Lobster photos spark anger in TurkeyCEFR B1
24 Apr 2024
Adapted from Arzu Geybullayeva, Global Voices • CC BY 3.0
Photo by Majid Abparvar, Unsplash
Members of the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) shared pictures of lobster dishes, prompting criticism that they were out of touch during a worsening cost-of-living crisis. MP Şebnem Bursalı posted a lobster photo from a trip to Monaco and later apologised, calling it a mistake. Another AKP member, Salih Kahraman, also posted a lobster picture at a birthday.
The photos were taken at the Yacht Club de Monaco. The club's menu lists a lobster that appears expensive, and the venue is for members and guests. Online users made memes that replaced the party's light bulb logo with a lobster.
Critics say the problem is not private wealth but the public image shown while many struggle. Turkey's currency has lost value in recent years and the economic situation influenced local elections in which the AKP lost to the Republican People's Party.
Difficult words
- criticism — negative public reaction to someone's actions
- out of touch — not aware of or connected to reality
- cost-of-living crisis — period when everyday prices rise and incomes fall
- apologise — say sorry for a mistake or actionapologised
- memes — funny or viral images people share online
- public image — how the public sees a person or group
- currency — the system of money used in a country
- venue — place where events or activities happen
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- How can images of luxury items affect public trust in political leaders? Give two reasons.
- If you were an MP, would you avoid posting photos of expensive meals? Why or why not?
- Do you think memes are an effective form of political criticism? Explain with an example.
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