At the beginning of 1990s, the West used the term “transition countries (societies)” in reference to us, which was basically right, but it contained some humiliating element. So, you are halfway evolved from monkey to human, it is not clear what will come out of you and that is the reason why we treat you with noble leniency. Since the beginning of the 21st century, this term has referred mainly to the economy – transition economy. We are naturally among those. However, it is a specific conception and is related rather to the activities of the international financial organizations and certainly, the development of social institutions is not the indicator. However, the “outside” world doesn’t consider our country “in transition” anymore, whereas our government and some pro-government circles still grasp at that idea, naturally, pursuing their own interest. “No, it won’t do, our people are not matured enough, it is dangerous in this transition period,” this argument is made, when one talks about democracy, economic liberties, freedom of speech, free elections, in particular. Certainly, officials don’t say such things directly – those ideas are expressed during unofficial conversations, as well as by pro-government figures. In any case, the thesis of our citizens’ “transition” nature is widely spread. However, who determines for what the people are matured and for what not? Who are those wise men who have taken on the mission to determine the level of the people?
Let me make a simple example – if A1+ had not been deprived of broadcasting 10 years ago and if there had been a few TV channels (perhaps, better than A1+) “not fearing phone calls from above” for the past 10 years, it would have contributed to increasing our civic consciousness, active and easy discussion of problems concerning the society. However, 10 years ago, the government decided and it still thinks that the people in transition are not ready for that level of freedom. One of the commissioners who closed the TV company explained in a serious manner during a private conversation that A1+ should not broadcast, because we had the Karabakh issue. Such “state” concerns of the government are actually merely personal, in order that they may not say anything unwanted on air.
Now it turns out that our people are not ready for cultural diversity, ostensibly because it is perceived by Armenians as propaganda of homosexuality. And that propaganda, they say, strikes a direct blow at our national security. Another “state” concern, which is as false. Give our citizens enough information and let them judge on their own what is right and what is wrong. Otherwise, deliberately keeping people in the dark and then complaining about their ignorance is not the highest manifestation of morality.
ARAM ABRAHAMYAN
