In the past few months, the ongoing riot in Turkey affected thousands of people’s lives as well as certain businesses in the country. Turkish riot started as an environmental protest against the abolishment of Gezi, a park located in Taksim, Istanbul. However, the outrageous approach of the policemen towards the protestors turned it into something much bigger: “Direnis”. Suddenly Direnis became a nation-wide protest against injustice, violence, the abuse of human rights and freedom. The riot was unique in the sense that the only weapon used by the protestors was humour. Turkish society showed the power of unity against forces threatening their freedom. Gezi became a symbol of liberty.

Unfortunately, the government’s response was violence and censorship. They did not understand the humour or the unity that was the foundation of Direnis. During such hardships, some businesses preferred putting their own benefits before those of the society. Mass media did not mention what was considered to be a nation-wide awakening. Others closed their doors to people seeking refuge from tear gas.

These events brough about an important question: Can a business be ignorant to society’s needs and problems, and still succeed? The answer is no. Currently various businesses, including numerous mass media companies, are being boycotted by the society in Turkey. The decline in their sales is significant, not to mention the damage to their reputations. This proves that no business can exist without maintaining a strong, healthy relationship with the society. The one thing that is more important than the service a company provides is people’s perception of it. Businesses can not neglect the people surrounding them and expect to get away with it. That is neither possible nor ethical.

Picture taken from:
http://www.marmaragazetesi.com/galeri/gezi-parkina-direnis-198.html?resim=4