TED TRABZON COLLEGE / 11-B
The Balance Between Change and Cultural Identity
Bilge Çınar GÜNAYDIN ‣
198
Transformation, in my opinion, is the change people experience— either in a positive or negative way— through the combination of the conditions of their time and the events in their own lives. Factors such as a society’ s literacy rate, education system, the ideas taught at school, the goals of those who govern the country for future generations, and the country’ s level of prosperity all play an important role in shaping people.
When we look at the education system, forcing students to take nationwide exams starting from the fourth grade of primary school, continuing with another exam at the end of middle school, and then another one at the end of high school limits people’ s ability to think differently. As a result, society may raise unhappy individuals who work in jobs that do not match their abilities, or students who pass exams successfully but have difficulty using their knowledge in daily life. This is not a situation that developing societies would want.
As young people, even though we are part of this system, the more we think, read, and work, the more we can help our country grow together. This positive effect can continue for future generations like a chain reaction. What is important is to break the pressure of the system and spread a new way of thinking in society.
However, during this process of transformation, we should not lose ourselves. We must protect our traditions, national holidays, language, flag, and culture while moving forward. Otherwise, as seen during the Tanzimat Period, incorrect westernization may lead to assimilation. This could result in a generation that does not know its own identity, ancestors, or culture.
In conclusion, social transformation will always happen depending on the conditions of the time but planning this change in an organized and positive way is the responsibility of society.