Compiled and presented by John Semerdjian © 2006

Introduction

ince the establishment of the Hye Etch web site in 1999, I have received countless e-mails from Armenians, both of mixed heritage and single heritage, who in one way or another felt discriminated against by other Armenians. They were made to feel like “outsiders.” They were shunned and rejected by their peers for their lack of “Armenianess.”

At first I thought these were one-off incidents. However, as more and more people with similar experiences wrote to me, it was evident that these experiences were more common than initially thought. I started asking my fellow compatriots what they thought about this issue. To my surprise I was politely told that this is one of those “Taboo” subjects that is best kept undisturbed.

Being discriminated against by others is very degrading. It’s an issue we don’t expect to confront when we are amongst our own people. Yet in one way or another it’s apparent some Armenians have had the misfortune of such experiences. We live in the 21st century and such issues must be confronted and discussed openly without the fear of recrimination. Failing to do so will only give way to the ignorance, jealousies and superior attitudes, which lead to such discrimination.

For this reason I’ve decided to conduct an open survey to break the “Taboo” and try to find a solution to this issue by asking fellow Armenians a very simple and a strait forward question - What is or what makes a True Armenian? As expected the response was overwhelmingly supportive and diverse. Only 6% of the respondents thought this subject was not worth pursuing.

To give everyone an opportunity to read others thoughts on this subject, I have included excerpts from the responses I have received. One thing becomes most evident when reading these excerpts and that is how diverse the opinions are. It’s no wonder there is so much confusion and disagreement about this subject!

Please note, those who are scientifically minded should understand that this survey does not attempt to map the “Armenian genome” or carry out a detailed analysis of the Armenian kind. It is an open and transparent social discussion on a problem that possibly affects us in our day to day social life.
 
The Survey Results

What is a true Armenian? This is one of those controversial questions that seem to have no single answer. Every person that responded to this survey had a different point of view depending on his or her circumstances. However, there seem to be two distinct elements that link them together. I will point out these elements and elaborate on them further down this article.

First, let me make one thing clear. No one civilisation is 100% pure. A few respondents commented on this and I agree. Even though it is beyond the capabilities of this survey to look into the evolution of civilisations, I thought you might be interested to read what a respondent said about this.

• “I don't know what would classify as a true Armenian? Just the same I don't know what would classify as a true Canadian or American? Armenians have been mixed from the time they called themselves Armenians as history dictates (The Persians and Ottomans). What I do know is that the human race consists of three definite classes or suggesting races of people: One being the Caucasoid. Two, being the Mongoloid. Finally the third being Negroids. These three classifications mixed within themselves creates what we know as modern civilisation, which in turn is continually evolving and in fact will likely evolve back to a one world race when a substantial amount of intercontinental breeding occurs.”
  

All the above information may be true, however the main concern of this survey is not physical or biological; rather it is more about the preservation of our culture and heritage, and how do we define ourselves as Armenians.

In our quest for answers to this question, there is one other thing that we should be aware of - There is no such thing as a ‘True Armenian’ in the genetic sense. This is what one respondent said:

• “Actually the term TRUE is unjust. It suggests there is such a person as a FALSE Armenian.”
  

She is right! There are no “False” Armenians. You are either an Armenian or you’re not. The word “True” in the overall context of this subject is used in terms of how true someone is towards his or her culture and heritage.

To further clarify the subject at hand, I think it’s time to introduce the two distinct elements mentioned above that seem to appear in most people’s responses. Those who partook in this survey seem to base their answer on two distinct kinds of Armenians – ‘Armenians by Birth’ and ‘Armenians by Choice.’

Please note, pointing out these two distinct elements does not mean that I wish to create a divide within our community. On the contrary, my aim is to resolve possible differences by making things more clear and simplified. In this way we can target the underling problems and put an end to ignorant and chauvinistic attitudes.
 
Armenians by Birth

Anyone who is born to an Armenian family, regardless of the purity of their bloodline, has the right to claim his or her place as part of this nation and no one should deny them that right. Such individuals are considered to be ‘Armenians by Birth.’ These include the offspring of mixed heritage parents, grand parents, great grand parents etc.

Being born into an Armenian family is not the choosing of an individual and to a certain degree a child has very little control over the type of upbringing he or she will receive. In addition, it does not guarantee that a child will grow up practising the Armenian culture. One example that comes to mind is the world famous singer ‘Cher.’ It is a well-known fact that Cher’s father was an Armenian. Shortly after Cher’s birth her father left the family and Cher was raised by her non-Armenian mother. As a result of this there is a very good chance that Cher had no Armenian upbringing, Therefore it’s possible that she has very little, if any, affinity towards her Armenian heritage.

