BY ANI POGOSIAN and DIANA DICHIGRIKIAN
Ani always struggled to connect with her Armenian identity. Growing up in a community where Armenian culture was not widely represented left her feeling disconnected from her heritage. She was constantly asked questions such as, “What is Armenia?” or “Where is Armenia?”
As she grew older and transferred to a school with a larger Armenian population, she expected to feel a stronger sense of belonging. Instead, she still felt like an outsider. Even when she tried to befriend students who were not Armenian, she often found herself caught between two worlds. To some, she was “too American”; to others, she was “too Armenian.” This constant feeling of not fitting in affected how she viewed her identity and, at times, even made her feel ashamed of her background.
When we first came to our current school, Ferrahian, we were surprised to discover how diverse the Armenian community truly is. We quickly realized that there is no single “right” or “wrong” way to be Armenian. If you are Armenian, then you are Armenian. Our friends come from many different backgrounds, Mexican-Armenian, Lebanese-Armenian, Syrian-Armenian, Greek-Armenian, Iranian-Armenian, and many other unique combinations, yet they all proudly identify as Armenian.
We learned that embracing these diverse identities strengthens our community. If we begin excluding those who are not “fully Armenian,” we create unnecessary divisions within our own nation.
This year, our Hye Tad teacher, Dr. Harut Mgrditchian, whose teaching consistently centers on the importance of unity and the idea of one nation, introduced us to an article by Dr. Razmig Shirinian, a teacher at our school, titled “Diaspora Organism.” In his article, Dr. Shirinian explores the unity, shared culture, and collective identity that bind Armenian communities throughout the Diaspora.
He writes that the Diaspora structure “is a set of internal social relations in which communities…as a whole are interdependent and mutually entangled.” His words remind us that the Armenian Diaspora is not merely a collection of scattered communities, but a living network connected through culture, history, faith, and identity. Though we are separated by continents, dialects, and different life experiences, we remain united by our love for our homeland and our shared heritage.
The phrase “Հայը Հայ Է” (“An Armenian is an Armenian”) carries profound meaning. It reminds us that beyond our differences, we share the same history, culture, faith, and identity.
However, we also wanted to explore a side of this conversation that is rarely discussed openly: the internal divisions that continue to exist within our own communities.
Unfortunately, our shared identity has become subject to unnecessary separation. The divide between Eastern and Western Armenians has become increasingly visible within many Armenian communities. Despite the rich diversity represented at our school, certain social circles and cliques have formed based on long-standing stereotypes and misconceptions.
For example, in predominantly Western Armenian communities, Hayastantsi Armenians are often stereotyped as loud, aggressive, or flashy. While some individuals may fit these descriptions, it is unfair to judge an entire group based on the actions or personalities of a few. Both of our families raised us differently. We were never taught to separate Armenians into “Eastern” or “Western.” We were simply taught that an Armenian is an Armenian. In fact, we were not even aware that such divisions existed until we began attending Ferrahian.
Diana grew up in a family that embraced both Eastern and Western Armenian traditions. She heard and spoke both dialects from an early age, and never once were the differences presented as something important. Discovering that many people viewed these dialects as a source of division came as a complete surprise. She often felt caught between the two groups, unsure of where she was expected to belong. She never wanted to choose one side over the other because, to her, there was never a difference worth choosing.
Stereotypes continue to fuel this divide. Eastern Armenians are sometimes unfairly labeled as “gold diggers,” “fraudsters,” members of “the mafia,” or people who commit insurance fraud. At the same time, some Eastern Armenians stereotype Western Armenians as overly proud or excessively political. None of these assumptions accurately represent entire communities, yet they continue to shape how many Armenians perceive one another.
Language has also become an unfortunate source of division. Some Western Armenians claim they speak the “original” or “real” Armenian and tell Eastern Armenians to speak “proper Armenian.” Comments like these only deepen resentment and create barriers between people who should be supporting one another.
The truth is that there is no such thing as “real Armenian” versus “fake Armenian.” We all speak the Armenian language. While our pronunciation, vocabulary, and dialects may differ, our language remains one. Instead of appreciating these differences as evidence of our rich history, we too often treat them as reasons for separation.
Rather than seeing one another as partners in preserving our heritage, we sometimes view one another as competitors. This mindset weakens our community. If we continue focusing on our differences instead of our shared identity, the strength of the Armenian diaspora will slowly diminish. We must resolve these internal divisions before they become even more deeply rooted.
At the end of the day, no Armenian is “more Armenian” or “less Armenian” than another.
We should strive to embrace the vision that Dr. Shirinian describes. Our differences should not divide us; they should enrich us. Our diaspora is built upon a common purpose and a shared identity. Regardless of where we live, we continue to fight for the same cause and remain connected by the same love for our homeland.
The Armenian Cause, the Hye Tad, belongs to all Armenians. Whether in the Middle East, Europe, North America, South America, or elsewhere, Armenians continue to advocate for justice, preserve our history, and defend our national interests. We celebrate the same holidays, honor the same traditions, cherish the same faith, and pass down the same values from one generation to the next.
So what truly makes us different?
The answer is: very little.
Instead of allowing accents or dialects to divide us, we should unite around the values and heritage that bind us together. By strengthening our unity, we strengthen our ability to preserve our culture, defend our national interests, and ensure that future generations inherit a vibrant Armenian identity.
No Armenian child should ever feel ashamed of who they are, whether they speak Eastern Armenian, Western Armenian, both dialects, or only a few words of Armenian. No one should feel excluded because of where their family comes from or how they speak. Every Armenian deserves to feel accepted within their own community.
Our greatest responsibility is to preserve the foundation built by generations before us. No one else will protect our language, culture, history, and homeland if we fail to do so ourselves.
To proudly chant «Ազատ, Անկախ Հայաստան», we must first overcome the divisions we have created among ourselves. United by our shared faith, history, culture, and love for our homeland, we can continue building a stronger nation, one that has already survived centuries of persecution, displacement, and war.
Because in the end, Armenian is Armenian.
Ani Pogosian
Diana Dichigrikian
Ani Pogosian and Diana Dichigrikian are incoming Seniors at Holy Martyr’s Ferrahian School.