According to Grundtvig, achieving economic developments is not the only path to advancement for a country. It is because even an economic developments need a robust society in parallel to support them. A three-stage education model is needed to form such a society. This is possible only if an individual is elevated to a perception that enables him to understand and embrace himself in the first place, then society and ultimately the entire humanity. Such an education system should have a function reaching out every segment of a society, holding both worldly and spiritual aspects and integrating individualism and communitarianism around ‘we’’.
Grundtvig named these “Folk High Schools” as “Schools for the Life”. Based on the principle of understanding the world and humanity, these schools were established to teach living worlds and to put them into practice as well, rather than memorizing dead words and irrelevant information that failed to find a place in life. Grundtvig’s understanding of human and education not only influenced the institutions and society of his age but also went on to shape Denmark in 1900s and 2000s. Denmark’s “folk high schools” inspired by his writings also contributed to notably important awakenings in many other countries. He is therefore given the title “master of public enlightenment”. To conclude, Grundtvig is a value of utmost importance for Denmark, commonly referred to as “Grundtvig’s country.”
Why I have shared all these is to better understand the debate in a recent Danish radio program “Deadline”. Zaman Scandinavia and Socialist Populist Party had earlier co-organized a Ramadan iftar dinner at Denmark Assembly. Lars Aslan Rasmussen made a criticism which was in deed a slander against the Gulen Movement. The radio held a debate on the issue. A Turkey expert, Asst. Prof. Danielle Kuzmanovic said, “The Gulen Movement seeks to influence society through social projects. But it will never engage in politics. Political arguments would harm the movement. As it’s a global movement now, it never desires politics.”
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| Clown's Fear - "Help! These clouds will seize me!" |
Lars Aslan Rasmusses said the Gulen Movement is anti-minority. Murat Gezen, in response, said “According to Fethullah Gulen, every minority community finds a place for itself in the society. Abant Platform is a proof for that.” Later in the program, a one minute-long video clip was displayed. Afterwards, “So how come he has his followers in police and state departments” asked the host. “Why is the employment of Gulen sympathizers in police and military posts considered a crime?” asked Gezen. “So what are they going to do in police department?” What sort of a threat would it be if Grundtvig lovers were hired in police department?” asked Gezen and went on to say “Saying ‘Fethullah Gulen followers are seizing control of Turkey’ is no different than saying ‘Grundtvig followers are seizing control of Denmark.’ ”
After the program, the host said, “I don’t know if the audience could feel it but your confident manner inspires trust and tells no need to worry.”
Published [in Turkish] on Zaman Germany, 13 May 2013, Monday
