Elisabeth Shaver
9/18
On the island of Cyprus, ethnic division is not just an abstract idea, it is in the form of a physical border. In the 70’s after a guerilla war for independence from Britain, the Turks invaded Cyprus. The fighting ended with an 118 barricade separating the Greeks from the Turks. Not until 2003 was movement between the two permitted, and only with military checkpoints. That is how Georgia Chappas who is Greek, met Murat Kanatli, a Turkish man. Chappas and Kanatli are both activists seeking to unify the Turks and Greeks. They felt great opposition from their parents, and also from nationalists. Their car was egged while driving from one side of Cyprus to the other, and Kanatli is often taunted for his outspoken position on peace. Their families finally came around, and the couple was married on the island of Samos. They believe their marriage is a small step for their community. They both believe that one day Cyprian Turks and Greeks will live in peace.
It saddens me that even in such modern times, racism and prejudice still exists in such extreme forms. The island of Cyprus reminds me of America today. We aren’t as extreme, and I think that people, especially of a younger generation, are very accepting of inter-racial relationships. There are still oppositions. My parents had to adjust the first time I brought home my boyfriend of a different color. It was surprising to me that they even had to. They came around and are now very accepting. I have hope for Cyprus. Unity and friendship can happen, it just takes time. Here in America, we have come so far, but we are still a work in progress.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090906/ap_on_re_eu/eu_fea_cyprus_marrying_the_enemy
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