"No Higher Power: A Memoir of a True Diplomat"

Often times people write memoirs as a salute to the life that they have lived and to give opportunity for those interested a glimpse into their most interpersonal lives. Moreover, memoirs are prone to stir controversy because it’s almost certain that something will written and someone out there will find fault to it. So where am I getting with this? 

Most recently ex-US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice published a memoir titled “No Higher Honor: A Memoir of My Years in Washington”. Condoleeza served on both President George Bush and President George W. Bush’s administration and made it clear in her memoir that she worked to defeat the congressional push to recognize the Armenian Genocide. Moreover, she reveals that in 1991 she was specifically had the responsibility of the task “to mobilize an effort to defeat the [Armenian Genocide] resolution in the House of Representatives.” 

She continues on to say that “The Turks, who had been essential in the first Gulf War effort,” Rice remembers, “were outraged at the prospect of being branded for an event that had taken place almost a century before—under the Ottomans!”

“Back then I had succeeded in my assigned task,” Rice congratulates herself, noting that in the years that followed, presidents and secretaries of state continued “to fight off the dreaded Armenian genocide resolutions,” pushed forward, of course, by none other than “the powerful Armenian American lobby.”

Let’s pause for a second here. The fact that Ms. Rice “congratulated” herself for being successful in making sure that the Armenian Genocide resolution didn’t get passed in Congress is truly sickening. How can she deny thousands of Armenians the truth to their past? Our ancestors have been burned, massacred, and raped to death and here she is celebrating the fact that she helped kill a resolution that were the wrong doings of the Ottomans.

Furthermore, she continues to mention the fact that the massacres of 1915 was an event that occurred about “a hundred years ago”, implying that due to the fact that the event happened so long ago it shouldn’t be worth arguing over. Sorry Ms. Rice, but I have to call you out on this one. Just because an event occurred a hundred years ago it doesn’t mean that it is not worth recognizing and worth mentioning. It doesn’t matter how long ago an event or massacre took place, the important thing is that it did happen. She spent paragraphs or even more-so 2 pages describing, trivializing, and denying the events of the Armenian Genocide; mentioning (twice) that the massacres were a disputed-century old issue; and bragging about the fact that she helped kill the recognition efforts twice!

The Armenian community has , of course, raised their concerns and their voices on this issue asking Rice to come forth and explain her intentions behind her actions. Sassounian, a public intellectual in the Armenian community and a key advocate of the Armenian Genocide has Rice should not be allowed to teach at Stanford, stating: “genocide deniers are not welcome at one of America's most distinguished institutions of higher learning." So what does Rice have to say about all of this? Nothing. Like a stereotypical diplomat, she is keeping her mouth shut and not saying a word. 

She truly put thought into her book when she named it “No Higher Power”. 

More Than Just a Blue Mark

How many times have you heard from someone that they are getting a tattoo for one reason or another? A handful of times, I’m sure. Whatever the reason may be for getting tatted up, one thing is for certain: the tattoo has some sort of value and meaning to that person, whether it be good or bad. They are a form of art work that is used to express individuality and define character. However, there are some instances where tattoos are imposed upon without the will of choice. 

“Grandma Khanoum was not like everyone else. As a child I remember her as a wicked woman. She despised physical contact. This was a grandma who never hugged, gave no kisses. And she wore those gloves, which hid her hands and the tattoos. They hid her secret.”  This is the way Suzanne Khardlian described her grandmother. Khardlian, an independent filmmaker and writer, is the director of a new riveting film called “Grandma’s Tattoos” which is based on the thousands of forgotten women of the genocide who were kidnapped and pressured into prostitution were tatted so that they can be distinguished from the rest. 

“Grandma’s Tattoos” explores the secrets of the Khardlian family and eventually exposes the truth behind the tattoo. Suzanne explains that her grandmother was abducted and held captive in slavery for many years in Turkey. She was marked, or tattooed, as property beyond her will. “Grandma Khanoum’s fate was not an aberration. On the contrary, tens of thousands of Armenian children and teenagers were raped and abducted, kept in slavery”, she explains.

