Gender Relations and Cultural Taboos in Turkish TV Essay Example
Gender Relations and Cultural Taboos in Turkish TV Essay Example

Gender Relations and Cultural Taboos in Turkish TV Essay Example

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  • Pages: 2 (294 words)
  • Published: April 1, 2022
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There has been a rise in gender balance portrayed in contemporary Turkish soap operas.

The Turkish soap operas feature career-oriented Muslim couples, showcasing both male and female characters as equals. These values go beyond the traditional cultural norms of Muslim societies, wherein gender roles hinder women's ability to determine their own lives in areas such as socioeconomic status, independence, rights, and freedom. The shows often challenge Islamic taboos by depicting characters engaging in activities like drinking alcohol, engaging in premarital sex, and undergoing abortions. Turkish soap operas promote values such as gender equality, equal economic opportunities, and a more liberal society. For instance, one show, Magnificent Century, highlights the tolerance of other faiths.

In a democratic culture, fundamental human rights protected by a constitution are highly valued, even though the Muslim world may have limited accept

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ance of religious tolerance. These rights include owning property, having religious freedom, expressing oneself freely, and receiving equal treatment. The creators of this show aim to produce engaging programs that portray human drama while firmly denying any claims that their work carries political messages.

Despite appearances, the Turkish soap operas are actually shaping new cultural norms and introducing new roles and heroes in a rapidly changing region. Whether this cultural revolution is deliberate or not remains uncertain. However, it is clear that the audience is enthusiastically accepting the ideas depicted in these shows, as demonstrated by the high viewership numbers for each episode. The Islamic Cultural Revolution sparked by these shows appears to rival the ongoing American cultural war.

The research suggests that discussion of taboo topics portrayed in soap operas allows consumers to openly talk about their perceptions of gender

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and religious norms. Instead of just providing an escape, watching soap operas encourages conversations about forbidden subjects.

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