Elif Shafak
Middle Eastern Studies Department
University of Arizona
Tucson, AZ 85721
Dear Ms. Shafak:
Congratulations on the birth of your first baby! I am writing to wish you luck not only in your new adventure as a mother, but in staying out of Turkish prison. Apparently the government of Turkey is not happy with the views expressed by the characters in your latest novel.
As banned books week approaches (is there a banned books week in Turkey?), we in the United States have the opportunity to assess the state of the first amendment. We tent to tout our freedoms, especially in comparison with other countries. But particularly in the last few years our freedom of expression faces increasing challenges. Even the Dixie Chicks faced a tremendous backlash after speaking out against Bush. Afterward, though, other musicians were more free to do the same, as the Chicks absorbed the brunt of the initial outcry against dissenters.
I do not know whether your position at an American university affords you more protection than you might otherwise have against prosecution, but I do hope for the best for you and your family, and I hope for a future in which we can write without fear.
Truly,
Liz Mann
