Manjikian: Worried Beads: The Future of the Diaspora
The Population Reference Bureau projects that the global population will reach 7 billion in 2011. This growth is measured based on several variables, including birth and mortality rates, as well as migration patterns. Is there a bureau somewhere that can project the future of the Armenian Diaspora? It is growing, stagnating, or receding? And what would be the measuring variables in order to predict whether the diaspora is headed for disaster or growth? Is the Armenian Diaspora vanishing?
I have been witnessing the involvement and commitment of those generations preceding mine—at times in awe, and at times critically, yet always in great admiration. Trailblazers for justice, guardians of schools, community centers, and faith, grassroots activists, conservers of culture, have all played an instrumental role in maintaining the structures and nurturing the identity needed to survive in the diaspora. I wonder if we, the current generation, have the same dedication, drive, and endurance to carry out the work ahead. I like to think that we do.
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Very true! Well said!
There’s a book by Hagop H Asadourian called “The Smoldering Generation” that elaborates on the dilution of the Armenian culture. It’s not a happy read. If I can say something positive about the future of the diaspora and the people involved that work tirelessly to keep it alive, it would be a quote by Sam Adams (context is different but idea is the same): “It does not require a majority to prevail, but rather an irate, tireless minority keen to set brush fires in people’s minds.”
The long term future of the Armenian culture lies with Armenia. Those members of the diaspora whose primary identification is Armenian can best serve that identity by living in Armenia and working to build the economy and vitality of that country.
Unless, there is a constant outflow from Armenia to feed the diaspora it will inevitably dissipate. That is, the long term viability of the diaspora is in part dependent on the shortfall of Armenia as a viable state.
Our family, is an example of how a diasporan family may transition. We have had 5 generations in the USA. Two of them genocide survivors. Our identification is American. Our future welfare is tied to the USA. Our commitment is to the USA. We see Armenian as our cultural lineage not our raison d’etre. Of course, some may not transition as our family, others may be faster or others more protracted. Few individuals will retain an Armenia identity beyond 4-6 generations.
The future of Armenia rests with the people living in Armenia. They must be relieved of the stranglehold that restricts its integration into the world’s economic system, that restricts access to markets for its goods and it needs the economic lift of being an energy transfer avenue. Armenia needs people from the diaspora who have a strong Armenia identity to return and use their talents to build that country.
Thank you for your insight Gary, and for sharing your experience. Indeed, the future of our existence does lay in Armenia. And I could not agree with you more- Armenia needs more people from the diaspora…but how many of us are willing to move? The number of Armenians from the diaspora who repatriate is far too low and I don’t see that trend changing any time soon…
It would help if news about the quality of life in Armenia was a little more positive. Let’s face it, how many people want to immigrate to a country where 40% of the people interviewed said they would leave permanently if they could. It has been said that more than 700,000 have left Armenian to find a “better” life elsewhere. It’s about time thatour Diaspora leaders work hand in hand with the leadership in Armenia to get priorities coordinated.