Constitution Making: “What Not To Wear!”

There has been a long tradition of associating Turkish Constitutions with dress sizes: The 1961 Constitutions was “two sizes too large” –read: too liberal in terms of individual rights and liberties.

Or take the most recent, 1982 Constitution. It’s considered to be way too small and bursting out from the seams. According to some, the 1982 Constitution is more like a straitjacket that holds back any democratic initiative in the country.

Spring is here and so is another season for the debates over constitutional reform. With the fabulously funny BBC show “What Not to Wear!” in mind, this author is going to make some suggestions about a reformed or altogether new Constitution of Turkey. Here we go:

1. Look for a classic, timeless piece: Very often we get carried away by the spurs of the moment. However, most of these impulsive decisions turn out to be unsuitable, inappropriate, or down right hideous. Think about the ‘80s… Yep, those terribly puffed up hair does, perms, and the OMG-what-were-we-thinking shoulder pads! With hindsight, most of us who has photos from this wacko era that are tucked deep in our closets would agree that we would’ve been better off with more classic and timeless outfit choices. Now, the same principle could easily be transplanted to the world of constitution making. Instead of a fashionable, contemporary text that would please the crowds now but would stick out like a sore thumb in a decade or two, why not try to come up with a classic and subtle look that covers the basics and can be adapted according to the future needs? Indeed, I am trying to make the case for that little black dress. It is never out of fashion and would save your rear end both in weddings and in funerals. Just find the right accessories for the particular occasion and you are good to go!

2. Less is More: Please, please avoid the unnecessary, dangling pieces at all costs. Try to come up with a neat and clean look. Layers and layers of clothing with lots of jewelry and a heavy make up would most likely make you look like a clown, no matter how expensive the price tag on each item is. Also, piling up all that expensive stuff upon your body would be the definite sign of tackiness rather than sophistication. Same principle applies to the constitutions. Try to avoid the temptation to include everything about everything. Keep it to a basic minimum. More articles would mean more detail and if you go down that slippery slope and keep adding, you’d inevitably compromise the quality of the text. Keep it to a minimum.

3. Get a Second Opinion, A Third or even Forth, if You Can: This is why wise shoppers go shopping in the company of honest, reliable friends. No matter how much faith you have in your own taste in style, it is always good to have a second pair of eyes to comment. This is where the tough love approach of the What Not To Wear folks comes in handy. When you hear their outrageous statements, such as “Oh darling, you really need something to cover that enormous bum of yours!” Or “Sweetie, you have a fabulous cleavage, why don’t you show it?” it is all for the better. In the end, having a second and more critical opinion would definitely improve your choices. And the same goes for the constitutions. You might like the text you have. You might be terribly proud of it. But do not hesitate to expose it to a critical review if you really want to improve its quality and appeal.

This is my humble advice to all those who are busy with sketching a new constitution in this spring season.

Goodbye and good luck,
The Reform-Weary Academic Mommy