Raising the Bar
***A few words on the genocide resolution situation in DC. It seems the Turks have pumped up their muscles to fight the genocide resolution in and are bringing in heavy weights to fight their battle. I can't give details on this just yet, but when I have more information, I will share. There will be an advocacy day in Washington, DC focused on the Armenian Genocide and Darfur Genocide legislation, inviting people to direct their vocal intolerance for genocide denial and complacency to US Congress. This advocacy day will take place in March, I will share more info when I have it.***
On to raising the bar. I just had a discussion with a girl in my office who was born and raised in Armenia, briefly lived in Russia and returned. She has a very different life experience than I do which speaks true of the Armenian Diaspora in comparison to the current Republic natives. This is a difference she is trying to grasp in order to understand the nature of the Diaspora. I am trying the same. She asked me a question: do I wish I was born and raised in Armenia. My answer was no. I made the conscious decision to move to Armenia at a very strategic time in my life, but my experiences as a Diasporan were integral to my appreciation for the Armenian world, education, and consciousness. I am convinced that if she lived in my shoes, she would be the same as me and I her. If I was born and raised here, I don't think I could or would do what I do now, and the same probably goes for most of the thriving Diaspora. The simple truth is that so many talents were deprived of opportunity due to circumstance, a misfortune I'm glad I didn't have.
So what does this mean for our differences? Nothing at all. It just means our experiences will take us elsewhere. I'm a big believer that it's okay for locals to travel abroad and see the world, learn from it, and learn what it is to be Armenian in a strange place. That struggle in itself is valuable in itself to learn the appreciation for your identity. And frankly, the world is a beautiful thing that should be embraced, not feared.
I also had a great conversation with someone with far more experience in life, around the world, and Armenia than I. We revelled in the fact that Armenians around the world are fascinating people with so many varying success stories and talents. The beautiful part of it all is that the Armenian identity has stayed with so many of them and ties them to a little place called Armenia for reasons no one can explain. The fact that we have this independent country offers a place to channel extra energy. Armenia is a breeding ground for knowledge, talent and expertise and the reason is that locals and Diasporans alike are combining their experiences to create a unique quality. There are times where advancements in Armenia shock Diasporans. For example, someone once suggested that Armenia should draw in the film industry to come film in Armenia. With all this open beautiful land, its such an opportunity not tapped. Another said that if musicians make immaculate recordings in Armenia, it can draw international musicians to come to Armenia to do the same and expose both Armenia and the international world to each other.
I'll give an example. Our dear friend Raffi Meneshian on the Diaspora side made contact with top notch Italian classical guitarists, brought them into his originally Armenian music label, brought me into the production end, and we are now making a quality product musically and professionally. Hopefully, we can bring these guys to Armenia to perform, they will see what Armenia has to offer and Armenia will see what the world has to offer.
So many people around Armenia are marvelled at the incredible fast pace which Armenia's economy is advancing and it's these small stories which are adding up. It's by raising the bar on all levels that this trend will continue, and if it does at this rate, there's no telling where Armenia will continue to grow in the region, even in the world. We are already getting there as it is. I mean, there is an Apple Retailer in Armenia just months after I thought about how much I wish there would be an Apple Retailer here. Granted it's extremely expensive, but none the less, it's here. Even in my work with various clients around the world, they are learning what it is to work with professionals in a place like Armenia... often much more beneficial than their next door neighbors. This isn't a pro-globalization speech preeching that Americans outsource their jobs to under-developed countries at all. Rather, it's an observation that we have enough to offer in order to compete in any industry we chose to bring to the table. Diasporans and locals can both play a role to make Armenia an incredible place for... life.
Finally, I just wanted to share a new photo from my trip to Italy. Loved it.
On to raising the bar. I just had a discussion with a girl in my office who was born and raised in Armenia, briefly lived in Russia and returned. She has a very different life experience than I do which speaks true of the Armenian Diaspora in comparison to the current Republic natives. This is a difference she is trying to grasp in order to understand the nature of the Diaspora. I am trying the same. She asked me a question: do I wish I was born and raised in Armenia. My answer was no. I made the conscious decision to move to Armenia at a very strategic time in my life, but my experiences as a Diasporan were integral to my appreciation for the Armenian world, education, and consciousness. I am convinced that if she lived in my shoes, she would be the same as me and I her. If I was born and raised here, I don't think I could or would do what I do now, and the same probably goes for most of the thriving Diaspora. The simple truth is that so many talents were deprived of opportunity due to circumstance, a misfortune I'm glad I didn't have.