Without a doubt the environment in which a child is brought up can have a strong effect on that individual’s attitude towards his or her culture. From an early age of a child’s life parents have to make a conscious decision if their child should receive Armenian education and have Armenian family and cultural values instilled in them. This applies to whether both parents are Armenian or of mixed heritage.

To summarise, just being an ‘Armenian by Birth’ does not necessarily mean that a person is a practicing Armenian or has any affinity towards his or her Armenian culture and heritage.
 
Here are some excerpts from comments made by the participants in this survey. They are as diverse and unique as each individual can be:

• “Truthfully, I've lived in the United States about 36 years of my 45 years of life on this earth and I am more American than Armenian. I have not been to an Armenian Church in over 20 years to pray nor have I mingled with other Armenians on ongoing basis, nor do I read or write Armenian but I do speak it. Am I less of an Armenian than someone who has lived all of his or her lives in Yerevan? Not really, since my predicament is not that of my own choosing but for circumstances beyond my control. I did not choose my parents nor did I choose my place of birth nor did I choose my own name - all this was done for me by others. I am what I am - an American national who was born in Bulgaria of Armenian heritage and no less an Armenian than the holiest priest in Yerevan.”
  

•  “In the Diaspora there is no such thing as a true Armenian. There are, however, individuals who, by virtue of being descended from Armenian parents, may strive to retain whatever elements of the Armenian culture and folklore they have inherited, and to pass such on to their offspring. In some cases, these individuals are fortunate enough to have odar [foreign] spouses who support their endeavours.”

• “I live in America and have come across Armenians of all types. I have come to realise that what makes an Armenian an Armenian isn't just the bloodline, it is the distinctive culture that we have in common.

•  “In my understanding, a true Armenian is not only one who is 100% Armenian in the genetic sense but one who values and identifies himself or herself with their Armenian heritage, even though genetically they may be 50%, 25% or even a fraction of it. Religious affiliation should not be a dividing factor either.”

• “A true Armenian is the one who feels Armenian, wants to belong and wants to serve his/her community without invitation. A true Armenian is the one who feels for his people's needs and rights.  A true Armenian is not the one with 100% of physical heritage but has 100% commitment towards bettering his community in many aspects.”

•  “I think that if people call themselves Armenian, regardless of the percentage of their heritage, they are entitled to be treated as an Armenian. True, Full, One Hundred Percent... whatever title you give them. The truth is they are proud enough of their heritage be it part or full. That in itself qualifies them as a TRUE Armenian.”

• “In my view all Armenians are true Armenians, regardless of where they were born, what schools they went to, what churches they attend, which political party they belong to and where and with whom they plan to spend their lives and whether or not both their parents were Armenians. If someone feels in his or her heart that he/she is Armenian, then no one can take that unique feeling and sense of belonging away from him or her. An Armenian is an Armenian is an Armenian no matter what.”
  

Armenians by Choice

Being born as an Armenian is one thing… making a conscious decision to practice and preserve your culture and heritage is another. Those individuals, regardless of their cultural background, who choose to adopt the Armenian culture and do their best to insure its survival are considered to be ‘Armenians by Choice.’
 
As described in the previous section, a child has no control over who his or her parents are and no control over his/her cultural, religious or educational upbringing. However, as a person grows up and becomes aware of his/her heritage, then that person can start making conscious decisions whether to practise and preserve his/her culture or not. Of course, some argue that all this is very much reliant on the type of upbringing a person had received from his/her parents and the circumstances that shaped his/her life. To a certain degree that can be true, but not necessarily essential for ones choice of lifestyle as an adult (in a cultural sense).

Here is an interesting comment sent in by a respondent:

• “I would define a ‘true Armenian’ (or a  ‘true Greek’ or ‘true Italian,’ for that matter) as a person who was raised in an environment in which the cultural heritage and identity in question was transmitted to them. Someone who has accepted and adopted these cultural traditions and practices... and continues to practice them throughout adulthood.
  
  My parents are both genetically Armenian. I was raised in the sort of environment described above. However, I no longer adopt or practice Armenian cultural traditions as an adult, and do not consider myself a true Armenian.”
  

This is a perfect example where a person’s genetics and upbringing had little influence on his decision on how to live his life as an adult, which is every free person’s right. However, with such freedom we should accept responsibility for our own decisions. As adults we have the freedom to make life choices but at the same time we must be prepared to deal with the consequences, without blaming others.

Being an ‘Armenian by Choice’ is not a part time job. It’s a commitment to a lifestyle that one chooses to adopt and practice in their private lives and within the Armenian community as a whole. It is important for people to understand that this commitment to ones own culture does not necessarily dictate the exclusion of other cultures, especially for those who are from mixed heritage. Instead there should be a healthy balance of both without compromising the true values of each culture.

