Garen Yegparian
BY GAREN YEGPARIAN
Bluntly said, we blew it.
We did not succeed in harnessing, perpetuating, and building on/with the enthusiasm and energy that had coalesced on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide. Here we are, a year out, and I don’t think anyone would disagree.
Of course, I did not expect the same levels, it just wasn’t going to happen. Humans have a fascination with centennials for some reason. Plus, we had the immediate distraction of Aliyev’s April Absurdity and its fallout. Nevertheless, all through the past year and at the 101st mark itself, I had hoped for, aspired to, and expected more.
This doesn’t mean the news is all bad. The diversification of ways by which we commemorate is good news. It’s no longer only demonstrations/gatherings/vigils. More and more types of events are becoming more and more prevalent – museum exhibits, concerts, book launches, bike rides, hikes, film releases, conferences, plays, and probably many more of which I’m unaware. This variety is good in that it attracts people of differing interests. The downside is the participation at any of these events is naturally going to be smaller than at rallies and such, so the “WOWâ€