So what does this mean for our differences? Nothing at all. It just means our experiences will take us elsewhere. I'm a big believer that it's okay for locals to travel abroad and see the world, learn from it, and learn what it is to be Armenian in a strange place. That struggle in itself is valuable in itself to learn the appreciation for your identity. And frankly, the world is a beautiful thing that should be embraced, not feared.
I also had a great conversation with someone with far more experience in life, around the world, and Armenia than I. We revelled in the fact that Armenians around the world are fascinating people with so many varying success stories and talents. The beautiful part of it all is that the Armenian identity has stayed with so many of them and ties them to a little place called Armenia for reasons no one can explain. The fact that we have this independent country offers a place to channel extra energy. Armenia is a breeding ground for knowledge, talent and expertise and the reason is that locals and Diasporans alike are combining their experiences to create a unique quality. There are times where advancements in Armenia shock Diasporans. For example, someone once suggested that Armenia should draw in the film industry to come film in Armenia. With all this open beautiful land, its such an opportunity not tapped. Another said that if musicians make immaculate recordings in Armenia, it can draw international musicians to come to Armenia to do the same and expose both Armenia and the international world to each other.
I'll give an example. Our dear friend Raffi Meneshian on the Diaspora side made contact with top notch Italian classical guitarists, brought them into his originally Armenian music label, brought me into the production end, and we are now making a quality product musically and professionally. Hopefully, we can bring these guys to Armenia to perform, they will see what Armenia has to offer and Armenia will see what the world has to offer.
So many people around Armenia are marvelled at the incredible fast pace which Armenia's economy is advancing and it's these small stories which are adding up. It's by raising the bar on all levels that this trend will continue, and if it does at this rate, there's no telling where Armenia will continue to grow in the region, even in the world. We are already getting there as it is. I mean, there is an Apple Retailer in Armenia just months after I thought about how much I wish there would be an Apple Retailer here. Granted it's extremely expensive, but none the less, it's here. Even in my work with various clients around the world, they are learning what it is to work with professionals in a place like Armenia... often much more beneficial than their next door neighbors. This isn't a pro-globalization speech preeching that Americans outsource their jobs to under-developed countries at all. Rather, it's an observation that we have enough to offer in order to compete in any industry we chose to bring to the table. Diasporans and locals can both play a role to make Armenia an incredible place for... life.
Finally, I just wanted to share a new photo from my trip to Italy. Loved it.
posted by Arsineh at 3:28 PM
8 Comments:
Regarding Hayastantsi-Diaspora issues, I think too many Diasporans are cut off from the real Armenia, and have an abstract notion of Hyrenik in their own mind. This has been formed partly by themselves, partly by banquet hall functions and barahantes', partly by the church, etc.. It's the proverbial limited ethnic community existence.
I find this to be true of all these ethnic communities that live in Anglo countries/cultures (U.S.A, Canada, Australia, U.K..) You put a picture of Italy in your post... Italians, I find, are very similar in their Diaspora in regards to their notion of Italy.
Diasporan Armenian reality is warped because many live in a vacuum, a bubble. To them, Armenia means going to an agoump in North American suburbia, going to Sunday church and a picnic, or going to some rally and shaking their fists at how we will push the genocide issue. If they haven't travelled to Hayastan, to them, this is Armenia, along with some poverty stories they've heard from the odd traveler or immigrant Hayastantsi.
Here's an epitome example to illustrate my point. I was watching 2 tv programs simultaneously on the internet. One was from horizonarmeniantv.com, and the other was from armenianinternational.com.
On Horizon, it was showing an ARF banquent dinner with a bunch of old people formally dressed, and some boring younger guy in a suit giving a pep talk while all the the proper people (including those that aged before their time) ate dinner.
On Armenian International, it showed a progam from Hayastan called "Review" the program showed really interesting aspects of cultural and entertainment life taking place in Yerevan. It showed cultural happenings in Yerevan, the bar scene, a travel segment, a quirky professor on Armenian culture, a graphic design gala. And all presented by trendy, modern young people.
