dw.com
Turkish Girl Band Manifest Faces Backlash for "Indecent" Performance
Turkish girl band Manifest's Istanbul concert led to a public prosecutor investigation for "indecent and immoral acts," resulting in tour cancellation and highlighting broader issues of government silencing dissent through religious pressure.
- How does Manifest's case connect to broader trends of silencing dissent in Turkey?
- Manifest's case is not isolated; female artists in Turkey increasingly face legal targeting after pro-government media campaigns and mobilization of Islamist groups. This mirrors patterns against female politicians, academics, and journalists, following Turkey's withdrawal from the Istanbul Convention.
- What were the immediate consequences for Manifest following their Istanbul concert?
- Following their concert, Manifest faces an investigation for "indecent and immoral acts" and "exhibitionism," leading to the cancellation of their Turkey tour. The band members issued a statement taking responsibility but emphasizing that it was never their intention to cause harm.
- What are the deeper implications of this case regarding women's rights and political dissent in Turkey?
- The case highlights the AKP government's alleged strategy of silencing dissent through religious pressure, using the Diyanet's sermons and fatwas to influence public opinion against women who defy government norms. Manifest's political messaging in their music was ignored, shifting focus to their appearance and morality, further illustrating the limitations on women's expression and participation in political discourse.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The article frames the prosecution of Manifest as part of a broader pattern of repression against women in Turkey, highlighting the political context and implications of the case. The focus on the government's actions and the silencing of dissent shapes the reader's understanding of the event as a political issue, not simply a legal one. The inclusion of other cases against female artists reinforces this framing. However, the article also presents the charges against Manifest, giving some space to the prosecution's perspective, although this is presented within a larger narrative of political suppression. The headline (not provided) would likely significantly impact the framing, and its absence limits the analysis.
Language Bias
The language used is generally neutral and objective, although the description of the prosecutor's actions as "silencing dissent" and the characterization of Oktay Saral's comments as a "smear campaign" convey a negative connotation. The author chooses words like 'oppression' and 'harassment' which are strong terms implying intent and bias on the part of the government. Suggesting alternatives like 'restrictions' or 'criticism' in certain instances could help to moderate the tone. However, the use of direct quotes allows the reader to understand the various perspectives and interpretations of the event.
Bias by Omission
The article does not delve into the specific content of Manifest's lyrics or performances beyond mentioning that they included "opposition slogans." A more in-depth analysis of the artistic content and its potential relation to the charges would provide a more complete picture. Also, while the article mentions the Istanbul Convention, it does not explicitly detail its contents or significance. Given the article's length and focus, these omissions do not completely prevent a nuanced understanding but do affect the comprehensiveness of the analysis.
Gender Bias
The article focuses on the gendered nature of the persecution of female artists in Turkey. It uses examples to illustrate the disproportionate targeting of women and highlights the role of religious and political pressures in this targeting. By including various examples of women being targeted, the article successfully avoids presenting a biased perspective. It also explicitly addresses the issue of gender bias in the legal and social climate of the country.
Sustainable Development Goals
The article details the suppression of female artists in Turkey, highlighting the legal and social pressures faced by women who express themselves creatively or politically. The targeting of Manifest, Sezen Aksu, Gulsen, Ayse Barim, and Merve Oktem demonstrates a pattern of silencing dissenting female voices through accusations of obscenity and immorality. This directly contradicts the principles of gender equality, specifically those related to freedom of expression and the right to participate in public life without fear of persecution. The actions of the government are undermining progress towards gender equality by creating an environment where women are intimidated and punished for challenging social norms or expressing their views. The article explicitly connects these actions to a broader political strategy of the AKP government to consolidate power and silence dissent.