During this economic crisis, trends show that in America individuals have taken to checking a book out rather than purchasing one. It seems that tough economic times go hand-in-hand with increased use of free library services.Naturally, I like to see people buy books so they can keep them and reread them and treasure them. I asked my mom once this question: Why don’t you buy some of the books you really love? I remember her reply: “If I was buying every book I read and loved, that’s where my salary would go.”
It’s every retailer’s [and I guess librarian’s] dream to have lines of people waiting to come in when you’re unlocking the doors. However, the truth is that these days most pensioners don’t receive much income, and the average person does not have much left after all the bills are paid.
As everything gets more expensive, how do you entertain yourself these days?
I’ve picked up on some comments posted on Facebook that people aren’t going to the movie theater like they used to. “We can’t afford to go out and rent movies,” said one of the families I’m friends with. It seems in Turkey people are swapping DVDs with each other, and in America they are going to the library to check some DVDs out.
I came across some information recently that explained what Turks are doing for their “lifeline” to help keep them from going crazy during this economic downturn.
After all, some experts have compared this global economic crisis to the Great Depression. It has had a grave ripple effect.
Well, there is another thing in common with the Great Depression, and that is that during the Great Depression, screwball comedies such as “You Can’t Take It With You” thrived at the box office.
If you are not familiar with this classic American comedy, let me just say this much: It is about the lighthearted Sycamore family, which takes you back to the 1930s, when money was scarce, the stock market had crashed but life was still fun, if you made it that way.
It seems most Turks, just like many others who’ve been affected by the economic crisis, seek entertainment that makes them laugh and forget their worries for a few hours. Many Turks are worried about the economic future for themselves and their families. They don’t think their personal economic situation nor that of the country has been going well. According to a survey conducted by Ipsos, Turks who worry about retirement have increased from 47 percent in 2005 to 51 percent now; and the number of families with concerns about the future has increased over the same period from 55 percent to 62 percent. In fact, the survey states that only one in four Turks says their family’s economic situation is good.
Most Turks are watching more TV series and soap operas to escape from the troubles of daily life.
Many Turks who sit in front of the television watch Turkish TV series, comedy shows and game shows to pass the time. Interestingly enough, those interested in print media and thematic news channels are low in number. Over a third of people say they watch TV “to escape.”
Have you been in an official Turkish office lately? I had to go and get my Turkish passport renewed recently and noticed that the television was on some news channel but nobody waiting in line for their turn seemed to be watching it.
Had it been tuned to “Yalan Rüzgarı” (The Young and the Restless), which has been on the air for more than 10 years in Turkey, or the funny sitcom “Avrupa Yakası,” people would have been paying attention.
Certain sitcoms, soap operas and classic plays such as “You Can’t Take It With You” have been consistently popular and continue to increase in popularity.
Share with us what your “lifeline” is.
Note: Charlotte McPherson is the author of “Culture Smart: Turkey, 2005.” Please keep your questions and observations coming: I want to ensure this column is a help to you, Today’s Zaman’s readers. Email: c.mcpherson@todayszaman.com