And I thought to myself, how many Diasporan Armenians call themselves Armenian, spew nationalist rhetoric and wave flags, even speak Hyeren, but couldn't tell you the FIRST THING about what's REALLY going on in Armenia, other that the fact that people are cold in the winter and that there is lots of poverty?
And just to disclaim, I am a diasporan Armenian myself, not a Hayastantsi. And I unconditionally accept Armenia for what it is. Not for what I have fabricated it to be in my abstract thoughts.
My answer to your question is simple. I think people in Armenia are also cut off from the Diaspora. Without those barahandeses, banquets and agoumps, the Diaspora would not have means to stay together and channel their energy into productivity for Armenia and advancing Armenian causes. It's a very strong network that we all benefit from directly and indirectly. There are so many people returning to Armenia because they still speak the language or maintain some cultural aspects in foreign countries, because there are so many organizations and programs helping them get there. Without the barahandeses, the money wouldn't be there to send them, to support the organizations that draw in volunteers who work for one cause or another. Just because they don't know the daily life in Armenia and hold an Armenian passport, doesn't make them irrelevant. I consider those people just as much part of the Armenian nation as those living here.
I now live in Armenia, was a product of that Diasporan community, and I can tell you I still value everything they do. Just because things take place in Armenia, it doesn't make it suddenly more important, more Armenian. It brings me comfort that Armenians around the world... ALL organizations... still do whatever they can to stay strong wherever they are, even if there are cultural differences.
You should also know that just because TV programming is not our expertise, it doesn't mean these things aren't happening. Just because you don't see it on Horizon, it doesn't mean these same people aren't doing valuable work in Armenia too. I've seen enough of that side as well to know this isn't a fair representation of the flag wavers. I know those banquet organizers, speakers and attendees and those people are putting their own personal efforts into investing, building, supporting Armenia all the time, often making multiple trips to Armenia as well.
Have I said enough? Can we please stop judging each other so much?
This post has been removed by the author.
Arsineh, I think you may be missing my point.
My point is NOT that the Armenian diaspora is irrelevant, it is that barahanteses, banquets and agoumps (of any ethnic community) are, in my opinion, a waste of time.
I don't believe that they preserve identity in any authenticity. I don't believe that they advance national causes, and I don't believe they substitute the homeland in any sense of the imagination.
All of the above is the PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY of the individual. That's it. If there is a personal will, the individual will learn Armenian, will know about Armenia, and will advance national causes. On the other hand, s/he can go to a million barahantes' and learn only to gossip and say parev.
And in the end (using Australian as our default, token, Anglo society) his/her mentality will be no different than an Italian-Australian, a Hungarian Australian, or a Polish Australian. He/she will simply be an "ethnic-australian", who happens to speak Armenian...or Italian, or Spanish, etc..
Those barahantes' are simply amod. I don't know any Fins, Swedes, Swiss, or Japanese that have a "thriving banquet hall dance" culture outside their country, and their national agendas seem to be doing pretty darn good.
"So many people around Armenia are marvelled at the incredible fast pace which Armenia's economy is advancing.." - Arsineh, you are right and I am not judging you... i just think that if not all then pretty much most of the advancement is in Yerevan... i wish i were wrong, am i?
Armenia-Diaspora relations - there are a myriad of issues to comment on, of course, but... some locals say "all the good jobs are taken by the diasporeans"... and i wonder how competent the local armenians are to handle those jobs in a professional and ethical (and not the communist) manner...
Raffi - thanks for removing Artashes' blog... no disrespect, but reading it would really frustrate me...
Kevork - once again I just don't understand this kind of obvious distaste for something that causes no harm. SO WHAT IF PEOPLE LIKE BARAHANTES'??? For god's sake, why would you go off on that subject if people are enjoying it? Even if it didn't help keep alive the sense of community, language, and frankly, gene pool, it would still be making these people happy and comfortable, so why, why, why would you rain on their parade?
And separately, why would you even imply that only the culture in Armenia is authentic Armenian? It is heavily influenced but Russia and communism, just as Armenian culture in other countries is heavily influenced by their surroundings. This is all natural and normal... let's worry about the real problems.
Kevork, I see what you mean and agree on some level. When I lived in the US, I felt like barahandeses were the biggest waste of time and dreaded them. But I was also neck deep in the Armenian community after a while. For others who have very little means to maintain contact with other Armenians (moreso outside of California), sometimes this can mean a whole lot to those people. In LA, barahandeses are often disgusting displays of behavior. In Wisconsin where people drive 2 hours to go to the community center to see other Armenians to practice their Armenian, it makes a difference. It's often enough to inspire that person to go to Armenia and learn more. This happens a lot more than publicized.
