Armenian Identity

[gggpearl]

Some time ago we had gathered Armenians and foreigners from different parts of the world and tried to find out what is Armenian identity for them. The results were somehow frightening but at the same time amazing. There were diffierent opinions about all this. Someone even said that there is no Armenian identity. Most of them tried to show how miserable is the ideology on which that identity is being built. :rolleyes:
It was also clear that for most Western Armenians that identity is more distorted and unclear than for those living in Armenia (though for most of Eastern Armenians this was just because they did not even ask themselves what it is for them being an Armenian).
There was also the usual way of showing up things that are "typically Armenian" or have Armenian origin which obviously does not work that much.
What is Armenian identity for you?
:confused:

[Hayq]

There is no static Armenian, really. Imagine Armenians like different tribes that speak the same language in a different dialect (hundreds of dialects). Armenians are USUALLY Green eyed, brunette, and white or olive colored skin. Armenians have a very mediteranean, hot blooded.

I dont even know what you are trying to say by Armenian Identity.

[!EEK]

Lol, just look to the baby pic thread how different we all look. We have brunettes, dark haired, blond, red head, hazel, etc..

[gevo]

Some time ago we had gathered Armenians and foreigners from different parts of the world and tried to find out what is Armenian identity for them. The results were somehow frightening but at the same time amazing. There were diffierent opinions about all this. Someone even said that there is no Armenian identity. Most of them tried to show how miserable is the ideology on which that identity is being built. :rolleyes:
It was also clear that for most Western Armenians that identity is more distorted and unclear than for those living in Armenia (though for most of Eastern Armenians this was just because they did not even ask themselves what it is for them being an Armenian).
There was also the usual way of showing up things that are "typically Armenian" or have Armenian origin which obviously does not work that much.
What is Armenian identity for you?
:confused:
and who are you>? and what kinda test is this>>?

[gggpearl]

and who are you>? and what kinda test is this>>?
what do you mean by saying who i am? just an armenian. and it is not a test, it is just a question.

[xBaron Dants]

I think gevo's question was (and I want to know the answer to it too): who is the "we" that gathered all these people to find out about the armenian identity, and for what reason did you do it?

And I'll give a shot at the question once you answer mine. :laugh:

[pezeveng]

In Toronto most people than know Armenians usually say we are the most hospitable people they have met. Were also very family oriented, hard working, and shrewed in business. As far as physical attributes of Armenians we range, in my family alone we are 4 kids we have brown, blue, green, and hazel eyes. I think in most Armenian families we range in looks depending on how big the gene pool is. Or my parents are lying to us and we all have different dads. I always wonder why the mail is on time.

[gggpearl]

the discussion was orginzied by a student group though there were some professors that were moderating it as well. it was held in yerevan state linguistic university.

[HyeJinx1984]

It's a good question that too many Armenians are too scared to ask themselves. What IS Armenian identity exactly? Can you answer that question? I can't... not in a simple "This is what it means" thing...

[ArmoBarbi]

It's been complicated for me. I place a lot of value on blood and feeling connected to my ancestors. This means learning the history, culture, language, and customs/traditions. I dont think I can claim to have an "Armenian Identity" if I dont know about Armenia and the Armenians that came before me.

Also, I place a lot of value on being connected with other Armenians now. Having Armenian friends, marrying an Armenian man, raising my children in an Armenian family, etc. A good way of connecting is contributing to our country through donations/volunteer work, etc.

I dont know if this is a satisfactory answer, just basic description of my own search for my cultural identity.

[HyeJinx1984]

To truly identify with a people, any people, you must be that group eternal. You must be what they were, what they are, and what they will become. We may all look different, come in different shapes and sizes, but when someone looks into our eyes, they should see the same fire burning in each and everyone of us. When they look into the eyes of our old, they should see the spirit of our young... when the look in the eyes of our young, they should see the wisdom of our ancestors. I was in born 1984, I was killed in 1915, and I was reborn centuries earlier. To be Armenian is to be part of a constant life stream. When you look at those graves, you should see me, my heart beating very much alive. When you look at me, you should see those graves, threatened to be forgotten by the ages. I am the first Hayasa tribes-man, I'm the last Armenian vagrant... and if we are to be extinct a hundred years from today, consider me already dead.

[ArmoBarbi]

Very heartfelt.

[sSsflamesSs]

To truly identify with a people, any people, you must be that group eternal. You must be what they were, what they are, and what they will become. We may all look different, come in different shapes and sizes, but when someone looks into our eyes, they should see the same fire burning in each and everyone of us. When they look into the eyes of our old, they should see the spirit of our young... when the look in the eyes of our young, they should see the wisdom of our ancestors. I was in born 1984, I was killed in 1915, and I was reborn centuries earlier. To be Armenian is to be part of a constant life stream. When you look at those graves, you should see me, my heart beating very much alive. When you look at me, you should see those graves, threatened to be forgotten by the ages. I am the first Hayasa tribes-man, I'm the last Armenian vagrant... and if we are to be extinct a hundred years from today, consider me already dead.

Amazing. Simply amazing.