OFLU OLMAK: KİMLİK VE KİMLİĞİN MEDYADA TEMSİLİ
TO BE FROM OF: THE IDENTITY AND ITS REPRESENTATION IN THE MEDIA

Summary/Abstract: Identity is a concept extensively debated by social scientists, politicians, and scholars across fields such as cultural studies, religion, and law. Its definition is fluid, and its relational boundaries continue to evolve rapidly. Since the 1980s, studies on identity within disciplines like sociology, communication, social psychology, philosophy, and political science have not only introduced new perspectives but also made identity a central theme in complex, multidimensional discussions. This study aims to explore how residents of Of, a district in Trabzon, construct and express their identity, differentiate themselves from other identities, and are perceived by non-Of Trabzonians. It also examines how media representations of the Trabzon/Of identity are evaluated by the participants. A qualitative research approach was employed, using in-depth interviews as the primary method. Interviews were conducted with twenty participants—eleven from Of and nine from Trabzon. The research findings were analyzed using MAXQDA 2020. The study reveals that individuals from Of believe their identity confers a unique sense of privilege and advantage. This perception of privilege, instilled in Of men from childhood and reinforced by environmental influences, plays a significant role in shaping their self-awareness. From a social identity perspective, the Of identity aligns with Social Identity Theory, where in individuals affirm their in-group affiliation and foster positive self-consciousness within their social group. Participants also expressed that media representations of the Trabzon/Of identity are exaggerated and often unrealistic.

• Details
• Contents