By Hrag Arakelian
Although it has been months since Camp Haiastan sessions ended, I constantly find myself thinking about one of the most educational experiences I ever witnessed.
It took place during the teen session Olympics. Normally, during the end of each session campers are separated into Olympic teams (red, blue, and orange) and compete in a variety of athletic games and the Armenian trivia game, also known as Quiz Bowl. This year, however, the Armenian school teachers decided to mix things up by holding a debate relating to Hai Tahd. This not only provided a chance for the teachers to assess what the campers had learned over the past two weeks, but it also gave the campers a chance to be exposed to multiple opinions from difference sides about critical Armenian issues.
Each team was presented with a topic and assigned a position on said topic, either supporting or opposing it. Each topic up for debate modeled a scenario, which provoked their young minds to think critically about the fate of Armenia. If I were to write about the passion, intensity, and emotions of the campers during the debate, it would go on four pages. Instead, below, I have summarized the debate questions and the campers’ responses.
Scenario 1: The Republic of Turkey has recognized the Armenian Genocide and has agreed to pay reparations to Armenia. These reparations can either be in the form of historical Armenian land or financial compensation to Armenia.
Responses: If land were acquired instead of money, Armenians would benefit from the natural resources provided by the land, especially since Armenia is currently land-locked. Also, in terms of longevity, land cannot be misused as easily as money.
If money were acquired instead of land, it could be used to rebuild historic sites, support Armenians in eastern Turkey, fund genocide education in Turkey, and improve the economy of Armenia.
The team acquiring land rebutted by stressing that money would fall into corrupt hands, which was countered by the presence of NGOs. The team acquiring financial reparations told of the negative consequences of the Conference of Berlin, which split Africa into new borders. Redefining borders would anger people in the region and increase ethnic tension, they argued.
Scenario 2: Turkey has recognized the Armenian Genocide and has agreed to return historical lands back to Armenia. Should the Armenian diaspora return back to Armenia?
Responses: It would be hypocritical of the diaspora to not move back after years of demanding land reparations. Also, with intellectuals from the diaspora moving back, it would bring new ideas in to Armenia and improve the economy. “I would rather be poor and live in my homeland,” said one camper, Haig Minasian.
In opposition, campers argued that we should use diasporan resources to help Armenia, especially since the diaspora has access to more money than if it was a part of Armenia. The team also mentioned that Armenia’s economy is supported by the diaspora, and that the economy could suffer if everyone were to move back to Armenia.
Scenario 3: As Armenians, what do we consider more crucial to our identity: our Christian background, which has kept Armenians united since 301 AD, or the struggle for our Armenian cause, which has kept our culture united and has led to the foundation of numerous Armenian organizations?
Responses: Christianity has been the center of our culture. The church is where our community centers have always been. We have shed blood in the name of Christianity since St. Vartan Mamigonian and did so again during the genocide. We commemorate the genocide once a year but go to church every Sunday. If anything, the genocide separated us.
However, others argued, just as we fought to preserve our Christian identity throughout the genocide, we became increasingly united in the face of tragedy. The organizations that developed and grew following the genocide have also helped to unite us as Armenians. They have helped to preserve our Armenian identity. Camp Haiastan is just one example of many. Christianity can be practiced by anyone, but the Armenian struggle and the genocide is unique to our identity.
Scenario 4: If Armenia were to receive reparations of either money or land from Turkey, who should be in control of these reparations: the church, government, or diaspora?
Responses: If the Armenian Church were in control of distributing reparations, then more churches and community centers would be built and restored. Also, the Armenian Church could strengthen its relief efforts throughout Armenia. Although the churches are divided, they will still work towards a common cause and are far less corrupt than the government.
The government, others argued, has access to more resources than the church and diaspora, which makes it a better candidate to control the distribution or use of reparations. Also, the government can impact economic growth the most, and isn’t that what we want for Armenia? Plus, it would only be logical for a government to be in control of a large amount of land, or money, that is to be used towards Armenia.
On the other hand, the diaspora has been the largest contributor to Armenia’s economy, and its position will only strengthen if it were to have control over reparations. The diaspora is stronger, possibly more educated, and can create a stronger market in Armenia. The government is too corrupt to fairly distribute reparations, and the church should focus on guiding the people spiritually.
Throughout the debate, campers became impassioned about these issues. So passionate, that the judges (the Armenian School teachers) had to remind them that it was only a debate, and to not be so unwavering in the position they had been assigned. Although the debate only took place for one hour, it continued to be on the campers’ minds for many days after.
I would like to congratulate the Armenian School staff for creating and implementing the debate. Although Olympic points were an incentive for participating and winning the debate, these types of discussions can still successfully take place outside of Camp Haiastan, and within your communities. As for me, it reminded me of how intelligent and thoughtful campers can really be when they are provided with the right environment and facilitation.
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Have them debate us and we’ll provide them with some REAL scenario’s that they will not be able to answer. Why? Because the TRUTH is something that they have never been exposed to! Sudden and complete exposure could very well fry their minds!
Robert,
Go to another thread(item) here and explore and study what happened in the Caucasus(involved were there also the ottoman Turkey and co.(the Brits).QWe know all that – Fight there still is over that area..otherwise great Turkey knows quite well Armenia does not have the riches that Baki and Mosul do.Latter is also always being eyed by great Turkey. Armenian Tahd or Cause, is there because we were in BAKI long before Turks or Brits or even Russians. It has changed hands three tiems form mantashian-Lazarian. Gulbenkian Lianazoff (Ar,menians) to Brtios then to red Army , then to Soviet union , then now back to Anglo Am. Oil companies…
Turkey at present is being paid TRANSIT Duties, which makes her happy ,but soon would want more of the morsel, like from Baki and/or Mosul….Oilexploartions…
Armenians have attained for 3rd time Statehood and have a Huge Diaspora(yet to be re organzied) which is enough for us to forge ahead. Keep the oil flowing to whereever you like JUST LEAVE US ALONE wilya?????