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‘Where Are You From?’ and the Huge Pile of Complexes
By Rupen Janbazian
Translated from Armenian by Tatul Sonentz-Papazian
“Where are you from?”
“Toronto... from Canada.”
“No! Before that...”
This was not an existential query directed at us; the man was not asking which corner of Western Armenia our forefathers came from, or where the birthplace of our Armenian origin was.
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Great piece! Bravo Rupen! Here in Toronto when people ask me where I am from, and I say I am Armenian, the next question is “Armenian… from where?”
Great article. I was raised in a similar environment and sometimes feel like I’m the last of a dying breed of ultra patriotic (Western) Armenians. Continue writing, you are touching on some important subjects. Greetings from Los Angeles.
Bravo Rupen jan, you are your father’s son, i am so proud of you, while i am trying to make my youngest grandson, you know your collegue in our Toronto ArmenianSchool, Ani Garabedian-Apikian, but i couldn’t leave a word not reading the very impressive article of yours, i know you well you are down to earth, indeed have no words to express your genious mentality, nationalistic brave boy i know you are taking a risk to be every where but i find your editing in Armenian Weekly beyond admiration, i have lots to say about you but i i pray that you have safe trips every step of the way so that your parents’ minds are not occupied worring about you, secondly i am truly extremely enjoy reading your articles which have to do with ach Armenians whose ancestors coming from our beloved stolen country Western Armenian, my wish that more young not only your colleauges but all the youth speread all around the world to focus on your writing which you deserve going through a lot of concerning matters digging out or meeting hidden Armenians that i am so interested to hear about them for they are coming out of their hidden place to proudly and couragously mention that their routes are Armenians, i would like to write more but Ruen jan definitely you know me what my heart is thirsty to hear your very Canadian English, i loved The Armenian Weekly from the beginning, please take care and go for it it is an excellent experienced job for you, you deserve to be in the team of Armenian Weekly like many people are interested to read. GB you and all the team. I love to add the famous dignified who represented our Armenian Relief Society in the United Nation what an amazing translatioion by Mr. TATUL SONENTZ-PAPAZIAN whose name is very famous to me for long years, i do wish him all the best, you are in good hands.
Abris Rupen .sharunageh Haigazian skacumneret
What an incredible article. Thank you for sharing this important part of our history–and the vital role of a strong diaspora.