Around the of WWI, Allied forces reclaimed about 90,819 young Armenian girls and children who were forced to become prostitutes in order to ensure their survival. Most even gave birth after forced marriages or rape. These women and children were tatted to show that they belonged to their abductor. Soon after, European and American missionaries came to aid, and helped thousands of refugees “ who were later scattered to places like Beirut, Marseille, and Fresno. 

It is needless to say that “Grandma’s Tattoos” is a personal film based in Sweden that embodies the happenings of many Armenian women during the genocide. It’s a story of tatted women that haunt us until this day. A story made up of fragments that we try to piece together. 

The Khandlian story sounds all too familiar.As I child, I can recall looking at my grandmother’s hands and seeing a blue mark; more-so on her wrist than on her hands. I remember looking at it and my grandmother immediately covering it after she noticed it. I knew she was hiding something, but for all I knew my grandmother had a stamp on her wrist- much like the ones I would play with when I was younger. 

"The Woz" visits Armenia!

What are the chances of Steve Wozniak visiting Armenia? Well, if you asked me I’d probably be skeptical and say the chances are slim to none. Much to my surprise, Steve Wozniak has arrived in Yerevan, Armenia to receive the “IT” (Informational Technology) award from President Serge Sargsyan. Wozniak is being honored for his endless contributions to humanity. He was greeted by hundreds of fans at Armenia’s Zvartnots airports with enthusiasm, welcoming the one and only “Woz” to their homeland. 

Steve Wozniak, who is best known for establishing Apple Computer Inc. Alongside the late Steve Jobs, will be the second recipient of the prize. The first “IT” award was given to Craig Barret, who was the chairman of Intel Corporation. 

During his visit, Wozniak is scheduled to meet with Prime Minister Tigran Sargsyan, as well as several university leaders and students. In an interview with an Armenian radio, Wozniak spoke about the importance of good education which will help yield a steady growth of hi-tech industry: 

“Don’t restrict smart young people, whether they have a college degree or not,” continued Wozniak. “It’s not that great when companies require all sorts of degrees or certification. You have to be able to spot young people who will think for themselves and come up with good new ideas — the real innovators.”

The fact that Wozniak puts importance on the fact that one should not be judged based on their level education surprises me. In today’s society education is heavily weighed upon and it is considered one of the most important things for a person to continue their education after high school and get a higher degree. Almost all jobs nowadays require some sort of degree whether it be high school or college. However, what Wozniak stated should not be taken in vain. Many people who are smart don’t have the resources or the financial stability to be able to go to college and get their desired degree. So yes, although going to school and getting an education is important, I also agree with Wozniak on that one should not be judged or restricted bases on if they have a college degree or not. 

Furthermore, the President’s “IT” award serves as a great opportunity for future investments, adds to the prestige of Armenia’s advancement in technology. According to the ‘presidential press service’ the award “adds to the confidence of foreign investors in Armenia. The award consists of Gold Medal, Diploma and Trophy approved by Award Committee.”

On that note, a congratulations is in order for Mr. Wozniak!

Op-ed: Armenia and Turkey Reach a...

“What do you mean an Armenian is trying to rekindle ties with a Turk? Wait, so you mean to tell me that two Archbishops from Armenia want to invest in Turkey? This is absurd. Do they not know the history and the animosity that is present between our people until this day? The Turks have massacred our ancestors, and now we want to do business with bad blood?” Does any of this sound familiar? If it doesn’t, that’s because you haven’t been around Armenians. If it does, that’s because you have been around Armenians and you know that anytime Turkey and Armenia are mentioned in the same sentence it’s going to cause a ruckus.

Recently, an article titled “Ham Ziyarat, Ham Tidjarat: [Eastern] Diocese Sees $$$ in Diyarbakir Church Opening” graced the cover of Asbarez (an Armenian based newspaper), which brought into light that two Archbishops- Archbishop Khajag Barsamian and Archbishop Vicken Ayvazian attended the grand re-opening of St. Giragos Church in Diarabekir. This all seems normal. Archbishops attending a grand opening of a church. No big deal. Now, insert in an alternative motive and it turns out that it actually is a big deal, at least for an Armenian.

