In the girls’ case of Turkey, which began on September 23rd at the 24th Istanbul Criminal Court, high school and university girls who gathered to study, organized iftar programs together, prayed on holy nights, or engaged in social activities like going to the cinema, were accused of terrorism.
British politician and philosopher Edmund Burke famously said, “The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good people to do nothing.”
This statement is not just a simple warning; it is a harbinger of one of the greatest dangers humanity faces. Remaining silent, staying neutral in the face of evil, or saying “It’s not my problem!” actually contributes to the triumph of evil. Evil spreads and strengthens only through people’s indifference. This truth has been central to moral and ethical debates throughout history, and it remains a crucial criterion in distinguishing between good and evil today.
Being a good person first requires taking responsibility for the society, environment, and world in which we live. Being a good person means not only thinking about one’s own interests but also valuing the rights of others. Being a good person is not just about living according to one’s own principles but also about standing up against injustices, unfairness, and evil around us. In short, and in general, we can say that being a good person means being sensitive, sharing the concerns of others, reaching out, raising a voice, and supporting those who speak up.
Let’s collectively put ourselves to the test based on the events we’ve witnessed. As an example, let’s evaluate the ‘girls’ case,’ which has been a topic of this week’s agenda.
In the girls’ case of Turkey, which began on September 23rd at the 24th Istanbul Criminal Court, high school and university girls who gathered to study, organized iftar programs together, prayed on holy nights, or engaged in social activities like going to the cinema, were accused of terrorism.
Remaining silent means supporting the oppressor!
Did we empathize with the high school and university girls treated as criminals in the courtroom, or with their families? Did we understand their pain, struggles, and needs and try to see things from their perspective? Did we raise our voices and call for justice in the face of the injustice they experienced? Did we take a stand against the evil these children faced? Did we at least provide moral support to these children in their difficult circumstances?
Everyone can answer these questions by reflecting on their own conscience.
We know these children are forced to fight against evil, and that this evil seeks to harm them. Despite this reality, when we remain neutral or silent under any pretext, we provide covert support to the evil, allowing it to grow stronger and achieve another victory. Staying silent in the face of wrongdoing or injustice leads to the normalization and spread of that evil. Let’s not ignore the fact that staying silent, with thoughts like “This doesn’t concern us, it’s not about our community!” allows evil to expand and affect all neighborhoods and everyone.
Evil has taken over the whole country!
Can we say that the evil we witness is targeting only one group of people? The evil that started against one group has nearly enslaved the entire country. The most powerful weapon of evil is fear. Fear silences people, renders them passive, and prepares the ground for the dominance of evil. When fewer people stand against evil, what follows is that more people will fear and submit to it. This will lead to the collapse of moral and ethical values in society, and the only antidote to this is to not remain silent in the face of evil.
Remaining silent would also be a grave injustice to future generations. By accepting the existence of evil or not standing against it, we condemn future generations to live in a more unjust and corrupt world. What is expected of good people is to fulfill their responsibility to leave their children and grandchildren a fairer and more peaceful world.
Silence contributes to the triumph of evil, whereas the powerful voice of goodness is the greatest step toward justice, peace, and the future of humanity. If we do not speak out against evil today, its dark shadow will eventually imprison us all tomorrow.
Will we leave future generations a world ruled by injustice and oppression, or a society where justice and goodness prevail?
The answer to this question lies in the stance we take today. Let us all raise our voices against evil and build a better future for all of us, especially for our children. The steps we take today will shape the world of tomorrow.
Let’s not forget: Staying silent in the face of evil is the same as siding with it.
