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June 27, 2005
Convergence
Here's an example the kind of expectation and stereotype-challenging environment here. Below is a participant in the WTI, sporting a pink Islamic headscarf and a "Free Mehmet" sticker. Mehmet refers to Mehmet Tarhan, a gay-rights activist and a conscientious-objector, who was supposed to be on the jury of conscience but could not attend because he was forcibly conscripted. He is currently under military detention, his hair and beard shaved off, because he continues to refuse obeying orders.
The bottom half of the sticker says "Mehmet Loves Baris" -- Baris both means peace and is a man's name, highlighting both his conscientious objection and sexual orientation in a clever pun.
Remember this is all happening in an Islamic country where homosexuality is not at all acceptable and where the military service is mandatory and celebrated, at least according to official ideology.
And here is a picture of the "Free Mehmet" banner that was unfurled before the mural put up by the Korean delegation. As you can see, the organic constituency supporting conscientious objection is very similar to people the youth from the Global Justice movement. (In fact, during their protest, this group of youngsters broke into a drumming circle).
Last, but not least, here is Denis Halliday, former assistant to the secretary general of the U.N., whom I have never seen without a tie, ever, wearing the latest current fashion: a "WTI Istanbul" t-shirt!
Posted by zeynep at June 27, 2005 03:10 AM