We Need Laughter More Than Ever.

 

As a society, we are going through difficult times. Economic hardships, anxiety about the future, debates about justice, and the high cost of living are increasing the burden on people's shoulders every day. Homes are filled with discussions about making ends meet, young people worry about their future, and retirees struggle to survive.

 

In such a heavy climate, one of the things people need most is to forget their troubles, even for a few hours, and to be able to laugh.

 

Unfortunately, today in Turkey, both laughing and making others laugh have become an act that almost requires courage.

 

Humor is the Mirror of Society

 

The recent proceedings concerning comedian **** have once again brought the debate on freedom of expression and the boundaries of humor to the agenda.

Yet, Turkey has a strong tradition of humor. Names like ****, ****, ****, ****, ****, ****, and **** have been trying to make people laugh for years. Because humor doesn't just entertain; it makes people think, it criticizes, and it holds a mirror up to society.

 

Why Has Tolerance Decreased So Much?

 

Today, on the streets, in traffic, at the market, in hospitals, and on public transport, people are behaving more angrily, more impatiently, and less tolerantly towards each other. Even among young people, tolerance is sometimes replaced by anger and polarization.

 

Of course, there isn't just one reason for this. Economic difficulties, anxiety about the future, societal polarization, and constant tensions also affect people's state of mind. However, none of these change the importance of showing respect to each other and tolerating different opinions.

 

Humor is the Mirror of Society

 

The recent proceedings concerning Deniz Göktaş have reopened the debate on freedom of expression and the boundaries of humor.

 

Turkey has a strong tradition of humor. Following in the footsteps of masters like Cem Yılmaz, Ata Demirer, Yılmaz Erdoğan, Tolga Çevik, and Şahan Gökbakar, today's younger generation of comedians such as Hasan Can Kaya, Doğu Demirkol, Mesut Süre, Baturay Özdemir, Feyyaz Yiğit, and Deniz Göktaş are also trying to make people laugh, think, and hold a mirror up to society.

 

The Biggest Difference Between Us and Europe

 

In many European countries, politicians, artists, and public figures can be the subject of humor. People may not like every joke; they criticize, object, or even protest. However, this is often approached within the boundaries of law and freedom of expression.

 

The strength of democracy comes not only from elections but also from the ability of different ideas, art, and humor to exist freely.

 

Atatürk's Value for Art

 

Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder of our Republic, explained the importance of art with these words:

"A nation that is devoid of art has lost one of its vital veins."

He expressed the place of the artist in society with these words:

 

"You can all be members of parliament, you can be ministers, you can even be president; but you cannot be an artist."

 

A Society That Loses Its Laughter Cannot Be Happy

 

No one is obligated to like every piece of humor. However, for a society to develop, it must make room for criticism, art, and humor.

 

Perhaps what we need most today is to stop seeing each other as enemies, to respect different opinions, to be able to talk again, and to be able to smile again.

 

Because a society that loses its laughter eventually loses its hope.

 

Temel IŞIK / ha-ber.com