Reactions vary as celebrities weigh in on political issues

Popular figures for public relations?

Some of the outspoken support came shortly after Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan said, “We also hope to see support from the art world.” Would that really change public opinion? The answer Haluk Şahin, a communications expert and journalist, gives is a tentative yes. Şahin says that although there is no scientific research on the extent to which public figures might influence political opinion, promoting a product through testimonials from celebrities or trusted individuals -- a principle that is at the core of advertising -- has been accepted as a method that works. Although Şahin said it was very hard to say how well the same mechanism would translate to politics, added: “But in the case of a topic that is considered taboo, it might open up dialogue. We can say it is likely to contribute positively to the public discussion on it.” He said that in that regard, he deemed it a positive step for artists and performers to come out and make statements in support of peace. However, he also warned that, as with advertising, who delivers the message is very important. If the wrong person delivers the testimonial, it might just be met with backlash.

Regarding support for the Kurdish question, the people delivering the messages have been varied, as have the perceived impacts of their words. When Aksu, arguably Turkey's most respected singer by almost all segments of society, made a call to the prime minister to thank him, not all of her fans were moved. She later spoke to the press saying she called the prime minister only as “citizen Sezen,” and duly noted, “All I want is to live in this country with unity, brotherhood and togetherness and for our young men not to die anymore.” She also said she had no intention of “benefiting” from the process or influencing it. “I think it is positive that at least a step is being taken,” she said. Some celebrities joined Aksu, while others were more hesitant. Actor Tarık Akan, thespian Müjdat Gezen and singer and talk-show host Hülya Avşar said they wouldn't want to support or oppose the initiative until they are sure of the concrete items on the government's list.

Ferhat Tunç, a singer known for his activism, stated that it is important for artists to assume a role in such historical processes. “For artists have always had the power to leave an important mark on the consciousness and the emotional world of society. We have seen in the past such sensitive statements have had important effects. I think it is important that artists are taking such a conscientious stance on such an important issue, even if this might come at a cost,” Tunç said.

Possibility of losing fans

But could there be a cost? Do people change their minds when they hear their favorite singers or pop-culture icons supporting a political stance? Hundreds of Internet users commented on stories about Aksu's move on various forums, with a majority showing that they were unimpressed. “Who on earth is Sezen Aksu? Who are her parents? Who are you? You are shameless. So many people have died. How can there be such ingratitude?” one commentator said. “I have broken and thrown away all my Sezen Aksu music. [Addressing Aksu] to me you are not an intellectual anymore, but [embody] darkness. Sezen Aksu and her kind are forever over for me.”

“I wouldn't have expected to hear such words from a lady like Sezen Aksu. She should question her own conscience,” said another user. Another lamented: “Shame on you. You are officially over for me. I hope you know that you have lost so many of your fans this way.”

“Would you be able to talk this comfortably if it was your son they had slain?” inquired another.

“I condemn Sezen Aksu for supporting something that she doesn't know anything about,” said another user.

The price, however, can be more than just losing popularity, as Tunç recalls. “Someone who was first in this sphere was Ahmet Kaya, and he paid the price with his life,” he said, adding that he himself has been target of pressure and threats.

Where were they in the past?

 On Feb. 12, 1999, famous singer Kaya was almost lynched -- at the hands of fellow artists -- because he said, at an award ceremony, "I am singing songs in the Kurdish language because I am a Kurd.” He later had to flee the country and died in 2000 abroad in exile.

Tunç also criticized the media coverage of increasingly politicized statements from artists, expressing concern that these could transform into stories with more of an entertainment news aspect. “As far as I can see the mainstream media has chosen to bring to its headlines artists who have never moved a finger on this issue all their lives, instead of relying on views of artists who have paid and are paying a price in this area.” But why do so many artists make political statements today, particularly on the Kurdish issue? Many commentators in the Turkish media have expressed doubts on the sincerity of these increasingly frequent utterances, saying they could be attempts to look “cute” to the government, or appear in headlines.

Tunç believes that it is a shame, and one that will not be forgotten, that many artists kept silent, even when the late singer Kaya was being attacked at an award ceremony by fellow artists. However, he emphasizes that Aksu -- albeit a latecomer -- stands apart with her recent stance worthy of an intellectual individual and has earned a spot in the hearts of all Kurds and everyone who supports freedom.

Artists and politics