Comments on: Armenia: Symbols of Status, Culture in Crisis

By: Alfred

Alfred — Fri, 20 Apr 2012 04:49:29 +0000

I think the author of this essay is absolutely spot-on! The crushing and downright obscene weight of a couple of thousand members of a the kleptocratic and petty-oligarchic class of Armenia is the real cause of the suffering of 2.5-3 million people living in Armenia and the 1-1.5 million Armenians that were FORCED to leave their native land to seek some semblance of a dignified life.

As a diasporan, I first visited Armenia in 1996 and then in 1999 made a pledge to visit Armenia every year for the rest of my life and to do what I can to help the economy and create jobs. The good news is that despite all the challenges, I have come to respect and honor the resilience of the Armenian people and their work ethic and their can-do spirit. I BELIEVE that once again the Armenian people will rise to the challenge and destroy the twin-internal-evils of corruption and feudal-dictatorship of the current ruling “class” or mob.

By: Remo

Remo — Fri, 20 Apr 2012 02:20:22 +0000

Feudal capitalism + a cartoonish Armenian ultranationalist/victim identity (devised by Soviet social engineers, and similar in its characteristics to those of other small Soviet republics in the Caucuses) — fuled by the lingering Karabagh and Armenian Genocide issues, has disabled the average Armenian citizen in her quest to become a real, active and full citizen of the free world!

By: Narita

Narita — Tue, 17 Apr 2012 12:59:31 +0000

For 70 years Armenians haven’t had the opportunity to consume things and the reason why they do now is not because it’s a special politics of the leaders, but the mentality of the Armenians! Like every nation in this region Armenians as well like consuming and trying to look good and elite. Secondly, the fact that Armenians are not active or do not care for the present situation is also the cause of their mentality. As far it’s fine or ok they won’t get up for a ‘revolution’. So I don’t think the points you suggested are right.

By: Anon.

Anon. — Tue, 17 Apr 2012 00:52:04 +0000

I agree with you completely! On my recent trip to Armenia, I too noticed the same phenomena taking place, namely how consumerism has corrupted and eroded the rich Armenian culture. Now is the time that the Armenian Diaspora concentrates on actually helping Armenia, and not waist all their energy on Genocide recognition (all still an important topic to fight for, but will lead them nowhere in terms of benefiting Armenia). It is vital that we re-prioritize our nationalistic agendas and consider the well-being and advancement of Armenia as of upmost importance. While in Armenia, I traveled villages and spoke to locales about their lifestyles. Almost all had negative things to say about the government. This is reflected through Armenia’s low rank in the happiness index, which I am not particularly happy about. It is the Diaspora’s duty as well to reenergize Armenian culture and people by helping out Armenia and setting a good image to future generations of that country. I do not want my culture to die, and I can assure you that my ancestors similarly wish the same, especially those who perished during the genocide.