Friday, November 1, 2013

American Racial Stratification: effects on Turkish upward mobility

Chicago is home to many minorities, including a growing Turkish population. With various pockets within the population center, the Turks have been able to create organizations to further help them establish a strong political connection. These include the Turkish American Cultural Alliance, The Turkish Coalition of America, and the Young Turks Association. Many of these “grass roots” organizations have allowed the Turkish population to voice its opinions on the various laws and regulations passed by the Chicago government. They have even been an active voice in supporting and protesting the North Atlantic Treaty Organization’s and the Group of Eight’s meeting in the spring of 2012. Many actively oppose the idea of these summits, worried about how Mayor Emmanuel plans to spend the money. Looking at the advantages the Turkish population has had in Chicago alone, it can be said that they have upward mobility despite the racial stratification system in place in the United States
The American political system is controlled by the white dominant group. However, it has allowed for the advancement of minorities and their interests. Though the dominant group will not give up control, other groups can achieve for the betterment of society. This is the case for the Turkish population in America. They have been able to use the American system to their advantage, by creating lobbies in Washington. Oz Bengur further explains the Turkish movement into American politics:
 “Until recently, most political involvement by Turkish-Americans has been directed at lobbying Congress on few major issues that affect Turkish-U.S. relations, like the latest “Armenian Genocide” resolution. This “top down” approach is necessary to get the community’s voice heard on Capitol Hill. But to expand our community’s influence, there must be an increased focus on efforts on political activity at the “grass roots.”
The “grass roots” level, as Mr. Bengur explains, is the level at which most of the actions taken by the Turks. This is because they are still a relatively new to the American political arena. At the local level, however, they are making great strides in major population centers such as Chicago.

            Despite the overall success that the Turkish population has had in American politics, there is much work that still remains for them to become more successful. Oz Bengur, the first Turkish American to run for a position in congress, explains that there are several things that Turks must do to increase their success in America including: Aiding local office holders through fundraisers and donations, writing to congress members and other politicians, inviting political leaders to various events, and play an active role in local forums and political discussions.
Many of the Turks, particularly in Chicago and other urban centers, are capable of doing this, due to increasing integration into the dominant group. This increase has allowed for increased equality for Turks and a benefit to their success. For example, many members of the Turkish American population have been able to take up positions in upper management. Muhtar Kent was recently named Chief Executive Officer of Coca Cola, an internationally recognized company. Dr. Mehmet Oz is a nationally recognized surgeon, and a well respected medical adviser  These men’s success stories have helped the Turkish population gain visibility within American society. This visibility will help them make greater strides into politics.
             


No comments:

Post a Comment