Diaspora: Does it have a future?

[Lucin]

Re: Diaspora: Does it have a future?

I could be wrong but it seems to me that those who have lived in the diaspora for a while are the ones who had their family member killed in the AG.

Not exactly, the ones from Iran are not(most of them).

I would put the horrific murders of my family during the AG as my highest priority. Others who weren't as directly effected and grew up within Armenia may be more concerned with the economic development of Armenia

This was not about “the genocide obsession” and the victimizing bull (which I hate but unfortunately that’s what brings us together) but rather the indifference of some people and how they make fun of it by saying things like : it’s history...

[Anonymouse]

Re: Diaspora: Does it have a future?

It is at the moment - but it might not be in the future.

People thought an independent Armenia was a pipe dream during the mid-Soviet eras...look what happened. People thought the Karabagh war movement was a pipe dream and they wouldn't win - look what happened.

That is a faulty analogy. When people thought that an independent Armenia was a pipe dream during Soviet times has no bearing on the current argument that Armenia needs to reclaim its lost lands.

First, even during Soviet rule, Armenians were concentrated and indeed lived in one area, which eventually became independent. The fact that the population and demographics were all within the given location is a major reason of why such a project eventually came to fruition.

Second, in the case of Western Armenian lands, there are not enough Armenians in Armenia proper to sustain itself, much less extend beyond borders to occupy lands that once Armenians lived on. All this talk of 'Lebensraum' misses the point entirely.

I suggest focusing on immediate and realistic goals instead of living in the past and fetishizing illusory goals. Armenians only have to worry about growth, demographically, culturally and economically, and the rest will come later.

Observe the Mexicans here in the southwest United States. They have literally populated all the lands that once belonged to Mexico and have occupied it by sheer numbers.

[simonig]

Re: Diaspora: Does it have a future?

Not exactly, the ones from Iran are not(most of them).
.

I agree with you. Armenians from Iran have lived there for over 1000 years and managed to retain their religion, culture and Armenian language. I don't know how you've managed to avoid assimilation but I am very proud of the Barsgahye's determination to stay Armenian. Unfortunately, I don't think Armenians living in other countries will be able to substain their culture. Persian Armenians are more of an exception than the norm. Diaspora living in the U.S., Canada, France, Russia, Iraq, Syria and Lebanon have only been there for 90 years. It is too short a period of time to gauge the rate of assimilation. What we can do in the meantime to slow down the assimilation rate is to be accepting of all Armenians regardless of how assimilated they are. This might create a second chance for them to re-explore our culture and political issues.

[crusader1492]

Re: Diaspora: Does it have a future?

And the Diaspora has a brilliant future.

I agree. Here's why: Armenia's independence and the victory in Artsakh has breathed new and sustaining life in the diaspora.

First of all, now that Armenia is independent, the diaspora can now visit the homeland at will and reconnect with their heritage (this was very hard to do in Soviet times). Many Armenians experience a rebirth when they visit Hyestan and, in turn, an emotional stake is manifested with in them. This stake will only be strengthened when Armenia adopts dual citizenship.
Secondly, the victory in Artsakh was a huge morale boost to diasporans. With this victory, the malaise of defeatism is gone...Armenian now feel confident.

With that said, diasporan Armenians must continue to build on the momentum of the above successes...they must think BIG and aim high.
Along with building up the Armenia we have now, Genocide recognition around the world is the next step in this momentum...after that it will be reparations.
The key to keeping the Armenian diaspora "Armenian" is to sustain Armenian pride...and the best way to do this is by building a flourishing country and achieving victory against our enemies on all fronts.

[simonig]

Re: Diaspora: Does it have a future?

I think you are right on with your analysis. One other positive is that there seems to be more Turkish intellectuals coming out of the woodwork which are coming to terms with their past. Such Turks such as Taner Akçam and Orhan Pamuk speaking about Turkeys past. This is a new phenomenon in Turkey. With increased pressure from the international community for freedom of speach, we may say see many more Orhan Pamuks.

The upcoming elections in Turkey are going to be extremely important. If the Turkish Nationalists win, I predict they will suffer from isolationalism from the rest of the world. If the progressive Turks win, that will open the door for us.

[Gazan]

Re: Diaspora: Does it have a future?

The fact that some people might think there are more important issues to talk about than "Genocide Recognition"?

Your comment made me sick!!!

Any Armenian who thinks that there is a more important issue than the achievemnt of justice for murder of the HALF of our nation and stealing of our historical homeland is an absolute fool! And if that fool is actually doing something to prevent the achievement of that justice then he is a traitor, full stop.

Back to the subject: Someone here correctly said that the Diaspora is able to help now but who knows where it will be in 50 years time. It will be basically dead, thats where it will be. Assimilation takes a huge toll and so does the inaction in Armenia, in other words if nothing happens in Armenian (another liberation or defencive war for example) then the Diaspora will die even sooner.

[Sip]

Re: Diaspora: Does it have a future?

Ok I'm a fool and you are sick. Let's move on and not turn this thread into another AG thread.

[Gazan]

Re: Diaspora: Does it have a future?

Ok I'm a fool and you are sick. Let's move on and not turn this thread into another AG thread.

Sick by your comment and nothing more.

Yes, lets move on and stay on the subject.

[melikianAvak]

Re: Diaspora: Does it have a future?

If you search these forums you can find many of my posts which pretty much say that the diaspora is like an 85-year-old heart, pumping and gasping for its last breaths. It is a mirage and eventually will subside.

However, is Armenia, or Armenians at that, suited for a war to retake lands? In my opinion, such actions are short-sighted, foolish and suicidal. Retaking lands that have been gone are a pipe dream. If you cannot see this, please ask and I shall get into many specifics.

Enker Anon

Logic be dammed, many people have done impossible tasks and changed the world. If you and me and other Armenians believe and persevere people will say look at the Armenians, they were not bright enough to realize that the task they accomplished was impossible.

I have seen people complete these tasks. (my father,myself and many others)They do not have, no or I can't in their vocabulary. Before you dismiss what I have said, think deeply about it for a few days. I would like to hear your reply, I think you are a very bright person from your posts, I think if you look at our history you will agree. If we were not a great people we would have perished like many others have.

Respectfully
Avak

[TomServo]

Re: Diaspora: Does it have a future?

Armenia does not have a future - not with neighbors like that, no way.

And without an Armenia the diaspora will just assimilate much more quickly.