Here are some more comments made by the respondents to this survey:

• “What a wonderful opportunity it is to answer this question. For years I have always felt that I have had to prove myself as Armenian. Both of my great grand parents escaped Armenia during the massacre.  They built their new lives here in America, serving the country and raising a family. In raising their families, they continued Armenian traditions, through religion and custom, education, right down to the food.
  
  The bloodline broke when my grandfather married an American. However, an incorporation of two worlds and customs only made it better. As a good wife, my grandmother learned the ways of her in-laws and continued to pass tradition on to my father, who in turn did the same for me. Yes, some things do get lost along the way, they do in all cultures, but in my heart, I claim my heritage. I only have 1/4 the bloodline, but I am so proud of that 1/4.  I continue to make the Armenian heritage a part of my life and pass it along to my children as well, whom at 13, 12, and 10, proudly identify themselves as “a penny” Armenian.  I have taught them the traditions and customs that were passed down to me and I hope they will one day do the same.
  
  Being a true Armenian in my opinion is not about coming or being from full blood line. I am a prime and proud example of an Armenian-American living in today but never forgetting about yesterday and teaching the next generation for tomorrow.”
  

• “I myself am a very strong opponent of Armenians marrying other races. I encourage my friends and any other Armenian that would listen to marry an Armenian. Especially in this country [America] were people could lose their identity very fast. I get frustrated when I see Armenians that cant speak Armenian let alone read and write. I of course blame their parents. They are not persecuted like they were in Turkey or Iran or any other country that persecuted Armenians. They think English is more important than their own language.
  
  Having said that if someone marries another race there is nothing you or I can do about that. My only message to those people is teach your children and your spouse Armenian and about Armenians. I have seen so many couples of different nationalities that speak Armenian and they identify them selves as an Armenian, their kids look Asian or black but they have Armenian names and they speak Armenian. If they can do it any full blooded Armenian can too.”
  

•  “An Armenian is the person who considers himself/herself to be Armenian regardless of the percentage of Armenian blood that runs through their veins.  I know an Armenian who is only 25% Armenian but considers herself Armenian and rightfully so.”

•  “I think a 'true Armenian' is someone who FEELS that he/she belongs to the Armenian culture, is someone who is active in being Armenian, is someone who won't let the Armenian language die out and will practice using it.
  
  I know Armenians with both parents Armenian, who feel inferior to other cultures, shying away from Armenian influences. I do not consider them true Armenians.”
  

Getting Closer to the Answer

Confused? I’m not surprised. It just can’t get more diverse than this. Every respondent seems to have a unique understanding of what the Armenian culture is and accordingly makes judgement about what is or what makes a true Armenian.

Some believe, if you feel Armenian in your heart then that is enough. Language, religion, traditions etc. are not essential:

• “Simply:  Anyone who has ‘Armenian Spirit’ in his or her heart. Whether or not they come from Armenia, speak Armenian, write or read Armenian, know our history, carry an Armenian flag, dance our dances, eat our foods, or go to our churches is immaterial compared to what is in their heart. I would even suggest that ‘Armenian’ blood is no longer a prerequisite to feeling ‘Armenian’ since some families have adopted children and our blood has been mixed for millennia.”
  

Others seem to say the opposite:

• “A true Armenian today must be a true Christian. He must have high ideals to struggle, fight and register achievements. The real Armenian is church centred.
  
  A true Armenian is he who has a strong consciousness and feeling of belonging to the Armenian land, to the Armenian language, Armenian history, Armenian culture and the Armenian Cause.
  
  The true Armenian is both family centred and community centred without weakening his ties with other social structures and establishments.”
  

And then there are some who seem to make contradicting statements like this person:

• “A True Armenian is a person who lives and breathes the Armenian culture. They do not necessarily have to speak Armenian but they have to support all and everything that is Armenian.”
  

Well, if a person “lives and breathes the Armenian culture” then that person should at least be able to speak Armenian. Here is another respondent who emphasises this fact in his comments:

• “Racial purity does not exist on earth; anyone that thinks he/she is ‘real’ Armenian possibly has blood of other European or Asian ancestors mixed (Persian, Greek, crusader, etc). Physical features such as skin colour, shape of nose, etc are characteristic traits but not exclusive to Armenians. Religion, in the broader sense, is also a defining trait but not exclusive to Armenians. Although the Armenian Church has played a crucial role in preserving Armenian language and culture, the concept of religion as part of identity is declining in the Western world. The single most important ingredient of “Armenianess” is speaking the language; it is unique to our nation, and it is the only link that connects us to our ancestors.”
  

Last but not least, there are few who look at this subject from a light-hearted perspective:

• “For a man - Hairy, dark, prominent nose, speaks Armenian, feels happy to reply to the question ‘Where are you from...?’ by saying: ‘I'm an Armenian and was born in Cyprus/Greece/Iran/France etc...’
  
