Their “anesthetization” benefits the current authorities of Armenia.
“Why is my living body more real, intelligent, and sacred than the body of my people? Some might argue that the people’s body, like the people’s spirit, does not exist at all, that the public, collective organism is merely a metaphor for the sum of individual people. But shouldn’t we go beyond such a purely mechanical view? In reality, there is no individual organism or individual soul either, but only a combination of elementary material units.” This thought was expressed by the Russian philosopher Vladimir Solovyov at the end of the 19th century.
Indeed, if we accept that form (in a philosophical sense), unity, and integrity exist at the individual level, then we must accept that they also exist at higher levels: family, nation, humanity. If this is true, then pride and humiliation, success and failure, refer not only to the individual but also to groups of individuals.
We say, for example, “the family has suffered a great loss” or “the family is in pain.” Is this a “metaphor”? If not, then the same can be said about the nation.
The official propaganda in Armenia tries to convince us that national feelings and pains do not exist, and if they are mentioned, they are deemed deception, lies, illusions—a metaphor, in other words.
What then can bring people together? Or is such unity unnecessary? Should everyone retreat to their corner and enjoy the material goods they have acquired? And only to ensure one does not harm another’s good, contractual relations must exist between them. That’s it.
Of course, these are necessary. But what is stronger: the “contract” (as in business) or the loyalty that comes from belonging to one family? To the family in a broader sense.
The “contract” is temporary and can be broken, but when you accept the interests of your group as your own, it changes the situation. A mercenary, a “contract” soldier, could defect to the enemy’s side for better pay. In contrast, a national army soldier (since the 19th century, from the Napoleonic wars) has a much stronger motivation.
Why does the current government regularly attack national symbols and values: Mount Ararat, the Armenian Apostolic Church, the coat of arms of the Republic of Armenia, and recently, the khachkars? The main goal is to show that a nation as a group of people does not truly exist, that it is just a “metaphor.” They aim to convey that only our “ego” and our carnal pleasures are real.
Why is this being done? The answer is clear: to maintain power. If people in Armenia now suffer national trauma and feel national humiliation, they will not tolerate this government, which has caused the current situation. By keeping the populace divided, individualized, and “numb,” they can continue to rule for the time being.
And don’t suddenly think that we are 10 million; don’t suddenly feel like you are part of a big team. In general, forget that there are Armenians outside of Armenia who also have national feelings.
All this government propaganda, let’s face the truth with open eyes, is extremely effective at the moment and is brainwashing hundreds of thousands of people.
…After November 9, 2020, I wake up every morning feeling ashamed. This feeling has nothing to do with my personal circumstances. It is a national shame, a national embarrassment, a dishonor. On the other hand, I am sure that the majority of Armenian citizens do not share this feeling.
Aram Abrahamyan
“Aravot” daily newspaper
25.06.2024
