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.

Armenian Genocide Commemoration Day: Confronting Denialism

          Though there were survivors of the Armenian Genocide, they kept quiet for many generations.  These survivors were adopted by Muslim families and adopted different identities in order to escape from the killings of the Ottoman Empire.  Professor Ayse Altinay's book called Les Petits-Enfants, discusses the story of these survivors and their second and third generations. 

            Every year on April 24, Armenians gather around to commemorate the death of 1.5 Armenians.  Although most of the international community has accepted this massacre as a genocide, the Turkish government denies this historical crime till this day.  Turkey's denial can be explained as a link between nationalism or militarism.  Turkish activists, intellectuals, and historians contribute to the framing of the Armenian genocide that is publically discussed.  There have been many Turkish scholars who openly speak about the Armenian Genocide and how the denial of the genocide is something that can't be tolerated.   Some of these scholars have been victims to death threats.  Journalists who also openly discuss the Armenian Genocide are punished as well.  30 of the writer are in prison in Turkey and 70 of them are on trial.  So on the day of remembrance, not only should people commemorate but confront denialism.

Response:  The article basically discuses how Armenians, along with other people, commemorate and Recognize the Armenian Genocide every year in April 24.  He also talks about how the Turkish government continues to deny this tragic event.  I may somewhat disagree with his opinion on why he believes that the Turkish government has denied this historical event.  The author is upset by this denial and he wants to fight for it.  What caught my attention was that someone who is not Armenian is willing to fight to get recognition for the Armenian people.  To prove his point, the author uses examples of Turkish people who have risked their lives in order to recognize the Armenian Genocide. 

 

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/mikaela-luttrellrowland/armenian-genocide-commemoration-day_b_1447786.html