pyrheraklit

I don't think the concept of choseness was ever dominant in Greeks. One thing common in Greeks of all eras, thing which could in a way justify the otherwise mythical continuity of Greek people through time, is their openess to other cultures. This was their big advantage and big disadvantage at the same time, depending on their power condition. Greeks in diaspora are assimilated with the local culture after 3rd generation, in sharp contrast with, say, muslims or jews. Universalism is a main characteristic of Orthodoxy not a marginal one. Autonomy of the various national orthodox churches is a clear example. It's sure the Patriarchate was always Greek, but compared to Roman Catholics and Popes, never had a serious and concrete political role. To be specific, the role of Patriarchate and religion authorities in the greek war of independence was at least controversial. Concerning historical analysis, differences almost always are more significant than similarities. Truth lies in differences, similarities are often dangerous being reassuring.

There's also a simple difference we tend to forget: Germany was defeated and occupied by Allies. We don't know what Germans' stance about Holocaust would be had they not been defeated and occupied.

Fully agreed THOTH, consider any false generalizations of mine as just language exaggerations, not exact beliefs. I admire too Phantom's posts and courage in the forum mentioned...

Distinction between individuals and groups is as crucial as trivial. Hatred and fear for a group are not only ethically "wrong" but useless too. Fanatics and haters are always the best opponents because their reactions are known and very easily predicted. But there are ties between individuals and the groups they belong to. Beyond false-generalizations, we can certainly define a turkish mentality which is more or less present in most Turks. I've never found a Turk accepting the "mistakes" of Turkish state in foreign affairs, for example armenian genocide or occupation in Cyprus. You can find a lot of Greeks feeling shame for similar (not genocides of course) "mistakes" of the Greek State and expressing it everywhere. I read somewhere about the main national myth cultivated in turkish schools (btw, i believe that the aim of history taught in schools in every country is building a national identity, not to learn truths for the past): the invincible turkish army which brings civilization in every country it conquers. It's not coincidence that 80% of turkish people consider the turkish army as the most credible institution of the country. It's almost impossible for a Turk to accept armenian genocide, this contradicts to his national identity, his construction as a member of turkish society.

Relevant, from turkish zaman newspaper: Jewish Lobby Opposes So-Called Armenian Genocide Bill Washington D.C., Erivan, USA,ARMENIA, July 11, 2003 - The US Jewish Committee yesterday has sent a letter requesting the exclusion of the so-called Armenian genocide recognition bill from the 2004 US budget bill. The budget bill, which was proposed by the US State Department, is currently being discussed by the Senate. The letter was sent to US Vice President Dick Cheney and the members of the Senate. Meanwhile, Armenian Parliament Head Artur Bagdasyan announced yesterday that Armenia was ready for dialogue with Turkey and the Turkish parliament in order to normalize relations between the two countries. In addition, the Armenian Minister of Foreign Affairs Vartan Oskanyan said that the US could play a significant role in normalizing Turkish-Armenian relations. aa / Washington D.C., Erivan / USA,ARMENIA http://www.zaman.com/default.php?kn=3139

You can search here: Thomas: U.S. Congress on the Internet http://clerk.house.gov/floorsummary/floor.php3

"Ararat" was also shown in Greece, i think through normal distribution. I saw it, and to tell you the truth, i was a bit dissapointed of the artistic result. Egoyan is one of my favorite film makers and i expected more... I cannot really judge it in another way, not being Armenian. Considering the number of films released for the jewish Holocaust, it's surely good to have more films on armenian genocide. BTW, it reminded me of a greek film dealing with similar events against greeks, approximately the same era: "1922" by Koundouros. Half of the film is about "a death march" in Anatolia.

I am a Greek living in Thessaloniki. I know there's an armenian community here and i'd like to know things about armenians in Greece. Are there any Greek-Armenians in this forum?