Thursday, April 4, 2013

The Armenian and The Armenian

"I should like to see any power of the world
destroy this race, this small tribe of unimportant people,
whose wars have all been fought and lost,
whose structures have crumbled,
literature is unread,
music is unheard,
and prayers are no more answered.
Go ahead, destroy Armenia.

See if you can do it.
Send them into the desert without bread or water.
Burn their homes and churches.
Then see if they will not laugh, sing and pray again.
For when two of them meet anywhere in the world,
see if they will not create a New Armenia."
 

When it comes to Armenian people, the touchiest subject one can bring up is about the Armenian Genocide.  Others are probably tired of hearing about it but for the Armenians it's part of history and it just can't be forgotten.  Many documentaries and books are made that discuss this issue but one quote by William Saroyan has managed to stay famous for the Armenian people.  What makes this quote so unique is that it has so many different emotions.  Anyone who has ever read this, can tell you that they have experienced all the different emotions and struggles the quote is trying to describe.  Every time this poem is heard, it can either bring joy or tears to someone. 

This quote discusses the strength of the Armenian people and the Armenian nation.  For example, the Ottoman Empire once tried to destroy Armenia and they were almost successful, but that didn't stop the Armenian people from continuing their traditions.  If that were to ever happen again, then Armenia would stay strong and not let anything or anyone take away what they have.  It informs others about all the undiscovered literature and music that Armenia has and how it's very unique to them as a group of people.  William Saroyan was able to create this by collecting all his thoughts and ideas from the Armenian Genocide and turning it into this great quote. 
This is also one of my favorite quotes to either read or listen to.  It has been able to influence me and many more people throughout the world.

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