“Abstract dogma, even if it is noble in its basis, but which ranks itself higher than living and fragile human life, and is seen as a means to achieve higher goals, becomes an instrument of murder.”
The author of the thought is the famous linguist and literary critic Juri Lotman. The context is the analysis of Pushkin’s works, but it is clear that this is a universal truth. Also, it is very relevant for our time.
When the constitutional amendments of 2015 were being discussed, the official propaganda was very much characterized as “people-centric.” Allegedly, the proposed project was just that. Now we know why the constitution was being changed, and in the background of our knowledge, the word “people-centered” has also been discredited.
That doesn’t mean our actions shouldn’t be human-centered. Below I will try to show the opposite approaches, which are allegedly principled, ideological, or political, but are actually cannibalistic.
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“It is very good that Armen Grigoryan died, but why did he say the wrong things?” “It is very good that people in Berdzor and Aghavno are displaced, it is a guarantee that Robert Kocharyan will not return to power.” “It is very good that Avetik Chalabyan is imprisoned, he shouldn’t talk that way about our prime minister.” “It is very bad that Aghvan Hovsepyan was released on bail. He should have died in prison for his crimes.” “It is not necessary to talk about the prisoners kept in Baku; it is a political speculation.”
But there is also another approach, which I consider correct. It doesn’t matter who is imprisoned because of political views: Nikol Pashinyan or Avetik Chalabyan. It doesn’t matter who dies because of the brutality of Armenia’s penal system: the “Bread Bringer” or Armen Grigoryan. It is not important what political calculations are used as a basis for our citizens to continue to be in captivity or our compatriots from Artsakh become emigrants.
Maybe you will say that this second approach is naive and idealistic. But then, don’t be surprised at the indifference of most of our society to the Surmalu tragedy.
Aram Abrahamyan
