ARAKELIAN: THE GREAT ‘HAI TAHD’ DEBATE AT CAMP
By Hrag Arakelian
Armenian Weekly
Tue, Nov 1 2011
Although it has been months since Camp Haiastan sessions ended,
I constantly find myself thinking about one of the most educational
experiences I ever witnessed.
It took place during the teen session Olympics. Normally, during the
end of each session campers are separated into Olympic teams (red,
blue, and orange) and compete in a variety of athletic games and the
Armenian trivia game, also known as Quiz Bowl. This year, however,
the Armenian school teachers decided to mix things up by holding
a debate relating to Hai Tahd. This not only provided a chance for
the teachers to assess what the campers had learned over the past
two weeks, but it also gave the campers a chance to be exposed to
multiple opinions from difference sides about critical Armenian issues.
Each team was presented with a topic and assigned a position on
said topic, either supporting or opposing it. Each topic up for
debate modeled a scenario, which provoked their young minds to think
critically about the fate of Armenia. If I were to write about the
passion, intensity, and emotions of the campers during the debate,
it would go on four pages. Instead, below, I have summarized the
debate questions and the campers’ responses.
Scenario 1: The Republic of Turkey has recognized the Armenian Genocide
and has agreed to pay reparations to Armenia. These reparations
can either be in the form of historical Armenian land or financial
compensation to Armenia.
Responses: If land were acquired instead of money, Armenians would
benefit from the natural resources provided by the land, especially
since Armenia is currently land-locked. Also, in terms of longevity,
land cannot be misused as easily as money.
If money were acquired instead of land, it could be used to rebuild
historic sites, support Armenians in eastern Turkey, fund genocide
education in Turkey, and improve the economy of Armenia.
The team acquiring land rebutted by stressing that money would fall
into corrupt hands, which was countered by the presence of NGOs. The
team acquiring financial reparations told of the negative consequences
of the Conference of Berlin, which split Africa into new borders.
Redefining borders would anger people in the region and increase
ethnic tension, they argued.
Scenario 2: Turkey has recognized the Armenian Genocide and has
agreed to return historical lands back to Armenia. Should the Armenian
diaspora return back to Armenia?
Responses: It would be hypocritical of the diaspora to not move back
after years of demanding land reparations. Also, with intellectuals
from the diaspora moving back, it would bring new ideas in to Armenia
and improve the economy. “I would rather be poor and live in my
homeland,” said one camper, Haig Minasian.
In opposition, campers argued that we should use diasporan resources
to help Armenia, especially since the diaspora has access to more
money than if it was a part of Armenia. The team also mentioned that
Armenia’s economy is supported by the diaspora, and that the economy
could suffer if everyone were to move back to Armenia.
Scenario 3: As Armenians, what do we consider more crucial to our
identity: our Christian background, which has kept Armenians united
since 301 AD, or the struggle for our Armenian cause, which has kept
our culture united and has led to the foundation of numerous Armenian
organizations?
Responses: Christianity has been the center of our culture. The church
is where our community centers have always been. We have shed blood
in the name of Christianity since St. Vartan Mamigonian and did so
again during the genocide. We commemorate the genocide once a year
but go to church every Sunday. If anything, the genocide separated us.
However, others argued, just as we fought to preserve our Christian
identity throughout the genocide, we became increasingly united in the
face of tragedy. The organizations that developed and grew following
the genocide have also helped to unite us as Armenians. They have
helped to preserve our Armenian identity. Camp Haiastan is just one
example of many. Christianity can be practiced by anyone, but the
Armenian struggle and the genocide is unique to our identity.
Scenario 4: If Armenia were to receive reparations of either money
or land from Turkey, who should be in control of these reparations:
the church, government, or diaspora?
Responses: If the Armenian Church were in control of distributing
reparations, then more churches and community centers would be built
and restored. Also, the Armenian Church could strengthen its relief
efforts throughout Armenia. Although the churches are divided, they
will still work towards a common cause and are far less corrupt than
the government.
The government, others argued, has access to more resources than the
church and diaspora, which makes it a better candidate to control the
distribution or use of reparations. Also, the government can impact
economic growth the most, and isn’t that what we want for Armenia?
Plus, it would only be logical for a government to be in control of
a large amount of land, or money, that is to be used towards Armenia.
On the other hand, the diaspora has been the largest contributor to
Armenia’s economy, and its position will only strengthen if it were to
have control over reparations. The diaspora is stronger, possibly more
educated, and can create a stronger market in Armenia. The government
is too corrupt to fairly distribute reparations, and the church should
focus on guiding the people spiritually.
Throughout the debate, campers became impassioned about these issues.
So passionate, that the judges (the Armenian School teachers) had to
remind them that it was only a debate, and to not be so unwavering
in the position they had been assigned. Although the debate only took
place for one hour, it continued to be on the campers’ minds for many
days after.
I would like to congratulate the Armenian School staff for creating and
implementing the debate. Although Olympic points were an incentive for
participating and winning the debate, these types of discussions can
still successfully take place outside of Camp Haiastan, and within
your communities. As for me, it reminded me of how intelligent and
thoughtful campers can really be when they are provided with the
right environment and facilitation.
From: A. Papazian