Turkey has been suffering from two separate earthquakes in Kahramanmaraş for three days. While thousands of lives were lost in the earthquake that affected 11 provinces; On the other hand, the looting and crisis opportunistic attempts that are seen from time to time in the earthquake region add to the pain.
Stating that there can be opportunists who try to take advantage of this situation during disasters or economic crises in every society in every period of history, the sociologist Prof. Dr. Barış Erdoğan notes that the increase in the number and prevalence of these opportunists shows that some pathological conditions have emerged in the society.
Emphasizing that the state and public authorities should fight effectively in the fight against opportunism, Erdoğan emphasizes that another step to be taken is to undergo a moral and mental transformation that will prevent material success from being so exalted as a cultural value.
Üsküdar University Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Head of Sociology Department Prof. Dr. Barış Erdoğan made an assessment of the looting attempt and opportunism seen from time to time in the Kahramanmaraş earthquake.
Increasing prevalence of opportunistic
Stating that in every period of history and in every society, opportunists emerged after ecological disasters or during economic crises, who tried to take advantage of this situation. Dr. Barış Erdoğan said, “It should be considered normal to encounter such events. However, the increase in the number and prevalence of these opportunists shows us that some pathological conditions have emerged in the society.” said.
Crisis opportunists are seen in every field
Noting that opportunism can be seen in every field, Prof. Dr. Barış Erdoğan said, “Unfortunately, we see that there are crisis opportunists who are trying to make great economic gains from the victimization of others in every field and line of business, from the increase in house rents after the earthquake to the sale of extinguishing materials at exorbitant prices during forest fires.” he said.
The savage free market mentality spread opportunism
Stating that there is a free market understanding in the spread of opportunism, Prof. Dr. Barış Erdoğan said, “I think that the prevalence of this situation, which cannot be explained by any moral measure, is due to a wild free market understanding that has become widespread in the last 30-40 years all over the world and in Turkey and is almost internalized into society.” used his statements.
The spirit of capitalism was taught without moral and ethical values.
“For years, we have been taught that individuals who follow their own interests will inevitably benefit the whole society, that the invisible hand of the market will create the balance of supply and demand, and that prices are fair and correct for this reason,” said Prof. Dr. Baris Erdogan continued as follows:
“We have been told everywhere, from textbooks to messages of popular culture products, that we can make the most profit if we make good use of the opportunities, that is, if we act at the right time, invest, buy or sell. The spirit of capitalism was taught by depriving it of moral and ethical values. After all, these opportunists, who are market actors, legitimize themselves with idioms such as licking their fingers and filling it while it flows. Since there is a demand for these products and services, they see that there is nothing wrong with the increase in prices according to the market conditions.”
It should be seen as a social problem
Stating that a segment that condemns earthquake opportunists today, can easily become an opportunist of another product or service in another social crisis, since they internalize the same logic tomorrow. Dr. Barış Erdoğan concluded his speech as follows:
“Therefore, we have to see the issue as a social problem rather than a ‘you – me’ problem and seek a solution. I think it is necessary to take two-way steps regarding this issue of opportunism. First, the state and public authorities have to intervene in various ways with the power they have in the free market, which takes a wild turn in times of crisis. Just like the government fixed rent hike rates at 25 percent. Another step is to go through a moral and mental transformation that will prevent material success from being so exalted as a cultural value.”
Source: (BYZHA) – Beyaz News Agency
