It's crystal clear, I believe, that it was not a "joke" in our sense, and that the friend who "perpetrated" it, isn't anonymous in the sense that word might seem to imply. It was a "joke" simply because it was for fun-- a lark-- not because it was making fun of, or making a "joke," of, or satirizing, himself or anyone else. (Which is what it would have been had it been an American-style parody or spoof.) (This is what was suspected on these threads; not that Ukoad was incapable of a lark, or of merriment; but that it was somehow a parody, or satire.) It was lighthearted, yes; it was for merriment, it was done for fun, it was done for a chance at some sex; and it is, while thrilling for Mahir and his friend, nonetheless somewhat embarrassing, naturally (so it is natural to laugh about it)-- but creating that web page was a lot of work, and was, in fact, done sincerely, as you see if you read between the lines (though you don't have to look into any crevices; it's obvious enough), and note these statements from the interview. The bracketed comments are mine.
FROM SALON:
"His famous Web page, according to a Turkish newspaper... was actually designed as a joke by an anonymous friend. [This is the remark that causes you to think "it WAS a joke."--E]... a surprised Mahir was suddenly flooded with e-mails and phone calls about two weeks ago. The newspaper reports say that Mahir has been feeling overwhelmed with the calls, and is a bit embarrassed that everyone thinks he is obsessed with sex ...
I called Mahir at his home on Friday night, and spoke with him and his friend [not "anonymous" in the sense of "unknown," even to Mahir; it was a collaboration, obviously--E]-- a rather difficult conversation, as they didn't speak much English, and I didn't speak any Turkish. But Mahir did explain that he has received "many many telephone, many many e-mail. I lost count." He said that he is hoping to come to America next month, adding that CNN and several other TV shows have invited him to visit. And he has "invitated" even more new friends to stop by his place in Turkey [the web page was not a satirical conceit; it was an ad, and applications are being accepted--E] -- although he didn't explain how he'll be able to fit them all.
As Mahir's (nameless) friend, who grabbed the phone to talk to me, enthusiastically explained, "We made this page for fun to people to make love, and secondly we wanted all the people must be happy, live in peace. Our real target is
that!" [This is the "anonymous" friend; he and Mahir are the "we" referred to; Mahir of course posed or selected the photographs, and presumably arranged his somber family's straight, non-goofing-off, participation. WE see those guys in black as a joke; Mahir and they don't.--E] The Web site, this friend says, will also be redesigned in a few days.... "
This personal web page of Mahir's is described as a "joke" the way "personals" often are. A "lark" is meant. Even when they're written to the best of their ability to attract their object.
Mahir and his friend meant every word of it. None of it was said to be funny. It was said because he wanted it said, every word of it, and meant them. It was no parody.
Here is the statement, again, that answers the Unmysterious Mystery Of Mahir:
"As Mahir's (nameless) friend, who grabbed the phone to talk to me, enthusiastically explained, "We made this page for fun to people to make love, and secondly we wanted all the people must be happy, live in peace. Our real target is
that!" |
