Commemorating the Events of May 4, 1970 at Kent State University, USA: An Analysis of the Reconciliation Process

Year 2024, Volume: 21 Issue: 2, 742 - 750, 31.08.2024

Serdar Kenan Gül

https://doi.org/10.33437/ksusbd.1470030

Abstract

On May 4, 1970, American history saw a violent outburst between the US government and anti-Vietnam War demonstrators. On this day, protesters who were unarmed and gathered on the Kent State University campus were opened fire upon by Ohio State National Guardsmen. Four students were dead and nine injured in the span of thirteen seconds. Emotions swept across the USA following the shootings. Discussions concerning the shootings' purpose, significance, and memory are still ongoing. Many memorials have been built in the decades after the May 4th shootings as a way to remember the atrocity. This study aims to provide an overview of the May 4th events at Kent State University and the memorializing process that has occurred on campus. This study describes and analyzes some of the commemorations such as the candlelight walk and vigil, memorials, and their function in the transitioning process. The main discussion of this article revolves around the effectiveness of the assistance given to the victims in their healing journey, the adequacy of the support, and the exploration of other options. Additionally, it explores alternative strategies for healing. Finally, this article offers the establishment of a historical truth commission for promoting the healing process.

Keywords

Kent State Shootings, May 4 massacre, Commemoration, Reconciliation

ABD Kent Devlet Ünı̇versı̇tesı̇'nde 4 Mayıs 1970 Olaylarının Anılması: Uzlaşma Süreci̇ Üzerine Bir İnceleme

Abstract

4 Mayıs 1970 tarihinde Amerikan tarihi, ABD hükümeti ve Vietnam Savaşı karşıtı göstericiler arasında şiddetli bir çatışmaya tanıklık etti. O gün, Kent Devlet Üniversitesi kampüsünde silahsız olarak toplanan protestoculara Ohio Eyaleti Ulusal Muhafızları tarafından ateş açıldı. On üç saniye içinde dört öğrenci öldü ve dokuz kişi yaralandı. ABD’de bu olayların ardından duygusal bir dalga yaşandı. Çatışmaların amacı, önemi ve anısına ilişkin tartışmalar halen devam etmektedir. 4 Mayıs olaylarından sonraki on yıllarda birçok anıt, katliamı anmak amacıyla inşa edildi. Bu makale, Kent Devlet Üniversitesi'ndeki 4 Mayıs olaylarına ve kampüste yaşanan anma süreçlerine genel bir bakış sunmayı amaçlamaktadır. Bu çalışma, mum ışığı yürüyüşü ve nöbeti, anma törenleri gibi bazı etkinliklerin geçiş sürecindeki işlevlerini incelemekte ve analiz etmektedir. Bu makalenin temel tartışması, mağdurlara iyileşme sürecinde verilen yardımın etkinliği, desteğin yeterliliği ve diğer seçeneklerin araştırılması etrafında dönmektedir. Ayrıca iyileşme sürecinde alternatif stratejiler ele alınmaktadır. Son olarak bu makale, iyileşme sürecinin desteklenmesi için bir tarihsel gerçeklik komisyonunun kurulmasını önermektedir.

Keywords

Kent State Çatışmaları, 4 Mayıs Katliamı, Anma Töreni, Uzlaşma

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