a clip

i emailed this out so if you're reading it twice - sorry... and be sure to click on link!

I came across something and wanted to share some thoughts on it…

All too often, people ask us (Armenians) why we care about Genocide recognition… I mean, it happened 92 years ago. Get over it. Its not TODAY'S Turkish officials that committed Genocide. It was those pesky Ottomans.

But the truth is that we can't get over it. We can't get over it – not because we don't want to – but because, we can't get over something that is still going on today.

As my favorite (survivor) quote says – Denial is killing twice. Denying the past is a genocide of its own – a genocide of the memories of those who were killed.

That, however, is only half the story. The other half is the cultural genocide. I'm sure you've all heard the stories – the Khachkars being destroyed, animal names being changed, churches being converted – all in an effort to erase any traces of "Armenian-ness" from the villages. Then there's that great holiday Turkey celebrates on April 24th – world children's day.

And perhaps that doesn't outrage you.

But this should.

http://www.france24.com/france24Public/en/special-reports/FRANCE-24-Reports/Reporters-FRANCE-24.html

Armenians being forced to deny their heritage, being targeted and taunted, being called infidels…. Sounds vaguely familiar. Oh yes, we went through this in many times before… including 1915. In reality, IT never ended. The death marches ended but the hatred and animosity towards Armenians continues today. While we all look at Istanbul and the other big cities and note their "democratization" or "westernization," the rest of the country lingers in the same mental state it was in 100 years ago – and the government is complacent.
I hope you all take a moment to watch this video. If you are not Armenian and have ever questioned why Armenians feel the need to carry on with these protests and marches and vigils, I hope you will understand where our hurt and anger comes from. I hope you understand that until we don't get official recognition, we will continue to feel and BE threatened. If you are Armenian, I hope this sparks something in you…. Angers you. Because we can't afford to be complacent – we can't afford to join Turkey in saying, "oh well… that's the way the cookie crumbles." It's not about waving a flag on April 24th each year. That helps. But its not enough. Take an interest in your community, the international community – do something. You don't have to be a politician to be an activist – you can be an activist in your every day life in your own way – your contribution to the cause can be yours uniquely. And above all else, don't forget who you are. People are trying hard to erase your ancestors from their memory – don't give them a hand by forgetting yourself.

(And if you're looking for an easy way to do something… pass this on).

(PS – for those of you on here who are involved, I realize I'm preaching to the choir… I just wanted you to see the clip).