The one of the positive effects of Last April 24 that we had, I think, is the fact that finally was broken the stereotypical vision of the Armenian Diaspora: as people who are fond of formalities, who love their country from afar and here are only solely to satisfy their “lyrical” feelings. I think these limitations have completely been overcome. I hope that our Diaspora is no longer thinking of us as “beggars” and “snatchers”.
Obviously, interests and values, pragmatism and romanticism everywhere, including on national issues should balance each other; one or the other separately will not bring any results. And these two elements should be in two sections of our people. Perhaps we have just started to consider that the basis of the relationship is the interrelation of healthy and good sections. The first step would be to give up “negative programming” assuming words.
In my opinion such word is the “colony”. Decades ago, Beirut or Glendale, apparently were colonies. Now they are cities where there is a large Armenian community. Our people who live there are no longer refugees who are wrapped in blankets. The majority of them are highly respected citizens.
Those who left Armenia during the last 25 years are also not considered to be Immigrants. Armenia, maybe out of some purely political propaganda, is in favor of calling our countrymen by derogatory calling, “the whole nation has been made refugees”, etc. But from 1991 to present, due to inefficient management, injustices, as well as a number of objective reasons, the majority of people who left did not consider him a fugitive. As I understand it, they also do not like when they are called “Diaspora”. One reader offers “Abroad living Armenians” formulation …
The important thing is that a lot of people that in ordinary life did not think about their national identity, these peoples` feelings have awakened on April 24. Will they do anything out of these feelings; first of all it depends on us, Armenians.
Aram ABRAHAMYAN
