Press Association/AP/Osman Orsal. All rights reserved.It’s a new year, and as of yet things are not off to such a great start in Turkey, my adopted home. Or anywhere, for that matter. There is insecurity about the future everywhere, and conversations about political and social life here are becoming increasingly difficult to have.
However, as someone who firmly believes that the way we talk about things determines the way we view ourselves and our societies (both native and adopted), I believe that even the most seemingly trivial conversations can be hugely important. After reading a slew of hair-raisingly offensive comments on online forums such as the Foreign Women of Istanbul group (Istanbul women, avoid it at all costs! There are other, better ways to find information!), I figured it was time to write a quick foreigner’s guide on how to avoid accidental racism when discussing your problems or your experiences living in the Middle East. If, on the other hand, you are intentionally being racist, then there’s not much point to reading this, so continue along your merry way.
1) The “everything is bad because I’m in (insert country/city/region)” dialogue:
If this is actually true for you, and you simply hate being where you are, then I extend my sincerest condolences, and hope you find a much happier place for yourself soon. But in general, most places are not all bad or all good. Choosing a place to live is very similar to being in a relationship with someone: you choose the set of problems you’re willing to deal with.
