QUOTE(Zartonk @ Apr 14 2007, 09:37 PM)
When for a lack of a better term I say division, I mean the idiotic breach caused by the pompous and holier than thou attitude with which every -read again, EVERY- single Armenian faction views and treats the other.
There is no holier than thou here. You shouldn't find any offense when I directly refer to a particular segment of the Armenian community. In this case, it is a sizeable fraction of the Russian Armenian community (I think around 25%). In other discussions, we have talked about community segments by political party, e.g. the ARF. This is no different. These segments in the community exist, and in order to intelligently talk about the community, you can't disregard these segments but must refer to them.
QUOTE(Zartonk @ Apr 14 2007, 09:37 PM)
What in the world is the purpose of that? How does that improve our situation, our problems?
In order to solve a problem, you must first learn what the the problem is. Where is the problem? Who is part of the problem? Who is part of the solution? Why does the problem exist? Who is the problem affecting?
QUOTE(Zartonk @ Apr 14 2007, 09:37 PM)
As I have said before, I am well aware of the reality. Yet in my opinion, I think it is a mistake to confuse the real Us and Them (lawful members of a diaspora versus criminal individuals that exist in any given community) with Us the Armenians versus them the Armenians. The truth IS out, but such labeling doesn't solve a thing.
Same response as above. You shouldn't find offense in referring to a particular segment of the Armenian community. Many Diasporan Armenian communities have changed drastically in demographics in the last 15 years. Los Angeles is probably the one that's experienced the most change, and I have experienced first hand a portion of that.
To place all Armenians into one group and label them all Armenians does not represent the reality of diverse Armenian communities such as the one in Los Angeles. You won't be able to understand the dynamics of an Armenian community by not referring to various Armenian cultures/backgrounds and various Armenian community and political organizations.
QUOTE(Zartonk @ Apr 14 2007, 09:37 PM)
Now lets think: Why is crime widespread in ex-Soviet republics, esp. the RoA?
That is a very good question that needs discussion. Let's add another question. Why aren't Armenians from the RoA involved in Armenian community organizations in the Diaspora in proportion to their numbers? What do we need to do to change this situation, so that they are more involved in the community, and to have positive role models?
Edited by Shahan Araradian, 14 April 2007 - 10:38 PM.