Resource
Writer: Rasim Ozan Kütahyalı
Source: Taraf
Title: [“LAST'ların”, 'trajedisi']
Date: 2008-08-13
Analysis
Character Analysis
Traits: - Consistency: Rasim Ozan Kütahyalı's column shows a high level of consistency in his critique of the LAST (Laik, Alevi, Sunni, Türk) middle class. He maintains a clear narrative throughout the text, focusing on their psychological and ideological shifts. - Emotionality: The column is highly emotional and provocative. Kütahyalı uses strong language to describe the LAST class's attitudes and behaviors, such as “psikolojik üstünlük” (psychological superiority) and “tahakkümcü bir dil” (domineering language). His tone is critical and accusatory, aimed at stirring a reaction from the reader. - Credibility: The column is more opinion-based than fact-based. Kütahyalı uses anecdotal evidence and generalizations to make his points, which may affect the credibility of his arguments. His language often borders on the hyperbolic, especially when discussing the shift in attitudes towards non-Muslims.
Relationships with Entities
Affiliations: - LAST Ortasınıfları (Middle Class): Kütahyalı positions himself as a critic of the LAST middle class, suggesting a negative relationship. He describes their worldview and psychological state in detail, indicating a deep understanding of their societal role and dynamics. - Gayrimüslimler (Non-Muslims): Initially portrayed as allies of the LAST class, Kütahyalı notes a shift in the LAST class's perception of non-Muslims, suggesting a complex and evolving relationship. He highlights their historical role as a bridge to Western values and their current vilification by the LAST class. - Kemalizm (Kemalism): Kütahyalı critiques the LAST class's adherence to Kemalism, suggesting a critical stance towards this ideology. He argues that their belief in Kemalism's eternal relevance to modernity has been challenged. - AKP Elitleri (AKP Elites): Kütahyalı mentions books that purport to “prove” AKP elites are Jewish, indicating a possible negative or skeptical view of the AKP, although he frames this within the context of the LAST class's beliefs. - İslami Kesim (Islamic Sector): Kütahyalı suggests a negative relationship between the LAST class and the Islamic sector, describing the former's increasing nationalism and conservatism as a reaction to the latter's growing influence.
Intentions (Trustworthiness)
Agenda: - Kütahyalı appears to be pushing a narrative critical of the LAST middle class's ideological and psychological shifts. He aims to highlight what he perceives as their hypocrisy and increasing nationalism, particularly in relation to non-Muslims. - There is a possible agenda to critique Kemalism's role in modern Turkish society, suggesting it is no longer the sole bearer of modernity. - Kütahyalı may also be aiming to expose the rise of nationalist and racist sentiments within the LAST class, using the example of books about AKP elites being Jewish.
Trustworthiness: - The column is highly opinionated and lacks concrete evidence to support its claims, which may suggest a lower level of trustworthiness. Kütahyalı's provocative style and use of generalizations could be seen as an attempt to influence rather than inform.