The two church leaders had with them an entourage of 26 Armenian-American business individuals to help them discuss investment opportunities with the mayor of Istanbul, Kadir Topas alongside one of the main businessman in Turkey, Ahmet Calik ( owner of Calik holdings, which is one of Turkey’s largest corporations). I’ll give you a second to fathom the fact that Armenians are actually interested in doing business with Turks. 

Moreover, one of the 26 business people was Oscar Tatosian who was quoted saying: “Our people should come together and enjoy a cup of tea. The dialogue starts with arts, culture, academic cooperation and trade. The rest will follow.” What Tatosian is suggesting is something that Armenia as a nation and as a people are not ready for. Sure, in an ideal world an Armenia and Turkey relationship would be commendable. However, until the Turks don’t confess and tell the world that indeed they were the perpetrators of the 1915 Genocide, things will not go forward. At first, the fact that Archbishops were seeking pilgrimage to attend a grand opening of a church in Turkey was seen as admirable, however once it became clear that the pilgrimage served more than one purpose, it was seen as dubious and skeptical. Ara Khachatourian, a writer of Asbarez, was quoted saying: “How easily are people willing to become pawns of the Turkish propaganda machine? These Armenian-American businessmen may have personal gain—and profit—from their behavior. But, the Primate of the Eastern Diocese of the Armenian Apostolic Church of America engaging in such blatant kowtowing is entirely unacceptable on a moral basis, and, as a practical matter, falls far outside his clerical and spiritual mission.”

However, this isn’t the first time that possible relations with Turkey has caused chaos in the Armenian community. Let’s back track to the time when Kobe Bryant was closing his deal with Turkish airlines. It nearly caused an uproar in the Armenian community with Armenian Laker fans feeling betrayed and nearly threatening to never watch or attend a Laker game. Armenian youth organization across the nation began to call Kobe’s publicist and flooded his e-mails notifying him of his wrongdoing. Yes, the story even made it to the “breaking news” segments on local news stations. But wait, Kobe Bryant isn’t Armenian, so why should it even matter? Well, considering the fact that he has a huge Armenian fan base in Los Angeles, it should matter to him. Does he not know that Lamar Odom is married to an Armenian? I’m sure one time or another they’ve had a chat about the Genocide, or maybe not. Fact of the matter is that Kobe’s move was purely business, and yes maybe he should have considered to oversee the option of signing the deal but when millions are involved decisions can be easily swayed. 

Thus, it is clear that morality and bad blood play a vital role when it comes to Armenia and Turkey relations.

Psychology Behind Denial (Op-Ed)

In psychology, denial is a type of defense mechanism developed by Sigmund Freud which is used to describe situations in which people are unable to face the truth. On a recent trip to Armenia, French President Nicolas Sarkozy stated that “The Armenian Genocide is a historical reality. Collective denial is even worse than individual denial”. Although Sarkozy’s comment may have been aimed to be political, he may have unintentionally sent a sociological message.

Everyone has been in denial about something one time or another in their lives. According to Freud, denial is a person’s way of defending his or herself from “external realities” that threaten the ego. The ego is made up of logical and rational thinking which allows humans to evaluate the risks and benefits of a situation; “tolerate some pain for future profit”. Moreover, for about 96 years now Turkey has denied the  occurrence of the Armenian Genocide. It is important to note and understand the motivations behind their thinking and mind formulations in order to make sense of their psychology behind the denial.

