The Quiet Patriot

In America, there are regions where few people are fanatic American patriot, and then there are other regions where it’s risky to criticize a single aspect about America. You can easily learn the lines, they are often drawn geographically. I technically lived South of the Mason Dixon line, and therefore felt confined in expressing my critical views of the Bush Administration, even though I do love America for many reasons.

Armenia is a similar story, but still unique. The generalization many have is that the diaspora has maintained patriotism for Armenia, and those who have grown up in Armenia have been portrayed as the “self-haters.” I might refer you to one of the comments left on Raffi Meneshian’s log on the Diaspora page where someone claims they would not return to Armenia because they simply don’t want to be shaken down for bribes.

The common view in Armenia seems to be that people here want to leave, and people abroad want to be here, though locals do not understand why. While in Armenia, it’s hard to maintain pride in your culture because so much of what you see.

But Armenia is filled with quiet patriots who may surprise the masses. Since I have been back, I have been expressing whatever is on my mind as I wish, despite the audience. I have encountered the stereotypical local who could care less about who Sayat Nova or Khatchadourian is, they just want to make money and will do it even if some laws have to be broken. I have also met the locals who have never left their principles. The full spectrum exists in Armenia.

I recall a conversation I had with two very refined and educated gentlemen (locals) who have a different kind of love for Armenia. We discussed everything on the map, but when I began my over-patriotic rant of how people take forgranted the absolute beauty that exists in Armenia and how we should embrass our culture, I almost got a standing ovation from these two. Another time, I did a similar thing (geez, I can’t shut my mouth now) and another similar gentleman reacted the same way. I recall others in my past who have done the same. And most of all, when I tell people I have moved here to stay, the initial shock is followed by a grin of excitement.

Many people here love this country, but don’t dare announce it. Sadly, the vocal pessimists are the ones who get heard across the globe, and people listen because there’s nothing else to hear. There is a positive future for Armenia that exists in the optimists who have been left to redirect the path of Armenia. Corruption, hate, and misery still (and always will) exist, but who will lead this country? I’ve made it a personal mission to raise the voices of those quiet patriots to take back the heart of their country.