One would have thought that 35 years later, and goven 15 years of Armenian independence, such delineations between groups would have subsided to a great degree. After an absence of some 30 years I went back to Armenia, now independent and open to the West. Sure I was looked upon as an outsider, Armenian or not. But I did not feel the constant gaze upon me that was the case so many years ago. I felt more at ease.

Sure, divisions will remain for many years to come. But I believe that over time and with a constant exchange between the two realities, Armenia and diaspora, we will have a better understanding of the other and hopefully more tolerance and respect.

Being half-Armenian by birth, and all-Armenian by soul, it has pained me growing up in the Diaspora to be mocked, from time to time, because of my “Hayasdantsi accent,” and it has pained me living and doing volunteer work in Armenia to be treated, from time to time, as an unwelcome foreigner, except when something was needed.

Does it really matter whether we are Armenians from Armenia, Armenians from the Diaspora; whether we are this-Armenian or that-Armenian; belonging to this side or that side, this church or that church etc.? After all, Menk Hai enk! What strong, proud, and beautiful words!

Knarik O. Meneshian

However, Armenians as a whole react against such things, and it’s in fact students from the Diaspora and the ARF-D and Hunchak parties that do not like the situation. Perhaps you should tell them to stop complaining instead. All I’m doing is pointing you towards what others think is happening but also saying that from my own experience this is how it is. In fact, you’re agreeing but typically you have to attack me at the same time.

Why do I focus on Diasporans? I’m not. Like I said, it’s the ARF-D and Hunchak parties. They’re trying to resolve the issue while you’re saying that we should all just ignore it because its “natural.” Actually, it might be, but these divisions do not exist among many other nations to the same extent, including the Jews. In fact, Armenians here say that the Jews are strong because they largely remain together regardless of where they come from. Factor in the fact that Armenians are significantly fewer in number than the Jews and the Kurds, and it becomes even more of a problematic issue.

Otherwise, I agree with your last paragraph and also your comment about diversity being a richness. Indeed, that was my point.

Perhaps there’s a North-South divide but again, this usually relates to class. The concept of citizenship usually takes precedence or at least that has been my experience. In the South Caucasus, however, ethnicity is considered more important than citizenship which makes the Hayastantsi-Karabakhtsi-Diaspora divide all the more ridiculous.

Or perhaps its not. Key to the Armenian identity is the belief that everybody should be the same and when they’re not, these clashes and divisions occur. As Armenians are spread throughout the world, most Armenians have absorbed the influences of those around them. Diasporans don’t like the way Hayastantsi use some Russian words, for example, whereas Hayastantsi don’t like the way [Western Armenian[ Diasporans use Turkish words or whatever.

Yet, for other nations, languages and cultures evolve, absorb and adapt. Armenians seem resistant to that idea but each group within sees their model as the one that should take precedent. Another example, and you’ve experienced this as well Garo, is the way that most local Armenians refer to Diaspora Armenians as foreigners even when they live here and have taken up residency.

As you say, however, it goes both ways and in the Diaspora there are not only internal divisions based on origin and politics, but also with regards to the new influx of Hayastantsis that have appeared in the U.S. and Europe.

Like you say, surrounding yourself with those who you get on with wherever they come fromand accepting those differences is the right attitude and the way we usually live our lives in non-Armenian communities. However, as we know, most Armenians still adhere to the clan mentality which is formed by family, country of origin, politics, and language.

Personally I could care less what Armenians in Armenia think of me. Overall I have not been discriminated because I was a Diasporan, but because I was an Armenian. Armenians do not get along with each other, they victimize and criticize one another generally speaking. That’s the way things are.

But as I explained to a friend yesterday visiting from Boston that I surround myself with people with whom I am most comfortable. Some are from here, others from abroad. I’ve married into a family from Vanadzor.

So this entry is no surprise, it shouldn’t be a surprise to anyone, and let’s not expect anything different. It’s also not unique to Armenians I would argue. Other European nationalities may also endure similar types of divisions. But perhaps not as severe.

Anyway… again just my opinion.

Onnik Krikorian discusses the difficulties and discrimination many Armenian Diasporans face when living in Armenia.

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