Dual Citizenship and Genocide Issues- What do you think?
This log is going to be a bit scattered. I haven't logged in a while so here we go. First off, tonight Armenian pianist Armen Babakhanian is giving a concert here in Boston at Boston University at 8pm. Depending on my workload for school, I may go. Babakhanian caught my eye in 1994 on PBS when they aired the Van Cliburn Piano competition. He is a very expressive pianist who has an intersity typical of an Armenian artist. He came in 5th over many objections at the Cliburn but has had a modest recording and performing career. He still lives in Armenia and I am hoping to approach him to record for my music label in the future. A friend of mine here in Boston manages his North American gigs so we'll see what we can do.
I am a bit detached from the April 24th activities this year. Come to think of it, it has been awhile since I've actively participated. I think that my personal focus has shifted from Genocide recognition to activities directly in Armenia. The way I look at, until you live in Armenia, a person has a certain time/capacity for Armenian activities. A sort of energy bank that we expend toward Armenian stuff. These days my focus and time comittments have shifted due to the fact that there are many capable people leading and spearheading Genocide recognition. The fight to keep our history is neverending as long as the Turks and their allies actively are on the Denial campaign. The best we can do is to stay informed, be aggressive with media activity, and stay focused on the Genocide recognition campaign.
Since April 24th is nearing, I though I would share an issue with everyone that has stumped me for some time. I believe that this log is a great forum to whomever chooses to take advantage of it. It is a great virtual bridge between Diasporans and Hayastansi's and any other combination you can think of. One of the issues that has really stumped me is the lack of perceived "passion" or "care" Armenian citizens have over the Genocide issue. I've heard these comment many times over from friends that have returned from Armenia over the last five years. This is a sticky issue because it may cover many Diasporan/Hayastansi issues. But, to be focused, it is my general impression that Genocide recognition is much more important to Diasporan Armenians than it is for Hayastansi's. I think many people get bent out of shape about this needlessly. It used to bother me intensely, but now I think I understand (but don't agree) with the apathy. Before I explain myself, I'd like your opinion on how much of your "Armenian Time" you spend toward Genocide related issues and how much time you spend on "Armenia Direct" activities. Do you think that Armenians in Armenia should be more aggressive with Genocide recognition issues. How much of the perceived apathy is the fault of the government? How much of it is Armenians just focusing on day to day struggles (finding a job, food, basic survival). In short, how important should this issue be to Armenians in Armenia?
Another issue I'd like to open up to everyone is the issue of dual citizenship. Why hasn't it happened yet? Some say that it is a perfect opportunity to strenghen the country by making Diasporans feel more "officially" welcome. Plus, it may open up the pool of applicants for governmental positions to more qualified applicants that can blend in and connect better with the international media. Is the fear of granting the dual citizenship rooted in opening up the country to the world so that Diasporans can "buy" the country in terms of land, etc... I'd like your opinion. Again, I am reserving my opinion until we get some feedback on it.
This log is going to be a bit scattered. I haven't logged in a while so here we go. First off, tonight Armenian pianist Armen Babakhanian is giving a concert here in Boston at Boston University at 8pm. Depending on my workload for school, I may go. Babakhanian caught my eye in 1994 on PBS when they aired the Van Cliburn Piano competition. He is a very expressive pianist who has an intersity typical of an Armenian artist. He came in 5th over many objections at the Cliburn but has had a modest recording and performing career. He still lives in Armenia and I am hoping to approach him to record for my music label in the future. A friend of mine here in Boston manages his North American gigs so we'll see what we can do.
I am a bit detached from the April 24th activities this year. Come to think of it, it has been awhile since I've actively participated. I think that my personal focus has shifted from Genocide recognition to activities directly in Armenia. The way I look at, until you live in Armenia, a person has a certain time/capacity for Armenian activities. A sort of energy bank that we expend toward Armenian stuff. These days my focus and time comittments have shifted due to the fact that there are many capable people leading and spearheading Genocide recognition. The fight to keep our history is neverending as long as the Turks and their allies actively are on the Denial campaign. The best we can do is to stay informed, be aggressive with media activity, and stay focused on the Genocide recognition campaign.
Since April 24th is nearing, I though I would share an issue with everyone that has stumped me for some time. I believe that this log is a great forum to whomever chooses to take advantage of it. It is a great virtual bridge between Diasporans and Hayastansi's and any other combination you can think of. One of the issues that has really stumped me is the lack of perceived "passion" or "care" Armenian citizens have over the Genocide issue. I've heard these comment many times over from friends that have returned from Armenia over the last five years. This is a sticky issue because it may cover many Diasporan/Hayastansi issues. But, to be focused, it is my general impression that Genocide recognition is much more important to Diasporan Armenians than it is for Hayastansi's. I think many people get bent out of shape about this needlessly. It used to bother me intensely, but now I think I understand (but don't agree) with the apathy. Before I explain myself, I'd like your opinion on how much of your "Armenian Time" you spend toward Genocide related issues and how much time you spend on "Armenia Direct" activities. Do you think that Armenians in Armenia should be more aggressive with Genocide recognition issues. How much of the perceived apathy is the fault of the government? How much of it is Armenians just focusing on day to day struggles (finding a job, food, basic survival). In short, how important should this issue be to Armenians in Armenia?
Another issue I'd like to open up to everyone is the issue of dual citizenship. Why hasn't it happened yet? Some say that it is a perfect opportunity to strenghen the country by making Diasporans feel more "officially" welcome. Plus, it may open up the pool of applicants for governmental positions to more qualified applicants that can blend in and connect better with the international media. Is the fear of granting the dual citizenship rooted in opening up the country to the world so that Diasporans can "buy" the country in terms of land, etc... I'd like your opinion. Again, I am reserving my opinion until we get some feedback on it.
posted by Raffi at 12:16 AM
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