When I wrote my latest post, I didn't think of this, but...
Two Turkish athletes won the gold and silver medals in the women's 10,000 meters at the European Championships last night.
Alemitu Bekele and Elvan Abeylegesse, who also cruised to victory in 10,000 meters, were actually born in Ethiopia, although they are both naturalized Turkish citizens now.
I believe that the number of stupid Turkish people who dislike to see black athletes in the national team is much lower than the number of stupid French people who dislike to see black athletes in their national team.
It should be also true for Germans, let's say...
You can live a couple of months in these countries, interview a bunch of people and see that I'm right.
As a personal example, I cheered for Elvan and Alemitu (especially for Elvan, 'cause I've been a huge fan of this small woman with a big heart) as passionately as I did for Nevin Yanit, a Turkey-born Turkish athlete who won the women's 100 meters hurdles.
I am proud of all of them and I see the bright future of Turkey in their eyes, because my conception of patriotism is summarized by the following words of Atatürk:
"The Turkish nation enjoys to reflect with humanist sentiments; not national or religious ones. He/she who loves the country most, is the person who serves for it best. The servant of this country becomes its lord."