  For a woman - Hairy, short, fussy mother, speaks Armenian, sends the kids to Armenian Sunday school and cooks lovely dishes which float in oil and say (in Armenian): ‘Eat, eat... you used to like it 15 years ago... it's the same recipe, same oil...”
  

Regardless of how each person interprets the subject at hand, we all should understand that we can not pick and choose which of the different elements of ones culture is essential or not. Every element has its place and is equally important. A nation’s culture is defined as the cumulative and interconnecting relationship between these elements, which combined create that nation’s identity.

In other words, we can not say language or religion, history etc. are not important… as long as we feel Armenian. That is wrong! You can not have one without the other. A person who feels Armenian in his/her heart is a person who cherishes every aspect of his/her culture.

Physical relationships put a side; our language is one of the most important cultural elements that unites us as one and separates us from other nations. It is our “Trademark” that identifies us as a culture. Not being able to communicate in your mother language is like being a faceless person. No one can identify you. The Armenian language is our link to our heritage, to our history, religion, arts, traditions and all the other elements that make up our culture. Not practising it is like not practicing your culture.

Those Armenians who are not literate in the Armenian language because of circumstances beyond their control should not be ashamed or made to feel inferior. On the contrary, they should be encouraged and given the necessary guidance to help them learn their mother language. However, if an Armenian consciously dismisses his/her mother language as unnecessary and denies it, then he/she is committing an unforgivable crime towards his/her heritage and should accept the consequences and blame no one but himself/herself.

There is no shame in not knowing something. The shame is in not “trying” to learn… There is no person who knows everything about his or her culture. Our parents try to teach us what they know and the rest is left to us to further educate ourselves and pass it on to our offspring. We live in the age of information technology. Anyone with access to the Internet can easily find the information he/she is looking for, so there should be no excuses…

Here is another comment made by a respondent:

• “Concerning what makes a true Armenian, I think it is not only one thing but many things following one another, and I can summarise my point of view as follows:
  
  First, the educational base: A good educational base that we give to our children makes a true Armenian, whether this base is from home or school or both.
  
  Second, loving/visiting Armenian Church from childhood: Many people, grown ups don't go to Armenian Church and don't let even their children go, saying that they don't understand Sunday services... Accordingly, they have no idea about many feasts, Saints, church laws and traditions, what is Khor Virab or who was Krikor Lousavorich etc.
  
  Third, the language: To keep using the Armenian language is VERY important to strengthen the Armenian spirit (Either by reading, speaking etc.). When Armenia will be economically reliable one day, many of us will wish to go and live there. If we do not know our native language, what language shall we use with each other there?
  
  Forth, friends: Direct contact with Armenian friends, culture... etc. helps a lot in strengthening Armenian spirit.
  
  Still, what I have mentioned above is not everything, its very important that WE respect others so that our children do the same with their friends and classmates who are different from them whether party-wise or heritage-wise or even idea-wise, and I think that this reflects our Armenian Humanity.”
  

In Conclusion

Discriminating against someone or a group for any reason whatsoever is inhumane and misguided. It fosters contempt, distrust and division. As Armenians we must become inclusive of others and embrace each other with warmth, acceptance and openness. This is an important part of the Armenian culture so let us share it with the rest of the world.

We should all understand that there is no such thing as a “False” Armenian, just as there is no such thing as a full, half, quarter or even one percent Armenian. You are either an Armenian or you're not.

This survey has identified two distinct kinds of Armenians – “Armenians by Birth” and “Armenians by Choice.” I liken “Armenians by Birth” to a barren tree growing in the forest. It only exist for itself without producing fruits or flowers to benefit its environment and at the end of its life span it shrivels and dies without producing any seeds to perpetuate its species. Then there is the “Armenian by Choice” who I liken to a fruitful, lush tree growing in the forest and producing many fruits and flowers that attract the birds and animals to feed on them and spread the seeds all over the forest. By doing so the tree is benefiting its environment and at the same time ensuring the survival and the continuation of its species long after it death. Regardless, it is the individual’s right as free adult to choose which kind of an Armenian they wish to become. With that choice comes great responsibility which should not be taken for granted. We have to accept the consequences of our decisions and not blame others should the outcome be not to our liking.

Being a “True Armenian” is being true to the Armenian culture and heritage. It has little to do with genetics and physical traits. So the next time someone challenges your “Armenianess” asked them to read this article first.

Your say

I welcome your thoughts on this topic. If anyone wishes to make a comment about this article, you may do so by writing to ‘Hye Etch’. Please use the “Contact us” form to get in touch with us. All correspondence to be in language that is civilised and mature.