Ask Turkey to speak of the happenings between the years of 1915-1920 and they will blatantly deny that the genocide ever occurred due to the fact that both Muslims and non-Muslims suffered during those invasions. In a pamphlet on “Armenian Propaganda” published by a Turkish group, it states: “As a result of these conditions, as many as 20% of the deportees, some 100,000 Armenians, may have died between 1915 and 1918, but this was no greater a percentage than that of the Turks and other Muslims who died as a result of the same conditions in the same places at the same time”. Blatant denial presented on behalf of Turkey merely insults the survivors of the genocide and their relatives. In an article written by psychologist and historian, Israel W. Charney, he addresses Turkey’s continuous acts of denial: “...continuing manifestations of the kinds of dehumanization and disentitlement that we know are the basic psychological substrates that make genocide possible to begin with”. 

Furthermore, Charney- an executive director of the Institute on the Holocaust and Genocide , embarked on a quest to find out the psychology behind denial. He came to an understanding that those denying the genocide- in particular the Turks, may not be out on a “we hate Armenians” rampage and are quite possibly denying the Armenian Genocide due to personal gain and economic advantage. After doing research by conducting studies on scholars who also deny the genocide, Charney came up with five main categories used to analyze the psychology behind the denial.

1. Innoncence and Self Righteousness 

The respondents claim that they don’t believe that human beings are evil enough to live up to the descriptions of the genocide. They also believe that even though many lives may have been lost, it is time to forgive and forget.

1. Scientificism in the Service of Confusion

     The position take within this category is mainly innocent in the fact that there is not enough to know what the exact facts of the history were.

1. Practically, Pragmatism and Realpolitik

     Dealing with “ancient history is impractical, it will not bring peace to the world in which we live today. One must be realistic and live through realpolitik.”

1. Idea Linkage Distortion and Time-Sequence Confusion
       A simple dishonest linkage of varying ideas which are used to excuse the denial of the facts. “Present needs, whether justified or not, are taken as a reasonable basis for censoring or changing the record of past history.”
2. Indirection, Definitionalism, and Maddening

These are responses that do their best to avoid the issue by not  responding or by going off on tangents about trivial issues that avoid essential idea of whether or not the genocide took place.

In addition to Charney’s findings and explanations behind denial, another added notion may be repressed guilt. Repressed guilt is guilt or burden that we hide and in turn deny by projecting it onto others. The psychology behind repressed guilt works as follows: We live in a competitive world and we’re not guilty of creating what has happened, it’s everybody else out there. Countless amounts of times we have heard Turkey blame the killings of Armenians as a part World War I and not an act that they belligerently committed themselves. So perhaps an added reason to their denial of the genocide may have to do with repressed guilt and their fail to completely accept the genocide as their doing.

"Artists for Peace"

“Artists for Peace” was founded by Flora Martirosian in 2008 in an attempt to increase awareness to better understand the injustices and discrimination that surrounds our world today. Her main goal was to bring together artists from all walks of life in an attempt to educate the world about genocide. 

“Through the universal language of music and art, artists can help influence global change as well as educate and prevent further crimes against humanity...

We must do everything we can so that, in this day and age and beyond, we make sure we educate our youth to be more understanding and harmonious”

The event is going to take place at the Gibson Amphitheatre at Universal City Walk on November 1 with the likes of: Chaka Khan, Eric Benet, Pras, Malina Moyr along with Flora Martirosian, Arto Tuncboyaciyan, and Alexia Vassiliou. This year, the “Peace Concert” will honor Stevie Wonder for his continuous efforts serving as the United Nations Messenger of Peace: “It is with great respect and pleasure that we are able to give the United Nations Messenger of Peace, the legendary Stevie Wonder the AFP Angel Award for his ongoing work to help others through change.” (Martirosian)

The proceeds from the concert will benefit specific foundations and charities supported by the artists themselves such as: Childrean with Leukemia in Armenia, The Chaka Khan Foundation, We Are You Foundation and the Genocide Memorial Museum. Tickets start at just $40 and can be bought through Ticketmaster.

It is wonderful to see artists putting their differences aside and uniting together to promote a wonderful cause. Hopefully by creating awareness of past genocides, it will help prevent future genocides from occurring.
  

Here are a Couple Op-eds I Found Interesting...

Op-ed example #1

Op-ed example #2