In Lerner’s parable, two characters represent the opposing forces of old and new. However, neither is portrayed particularly positively. The Chief derives his power from “some useless, mystic wisdom,” and is “the absolutely dictator.” He is described as a parochial force with ties to “traditional Turkish values.” He is seen to be outdated, a ghost. Then there is the Grocer, who is constantly seeking betterment and progress. The Grocer is described as being somehow lesser than Tosun because Tosun makes him nervous. Tosun, who traveled from the city of Ankara, is seen to be somehow superior because of his urban roots. Progress and development somehow elevate him above the grocer, who strives for this progress. Rather than admiring him for his valiant efforts to bring about change, Tosun actively dislikes the Grocer, describing him as “unimpressive.” The Grocer, even though he is aligned with Tosun in his desire at least for modernity, is seen as an undesirable wannabe. Here we see demonstrated the tensions between the old, the new, and those who seek to bring about change. Rather than extending a helping hand to the man who hopes to bring about change, Tosun sees his imitations of modernity as subpar and therefore resents him. However, Tosun also resents the Chief for being overly traditional and tied to the past. How can Tosun, who is presented as superior in this case, interact with the people of Balgat in a productive way in order to produce progress?
Introduction to Comparative Politics: Nationalism, Ideology, and State Power
Professor Shervin Malekzadeh
I believe the irony of Tosun’s opinions of the villagers lies in the fact that they most liked formed similar opinions about him upon his visit. The interviews told from a single perspective, however, limit our ability to catch a truly accurate glimpse of what they thought, illustrating the importance of perception in perceived power. The problem with Tosun’s approach in terms of trying to help the village progress and develop is that he came there with no such intentions. Whether stated at any point or not, its fairly clear from his arrogant perspective and somewhat timid response to the chief that he is will not be able to support change. Furthermore, I disagree with your point about Tosun being presented as superior; I believe that in terms of perceived power, the chief is above him.
I agree that Tosun was very harsh towards the Grocer. Many ideas of the Grocer regarding modernity were well-founded, and later a villager even admits that he was a prophet. Because Tosun labels the Chief as an outdated ghost, like you said, it surprised me to see the Chief adapting to Balgat’s modernization pretty well. Maybe the Chief was not as hopelessly immune to modernization as Tosun thought. In response to your question in the end, I don’t think Tosun would have been the right person to be productive in Balgat. He says he chose Balgat because it was a “colorless, shapeless dump.” Because Tosun went in expecting the town to represent the past, he could not have produced progress in the town. I think Lerner did a better job since he didn’t have that predisposition and he even interviewed the women, which Tosun did not.