Closure of universities and cultural arts spaces, why are we losing our freedom?

The Other Side of Social Change

The era we live in speaks of constant progress on the surface, but beneath it, quiet cracks are widening. Behind the terms change and advancement, movements that actually go against the times are organizing and taking root. In particular, the repeated closures of universities and cultural spaces, along with the constraints placed on voices that seek to protect diversity and dignity, signify more than just a loss of space. It is a serious warning that the essential values this society should uphold—freedom, coexistence, and respect for humanity—are being gradually silenced. Through the gaps of that darkness, hatred and exclusion are reemerging, cloaked in the guise of 'tradition' and 'morality.' This writing confronts the reality of that trend and seeks to question where our society is headed now.

The Role and Crisis of Universities

Universities are not simply places for the injection of knowledge. They are mirrors through which society reflects upon itself, and the birthplace of questions that lead to the future. In this place where diverse thoughts collide and create new possibilities, society has had the opportunity to pause and introspect. Additionally, this space has often been the only place where marginalized voices are permitted to speak. However, recently, the light of intellect in such spaces has been gradually dimming. Political pressure, financial constraints, and ideological repression are acting together to threaten the autonomy of universities and the freedom of expression. Some conservative groups label lectures, exhibitions, and academic events as 'biased,' applying pressure through repeated complaints and protests. They attempt to erase 'difference' under the guise of 'normalcy,' leading us down a path that ultimately undermines the diversity of society. This is not merely an act of silencing uncomfortable voices. It is an act that stifles the entire knowledge community, an attempt to extinguish the very light that allows us to discern the direction in which we are heading.

The Current State of Art

Cultural and artistic spaces are not just places where art is exhibited and consumed. They are living public places where the wounds and longings, memories and questions of this era breathe together. Art has often served as a language that reveals realities that cannot be easily articulated and quietly exposes the cracks in society. However, now, this flame is suffering from increasingly fierce winds. Organized protests and surveillance by conservative groups, along with censorship demanded in the name of 'public sentiment,' undermine the autonomy and experimentation of art. 'Publicness' is now defined and adjusted according to political interests, rather than the sensitivity of citizens or the imagination of the public. This trend ultimately silences artists, and the emotions of citizens are restricted to expressions within standardized frameworks. Imagination is suffocated, and emotion is only permitted in choreographed scenes. When the flame of art is extinguished, we lose a mirror that reflects the truth.

Political Hatred and Its Impact

What is happening before us right now is a political plan that goes beyond a mere expression of conservative views. Some conservative groups are mobilizing familiar and emotional language such as 'family', 'faith', and 'nation' in an attempt to institutionalize discrimination and hatred. They launch attacks against various social groups including LGBTQ individuals, women, migrants, youth, artists, and scholars, justifying these actions under the guise of 'normalization'. However, we must be clear. This is not conservatism. True conservatism starts from a respect for human dignity, valuing accumulated community wisdom, and embracing diverse ways of life. Using hatred and exclusion as political weapons is simply anti-intellectual regression. It is merely extremism disguised as conservatism and is far removed from the attitude of preparing for the community's future.

The flame we must protect

Now we must ask ourselves: Shall we remain silent, or shall we speak? Shall we keep the flame alive, or shall we watch it crumble? The coexistence we speak of is not achieved through declarations. It is a delicate possibility that can only be maintained through small practices in everyday life. The first step to confront hatred is not a grand slogan. It is the attitude of not turning away in the face of prejudice, the willingness to listen to someone else's voice, and the simple act of breaking silence with a word. A society where diverse voices coexist is not fragile rather, the strongest solidarity grows within it. A flame does not burn alone. It becomes an unquenchable light only when the breaths of many come together and when small acts of courage are added. When someone tries to extinguish that flame, we must say firmly: that hand is, in the end, the hand that pushes all our faces into darkness. Right now, the times are asking us: 'What kind of society do you dream of?' Will you follow the path of silence and censorship, hatred and exclusion? Or will you walk together on the path of coexistence, dignity, and solidarity? The 'conservatism' we must uphold is not an old formality. It is the dignity of humanity, the freedom to speak, and the wisdom of a community that can accept differences. And the true seeds of this conservatism do not lie in grand declarations but begin right now. They begin in your small but unquenchable voice.