gen7474

After having written my original posting, I had the opportunity to read the follow up posts. I am encouraged and admire those of you who have attempted to share and provide explanations of why one may reach the observations I have. To the others who simply support my thoughts and observations, it does very little to be sensitive to your needs when the automated reflex is hostility and instinctual references to "turkish souls" or "a$$" etc. You do a great disservice to those who are trying to be sensitive to understand you and help other Armenians within our local communities. I beleive that you yourself should examine your priorities and true intentions. If Armenia and Armeninans are of pride and importance than you should do whatever you can to help people understand your feelings/emotions/beleif systems rather than attempt to create and perpetuate such barriers. Nevertheless, to answer some of the questions that have been raised and to form a framework of where I am coming from, I have absolutely no affiliation, heritage, direct or indirect links within that part of the world. I had only known very little about Armenia and Armenians until recently and thus had no biases or presumptions against or for Armenians. In my line of work, I deal with people from every heritage, culture and orientation. It becomes important to be sensitive to a persons past and culture. It just becomes very difficult for me to understand why certain idealogies are common, irrespective of the denial by some of the posts. My statement on "murders, killing etc" were based on the vast number of views in reference to the desire and evokable interest to kill people in one ethnic group (i.e. Kurdish, Turkish etc.) to people who may assimilate to "American" culture or those associating with Armenians. One does not have to look too far to view such opinions, several posts below this one is a post by Hakod titled "..To kill someone just because it is an odar ...". These types of posts are a reality and are more common than I have seen among any other culture. Prejudice exists in all forms. It is a good idea to preserve heritage culture customs etc, however I personally do not beleive that such should come with the belittling of all others, such as Black, Chineese, or non-Armenians in general. There are strong views against such people expressed consistently on these sites. The bottom line is that culture is fine and an integral part of life. In many instances including Armenians it is a direct extension of religion. Many of the customs, traditions and even social interactions are the extension of religion. Hence, one cannot ignore what it is said in your religion and claim that the religion is irrelevant and hail the culture/customs. Afterall it is your faith that will be questioned not your culture. Nevertheless, I have kept a very open mind and over the many weeks of reading, this is the first post I have written. My opinion as an outsider would be that Armenians are no worst nor any better than any other person in this world. One should seek humility and humbleness as they are strong moral character traits that are respected and valued. Whatever has happened in the past (history) is something that should be remembered but in my opinion not shape nor be carried into everyday life, as it is these negative feelings that are transgressed to all around you especially odars. Finally, animosity, and hatred can only fuel stress and disease and not necessarily be conducive to healthy living. I bid you farewell, and support those of you that make our communities (which include Armenians) a better place for all.

qed