Movenments Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Movenments - Essay Example Advocacy groups need the much needed support from international organizations, the media and nongovernmental organizations (NGOs). They also require sentimental support from the broader global community (Gunter, p.125). The problems faced by Kurds are in the global domain though more can still be done to increase international pressure for their recognition by the host countries. Turkey, as a country with a sizeable number of the Kurdish community has made policies restricting Kurds’ cultural and political identity (Gunter, p.91). A number of advocacy groups are championing the reintegration of Kurds into the average Middle East life; enjoying the right to use their language for education and expressive purposes. In a nutshell, they are fighting for a level playing field. This article examines the broader aspect of support for advocacy groups taking Kurds as a case. It recommends ways in which these people can increase international awareness through various channels thus gain ing support for their clamor for political and civil rights. In order to create dialogue among policy makers, this article proposes ways in which these advocacy groups can be more effective by use of new media and other consultative approaches. Background Demand for autonomy is based on the fact that Kurds have different cultural and spiritual inclinations from Turks, Iraqis and Iranians. Since politics in the Middle East is a game of ethnic numbers, they have been used as political pawns to add numbers for others’ interests... Kurds are more inclined towards an open society devoid of strict control over freedom of expression. The democratic space and freedom of the press is expanding in Turkey however, broadcast content in languages other than Turkish is restricted. Hope lies in the social media which has gained popularity in the Middle East as a community mobilization instrument and has been found to play a big role in places with tight media control like Turkey. This is because the authorities have little capacity to control content and influence public opinion. The Algerian and Egyptian revolutions were christened Facebook and Twitter revolutions because of the part played by these sites to mobilize the community towards a common cause. It does this because of the networking it provides linking websites to conventional media like televisions and newspapers; it also gives real-time news through mobile devices hence a wide reach. These Kurdish protestors need to custom their appeals to match the interests of the international audiences so they justify their cause (Reynolds, p.71). Their message should be consistent and speak in one voice; their demands must be found consistent with global morality. The three main issues that the Kurdish protestors are advocating for are: Religious freedom: This means having the legal capability to make specific legislations that are in consonance with their cultural and spiritual identity. Use of the Kurdish lingua in daily interactions; this is because the government restricts its use in public domain. Those elected to state offices are supposed to grasp of the Turkish language. Elected mayor for Diyarbakir, Abdullah Demirbas was relieved off his duties in 2008 as