It took me several weeks to read the discussion paper thoroughly. I pondered over it for quite a time and returned to read certain paragraphs again and again. Thank you for this paper and for analyzing in detail the current state of affairs in Armenia and its development trends, as well as for taking a journey into its history. I, for example, did not know about a sales network with its center in New Julfa.
I will write about what disturbed me and got me excited in particular. As for everything else, I side with the authors.
I find it very hard to agree with how the traditional values and national features of the Armenian people are described. My own multinational family and growing up in Russia taught me that a person’s character is shaped by family and environment, rather than his or her ethnic background. I noticed the specific features the paper describes in people of different nationalities. If I were asked about the typical features of Armenian people, I would not name those mentioned in the paper. I even asked my family members what they thought were the typical features of Armenians, and they all said different things! I also found it weird that conclusions about the national character were drawn based on history. This looks like what scientists sometimes do – they adjust a theory to experimental results.
Yet, I totally agree that Christianity, own alphabet and the existence at the junction of civilizations have shaped the modern Armenian people as an ethnic group.
I believe it to be a very strong conclusion that the genocide of the Armenians has not been entirely realized as a tragic break in the natural succession of generations. I agree that “we see only rivers of blood, suffering and injustice rather than feeling the healing effect that the continuity of collective memory passed from one generation to the next.” I believe that the current situation in our country resembles a genocide in its consequences: people die younger due to bad healthcare, the population of Armenia decreases annually because people are leaving the country, and so on. The same break in the succession of generations and families is happening again.
I thank the authors for the concept of the “Soviet Armenian people.” It struck me that I actually don’t know any other Armenian people except the Soviet Armenians. The nation is really becoming increasingly fragmentary. This is probably why I disagreed with the generalizations regarding the features of Armenian character.
The paper cites the words of Confucius that any nation and country will succeed, if their leader is committed to noble and high goals. The history of civilizations rising and falling has often proved these words true. I believe that such a leader is what our people need now.
My special thanks to the authors for:
- Comparing the personal apprehensions of Armenian people with the existing system-based danger – this part has a robust disillusioning effect.
- Acknowledging honestly and straightforwardly that Armenia has not become a safe and flourishing homeland for all Armenians.
- The conclusion that by simplifying the environment we are devaluing it, which is profound and very concise.
I agree with everything in chapter five. I am ready to support you in turning your vision into reality.
