Malediction to cartoon: Is it a new malediction?

Abstract

Malediction is a kind of oral cultural form that is used as a psychological tool against irresistible powers such as faith, enemy or catastrophic events. It is traditionally transferred from one person to other orally. Yet, it is transformed in modern cities like the folk song which is another oral cultural form. Hence, the malediction can also be reproduced in a medium of TV, internet etc. Using the malediction in electronic ways brings about some striking implications. One of the most important implications is that the malediction in medium of internet is not an oral but a written expression. Ebubekir Haciarifoǧlu, a poet, released a very provocative poem in medium of internet in order to criticize Danish cartoonists who offended Mushm people by depicting some cartoons on 2 February 2006. It is very interesting that although this poem is a part of written culture, it has all features of any malediction is a part of oral culture.