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.
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