lenses we wear and those lenses color the way we see the world as surely as a pair of tinted sunglasses does.
2. Challenge your assumption that your way is the best way. Challenge your assumption that you know people because you've watched a little news.
3. TRAVEL! And whenver possible, meet real people--hang out in places NOT intended for tourists.