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.

Chuck Hagel Has an Armenian Problem

            Hagel was a senator from Nebraska who criticizes the recognition of the Armenian genocide.  He says that what happened in the year 1915 should just be left alone.  Only historians should be the one to decide what happened and why.  People need to move forward and there should be peace between Armenian and Turkey.  Armenian-American leaders saw these comments as insensitive. The Armenian National Committee of America believes that this is an opportunity to whitewash the genocide. 

            Knowing that the Armenian genocide is a big part of the Armenian culture, people should understand that many traditions were changed due to it.  The music Armenians listened to or the way they spoke was changed in order to escape the killings of the Turkish people.  This issue shapes up the main topic of this blog and how it came to be.

            If a senator of a state doesn't decide to recognize the Armenian genocide, then how are any Americans supposed to recognize it.  The American people look up to their leaders and Hagel is doing a bad job at setting a good example.

 

http://freebeacon.com/chuck-hagel-has-an-armenian-problem/