It's been a while since I wrote anything. I guess I wasn't really sure what can I write. Also after initial shock I only slowly started to comprehend the reality.
S. is now in new base - in Incirlik. It is Turkish-American airbase. Small town on Incirlik turned into small American colony. But it's not "Little America." It's more like shanty town with bars called "Amigos" and shops selling carpets and jewelery. Probably these are the most favoured trofies of American soldiers. What is striking though is unusual for Turkey sensitivity to racial diversity present in American society and army per analogiam. Posters of dr. M.L.King or first graduates of Tuskegee who joined US Army are truly impressive. So is Bible's prophecy that Obama will be the president. Sad thing is that African American soldiers most probably feel like colonizers or at least the ones civilized among these shop sellers. Hopefully I'm wrong. But as long as they are willing to pay 120 USD for things worth 15lira they are one of the main pillars of local economy.
And speaking of S. list of stories demostrating irrationality of orders is endless. Level of nationalist propaganda are beyond description. Though it seems that in the new base it's less. Probably due to the fact that all of the soldiers had made an oath, so it means they underwent full program of indoctrination.
I went to this "ceremony." I was reading a book for most of the time. I couldn't see anything, and this what I could understand was too much, so I prefered to read. But the crowd was extremely excited although all of them, just like me, could see NOTHING. But I guess years of education they receiced in this country make them more sensitive to poems that were recited. During the oath when I heard word "honor" I was glad I wasn't listening with full attention. Apparently these men were pledging to defend honor of their women. What a relieve I'm not "their." But at the same time does this deprive me honor? Whatever.
Should I mention that military is based on daily rituals of violation of physical and mental integrity? On deprivation of human dignity? These little vicius things seem to be worse. Like postponing release for few hours outside, swearing or even jokes.
To some extend it's incomprehensive for people outside. The only way of resisting is inside your mind. Perhaps it's also the most dangerous one for them (the army) - if they only knew.
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