So you think you're an expert about Armenians because you listen to System of a Down?

[One-Way]

Re: So you think you're an expert about Armenians because you listen to System of a D

I think I'm the same. I don't listen to their music but I have heard some of their songs. I don't like them but I don't hate them either; it's just not for me. Although I feel like most Armenians love them simply because they're Armenian. I could be wrong but I don't really care.

[Sako]

Re: So you think you're an expert about Armenians because you listen to System of a D

I think your right. Since most in the Diaspora don't get to be close to Armenia or Armenians, when one appears, they seem to feel a great connection to them no matter who they are or what they do. It's like that no matter who you are. We're one big family basically, lol.

[bell-the-cat]

Re: So you think you're an expert about Armenians because you listen to System of a D

In regards to Bell-the-cat, I'll admit that "This is the first time I've ever encountered a non-Armenian who has tried to tell me what it is like to be Armenian. I'll listen to an Armenian in regards to the culture and religion," makes me sound like a racist. When I wrote it didn't occur to me that it would come across that way.
I guess what I meant to say is that I'll listen to anyone that knows more about the culture and religion than I do, because there's still a lot I would like to know. But since most people don't know what an Armenian is the only people around to learn from are Armenians. I have read some history books written by non-Armenians. The value I place on those books depends on the knowledge those books give me. Actually, now that I think about it some of the most informative pieces I have come across so far weren't written by Armenians at all, but by American missionaries.
What annoyed about that 19 year old kid was that his only credential was that he listens to System of a Down. If he had mentioned reading books or watching documentaries on the subject than it would be a different story.

I suppose it's not that unexpected - lot of people get their entire political ideology from songs.
What did the kid say, anyway? What lessons did System of a Down teach him, and were they accurate!

[Haykakan]

Re: So you think you're an expert about Armenians because you listen to System of a D

Dude just ignore bell the cat. He is definetly a racist pretending not to be one. I mean where the hell does he get off calling your responce a "distinctly racist attitude"? You said your field of study was the exact subject this guy was lecturing you about so it obviously has nothing to do with race. Belle tries to paint every armenian in his racist image instead of looking and dealing with the racist in the mirror.

[defy]

Re: So you think you're an expert about Armenians because you listen to System of a D

Today I was talking with a co-worker and I mentioned that I specialize (I have a degree in history) in the Armenian genocides. Another co-worker overheard us and said something that prompted me to say, "I'm Armenian." Then he asked if I knew that System of a Down was Armenian. After I told him I already knew that he began explaining Turkey's relationship to Armenia to me. And telling me about System of a Down.
Excuse me, I just finished saying that I have a history degree and I specialize in the Armenian genocides. I think I know what the relationship between Armenians and Turks is like.
I'm sorry I'm just a little ticked off that this guy was trying to tell me what it is to be Armenian. Oh, he's an expert because he listens to System of a Down. This is the first time I've ever encountered a non-Armenian who has tried to tell me what it is like to be Armenian. I'll listen to an Armenian in regards to the culture and religion.
Usually System of a Down fans will ask me questions, not try to inform me about my own heritage. Has anyone ever encounter such a situation?

You are exhibiting what sees to be a distinctly racist attitude, and one that is not actually compatible with being an historian. You seem to be saying that only an Armenian can understand and write about Armenian culture or religion. I don't know if that is really your opinion, but if it is then you will probably enjoy minor recognition amongst the Armenian diaspora and nobody else will read a word you write.
Do you think a German-American would be annoyed at some non-German talking about Weimar Germany on the basis of what he saw in the film "Cabaret" - annoyed not because a film isn't exactly the best history teacher but because the opinions were from a non-German!

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I couldn't agree with you more *bell-the-cat*! It's not even ironic, it's simply contradictory. Also, the topic starter *kashiangal* seems to be a bit over arrogant. As if majoring in history makes you an expert. Naturally, it should.. However, not with the "educational standards" seen in The States. It's so simple to graduate, all you need is an inside person. Let me ask you, was this the way you achieved your degree?

[bell-the-cat]

Re: So you think you're an expert about Armenians because you listen to System of a D

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I couldn't agree with you more *bell-the-cat*! It's not even ironic, it's simply contradictory. Also, the topic starter *kashiangal* seems to be a bit over arrogant. As if majoring in history makes you an expert. Naturally, it should.. However, not with the "educational standards" seen in The States. It's so simple to graduate, all you need is an inside person. Let me ask you, was this the way you achieved your degree?

If you mean me, I don't have a degree in history and I don't live in America.

BTW, welcome to the forum, defy.

[defy]

Re: So you think you're an expert about Arme...

No, I was referring to the topic starter. It's only fair to question the person claiming this knowledge of the Armenian History subject. I'd just like to know where he/she acquired this degree, and how it was attained.

[iFemale]

Re: So you think you're an expert about Armenians because you listen to System of a D

System of A Down is annoying, with pointless screeching.

[Federate]

Re: So you think you're an expert about Armenians because you listen to System of a D

System of A Down is annoying, with pointless screeching.

Oh noes!

[bell-the-cat]

Re: So you think you're an expert about Armenians because you listen to System of a D

Oh noes!

I feel sorry for the poor carpet they stomp around on.