I think a lot of the difference in opinion roots in the different community types. I grew up in Virginia and anticipated every event I attended so I could be around other Armenians. I know the barahandeses don't save lifes, but they serve the purpose of a network to keep Armenians connected, and since they don't hurt anyone, I can't see how they are bad. Perhaps people think they are doing more than they are, but better to entice people to learn more rather than insult them for not knowing what a villager's average salary on the other side of a planet might be at the moment.
But of course I'm not so blind to think the Diaspora is pure and faultless. I often have my gripes with them too, even on the same subjects you all expressed. I even get into regular arguments with some of them living here who constantly judge the locals as lesser beings. That's not right. But that's not all of the Diaspora. I just find that both sides judge each other SO much that perhaps instead of pointing out faults, we could look at ourselves first and see what we can do better. I know I'm not perfect. I lived in the US, moved to Armenia, and I can never do right by everyone or come close to accomplishing all the things I'd like to do to make Armenia better. But I can try by starting with something.
Hayk, you are absolutely right... well, mostly. It seems Kharabagh is seeing a lot of quick change (mostly construction), and Gyumri saw some reconstruction, but not on the same scale as Yerevan. I agree 100%, there should be more outside. But I'm an optimist. I think demand will force development outside of Armenia... eventually(I'm a realist too).
All the good jobs are taken by Diasporans? All the Diasporan friends I have in Yerevan started companies and created jobs for locals. I'm one of them. Yes, some take jobs from locals, but they also bring their expertise, draw international clients, create demand and work which creates jobs for others. A balance must be maintained so that everyone benefits. We aren't there yet, but the things I see, we can get there.
Thanks all for posting respectful criticism. This is important to have open dialogue. I'm stubborn, but my mind can change on things if presented cordially and intelligently.
Kevork, I see what you mean and agree on some level. When I lived in the US, I felt like barahandeses were the biggest waste of time and dreaded them. But I was also neck deep in the Armenian community after a while. For others who have very little means to maintain contact with other Armenians (moreso outside of California), sometimes this can mean a whole lot to those people. In LA, barahandeses are often disgusting displays of behavior. In Wisconsin where people drive 2 hours to go to the community center to see other Armenians to practice their Armenian, it makes a difference. It's often enough to inspire that person to go to Armenia and learn more. This happens a lot more than publicized.
I think a lot of the difference in opinion roots in the different community types. I grew up in Virginia and anticipated every event I attended so I could be around other Armenians. I know the barahandeses don't save lifes, but they serve the purpose of a network to keep Armenians connected, and since they don't hurt anyone, I can't see how they are bad. Perhaps people think they are doing more than they are, but better to entice people to learn more rather than insult them for not knowing what a villager's average salary on the other side of a planet might be at the moment.
But of course I'm not so blind to think the Diaspora is pure and faultless. I often have my gripes with them too, even on the same subjects you all expressed. I even get into regular arguments with some of them living here who constantly judge the locals as lesser beings. That's not right. But that's not all of the Diaspora. I just find that both sides judge each other SO much that perhaps instead of pointing out faults, we could look at ourselves first and see what we can do better. I know I'm not perfect. I lived in the US, moved to Armenia, and I can never do right by everyone or come close to accomplishing all the things I'd like to do to make Armenia better. But I can try by starting with something.
Hayk, you are absolutely right... well, mostly. It seems Kharabagh is seeing a lot of quick change (mostly construction), and Gyumri saw some reconstruction, but not on the same scale as Yerevan. I agree 100%, there should be more outside. But I'm an optimist. I think demand will force development outside of Armenia... eventually(I'm a realist too).
All the good jobs are taken by Diasporans? All the Diasporan friends I have in Yerevan started companies and created jobs for locals. I'm one of them. Yes, some take jobs from locals, but they also bring their expertise, draw international clients, create demand and work which creates jobs for others. A balance must be maintained so that everyone benefits. We aren't there yet, but the things I see, we can get there.
Thanks all for posting respectful criticism. This is important to have open dialogue. I'm stubborn, but my mind can change on things if presented cordially and intelligently.
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