Modernization is the adoption of the values, culture and life of a universal level of civilization, which is considered to be contemporary and desired to be achieved by a society.
It is the name given to the process of radical change in the fields of science, art, thought and social life in order to reach the standards of science, art, thought and social life.
However, unfortunately, the level of science in our country, which should be our main guide on the road to modernity, is far behind the desired criteria. In recent years, an understanding that openly denies the rational results of science has gained strength in various layers of society.
In this process where scientific merit is replaced by ideological affiliations, authorized mouthpieces claim that natural phenomena such as earthquakes are a manifestation of supernatural forces, pushing aside the scientific reality.
In institutions such as TÜBİTAK, which should be the scientific locomotive of the country, unqualified people who have no connection with the world of contemporary scientific thought are appointed to management positions. Again, the surrenderist rhetoric of “it is not our job to invent” coming from the most authoritative levels of the state is one of the heaviest blows to the spirit of scientific breakthrough.
On the other hand, the exclusionary perspective of the AKP government towards art and artists is well known. For a work of art, they say, “This kind of art is a disgrace.
I spit on you” approaches of political figures still remain in our memories. However, works of art are the result of the common historical accumulation of humanity, aesthetic
experience and intellectual labor.
While artists should be seen as pioneers of social change and visionary individuals who are one step ahead of society, the fact that today they face many repressive mechanisms ranging from threats of imprisonment to humiliating attitudes points to a deep crisis of democracy.
In the education system, the situation is even more dire.
Visual arts, music and similar aesthetic disciplines that would enable students to realize themselves and reveal their latent powers (potentials) are being systematically eliminated from the curriculum. However, the free display and development of the latent powers of the individual should be perceived not only as a matter of individual development, but also as an indispensable requirement of democracy and modernization.