In the Turkish TV series “Genius”, Ukrainian refugees were presented in the image of prostitutes

Since the beginning of the war in Ukraine, hundreds of thousands of Ukrainians, fleeing from hostilities, were forced to leave their homes and seek refuge in other countries, in particular in Turkey. For many women with children, Turkey became a temporary refuge where they hoped for support and a safe life. However, stereotypes and prejudices against Ukrainian refugees not only create moral pressure, but also become a real threat to their integration in the new environment.

This challenge becomes even more acute due to media influence, in particular through the portrayal of Ukrainian women in Turkish TV series, which creates a distorted image of the refugee in the audience. Recently, in the Turkish series “Genius” (Deha), Ukrainian women seeking salvation from the war were shown in a negative light – as those who engage in intimate services for money. This image caused outrage both among Ukrainians and among the international community, who see it as a gross violation of dignity and a distortion of reality.

Indignation of the Ukrainian community and reaction to the media image

Among those who spoke out against the negative stereotype was the Ukrainian writer Vera Tanysh, who also lives in Turkey and has the status of international protection. In a recent interview for the TV channel “Kyiv-24”, she drew attention to the fact that such an image of Ukrainian women insults their dignity and devalues ​​their real experience. As a mother of three children and a refugee, Tanysh is outraged by the fact that Ukrainian women are put in the same row as criminal elements and the mafia.

The writer emphasizes that the reality of the life of Ukrainian women in Turkey is far from the image that is spread in the series. Many of them are trying to find a job, provide for their children and go through the difficult circumstances associated with fleeing the war with dignity. Instead of support, series such as “Genius” create additional difficulties for refugee women, increasing the negative attitude towards them from the local population.

“Ukrainian women were put on the same plane as representatives of the mafia and other criminal elements”, – said the Ukrainian writer Vera Tanysh.

Stereotypes and their impact on the lives of refugees in Turkey

Negative stereotypes about Ukrainian refugees in Turkey have not only a moral, but also a practical impact. They often become objects of unfounded suspicions or face contempt, which makes it difficult for them to find a job, rent an apartment, and establish relationships in society. This image also increases oppression, making women feel uncomfortable and unsafe in a foreign country. Because of this, many Ukrainian women cannot find adequate support, and their opportunities for social adaptation become even more limited.

Tanysh appealed to the Embassy of Ukraine in Turkey, as well as to the regulator of Turkish television with a demand to stop the broadcast of the series or to correct the distorted image of Ukrainian women. She also calls on the producers of the series to publicly apologize for such content and ensure the protection of the rights and dignity of Ukrainian refugees who have found themselves in difficult conditions due to military operations.

The need to change the perception and protection of the rights of refugees

The situation surrounding the TV series “Genius” emphasizes the importance of a responsible attitude towards the media portrayal of refugee women. In today’s world, mass media have a huge influence on the formation of public opinion, and therefore the portrayal of Ukrainian women as victims of circumstances or people with low moral principles is extremely dangerous. This not only undermines the dignity of refugees, but also complicates their integration into society, where they try to find shelter and support.

In addition, it is important to remember that Ukrainian refugees who lost everything due to the war deserve respect and understanding. They face a number of social and economic difficulties, trying to adapt to new living conditions, get a job, teach their children a new language and culture. Therefore, such negative images in the media increase the pressure on them, weakening their position in the new country.

This case with the TV series “Genius” became an important signal for the Ukrainian and international community, which requires careful attention to the media portrayal of refugees. Vera Tanysh, addressing the responsible structures, emphasized the need to create objective and fair content that does not degrade the dignity of people affected by the war.

Ukrainian refugees, and especially women with children, need support, not contempt. This requires efforts not only from governments, but also from the media, which plays an important role in shaping attitudes towards those who find themselves in crisis conditions.