Statement by Aline Dedeyan on the question of Armenian identity - 6 September 2000, Martin Luther University, Halle-Saale, Germany

"..let me briefly point out similar attitudes and prejudices prevalent among Armenian associations in the Diaspora...Led and governed by the same exclusive group of elders, their mandates renewed year after year, in spite of repeated efforts and a great deal of disappointment, no youth groups have been able to penetrate and take over these associations in a leadership and decision-making position. At the same time, no other politically strong enough youth groups have come into existence. (Only leisure and sports groups). The executive committees of the above-mentioned associations persist in taking unilateral decisions without statutory consultations with their members, ignore totally those who claim change and consider themselves the only legitimate representatives of the community. As to women, they are mostly organized as auxiliary groups, guided by their male “superiors”, handling food, artistic and other social events. As if time had stopped. (Another parenthesis: some women have, nevertheless, contributed greatly to community projects, teaching Armenian, dancing and bringing out a local paper). Finally, it seems to me that such associations still operating on dated criteria are totally counterproductive at a time when one of the major tasks of the Diaspora is to produce advanced democratic models"

"Armenians who, having lived in separate communities and developed differentiated identities in close relation with the majority cultures of the country of adoption – and much less with the common root one – this may represent a hazardous game, particularly for the new generations suffering from identity loss and search. It is safer to stick to the remnants of one’s Armenian identity than let it become meaningless, even though this may result in protectionism, dogmatism and self-righteousness while interacting with each other. In other words, despite the fact that we are all in the same boat, we are bound to interpret and act out our Armenian identity differently, and no doubt conflict will arise from the confrontation of fragmented identities. On the other hand, as I said before, at this point of our history there is no time to beat around the bush for “real” identity."

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I happen to mirror some of the views expressed by Ms. Aline Dedeyan (although expressed in 2000, not much have changed unfortunately)..especially the ones related to the leadership in our communities and the role of women...and it's refreshing that other armenians are voicing the same concerns. I have however a different definition of Armenian identity, quite different from the one mentioned above. Rather than being vague..and describe it as "remnants of one’s Armenian identity", which will inevitable lead to variable interpretations..and inevitable conflict. I would like to suggest that the NEW armenian identity should not be confined to a limited definition. Any Armenian in the Diaspora, is a good Armenian...any Armenian identity in the diaspora is "real" identity. I have written about this in my blogs in the past. How you live..the languages that you speak..the music that you listen to..the books you read..the food you eat...should not be a criteria for defining your Armenian Identity...you ARE Armenian, if you are proud enough to call yourself an Armenian...period.

my two cents


you can read the rest of Ms. Dedeyan's speech on
http://www.armenweb.com/espaces/reflexion/dossier_1.htm

Tags: Armenian Identity

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