1981_09 Hye Sharzhoom Newspaper September 1981

              Page 3
Hye Sharzhoom
September, 1981
Convention, from page 1
Not everything at the convention, however, emerged in crystal clear
fashion. While we should look favorably upon this type of gathering, which
brought together young Armenians with a variety of backgrounds and convictions, there occurred an inevitable communication breakdown. I believe
the convention also served, at times, to highlight the schism between American-born and non-American-born Armenians, particularly concerning how
one evaluates the subject of terrorism. Emotions ran high and the unintentional tendency was to sidestep the provided question topic and argue over
theory rather than substance. This is by no means harmful, but if future
conventions are to accomplish their goals, there should be more structured
discussion.
The Resolutions
There exists a silent debate within the national Armenian community concerning the implications of official minority status for Armenians in this
country. On one hand, it is argued that the establishment of Armenians as
an official minority in the United States would provide our people with more
opportunities in the fields of education and employment. One may also argue
that minority classification opens the door to greater federal and state grants
for cultural enhancement and other benefits.
One the other hand, there are those who would argue that minority status
for Armenians would be a "step backward." Minority status, as it is argued
in this sense, represents a degrading of the social status many Armenians
feel they've achieved.
Students at the convention addressed this question of minority status with
perserverence. There emerged a concurrence among the students, who felt
that Armenians have been affected by the forces of assimilation. It was
further concluded that Armenians should "seek to remain separate from the
American mainstream." Yet there was almost unanimous agreement that
legal minority status for Armenians would not preserve the distinct identity
of the Armenian-American community.
During discussion of this subject I sensed a certain amount of pride in
those who felt minority status could not favor the Armenians in this country.
Perhaps it's the label of "minority" which dissuades a more serious look into
this issue. By no means does the future of the Armenians in the U.S. depend
on whether or not minority status is instituted. But it appears to be an issue
that excites little discussion. Nevertheless, while recognizing themselves as
a "distinct ethnic entity," the students resolved that they "should not press
government officials for legal minority status."
The students also confronted the topic, "Armenian intellectual life at
American universities." It was perhaps one of the areas in which the students made their strongest point. A majority felt their views were "not
currently incorporated into the programs of existing Armenian organizations." This appears to be a direct message from the students to Armenian
organizations—a message in which the students are calling for more input
into Armenian organizational decision-making. The intellectual prowess of
our youth is high, as demonstrated by the spectrum of viewpoints discussed
at the recent convention. The students are, in effect, saying, "We have some
ideas too, take us more seriously!"
The university Armenian student displays a keen awareness of contemporary Armenian issues. He/she is both well-informed and articulate.
Therefore, it came as no surprise that incorporated into one of the resolutions
was a call upon existing (and future) Armenian Studies programs to address
current Armenian issues. So one can argue that the excuse of there being a
"lack of interest" among Armenian students on university campuses is invalid. Armenian Studies programs cannot ignore this plea and indeed, are
obliged to reflect the interest of the university Armenian student as exemplified at the recent convention.
While there emerged no resolution on the topic, "Armenians in American
politics," some interesting observations can be made. The students demonstrated their basic confidence in the American political system and how
Armenians can benefit from working through the system. The students also
Fall 1981
ARMENIAN STUDIES
PROGRAM
ARM S1A (4) Elementary Armenian, 1510-1600 MWThF (MWF—AG232,
Th—SS109), Staff: Students will be able to read, speak, and write basic
Armenian after a semester. Credit by examination is offered during the
first four weeks to advanced speakers.
HIST 108A (3) Armenian History, 1310-1400 MWF-GW131, Dr. Dickran
Kouymjian: Survey of Armenia' s past from pre-history to the middle ages
with emphasis on Urartu, kingdom of Dickran the Great, conversion to
Christianity, Arab domination, and Seljuk Turk invasions.
ARM S 050T (3) Saroyan-Theater & Films, 1910-2200 Th-LS169, Dr.
Dickran Kouymjian: Discussion and analyses of the theater and films of
William Saroyan.
ARM S 120T* (1) Armenians in Fresno, 0830-1600 S-CA101, Dr. Dickran Kouymjian: The early settlements of Armenians in Fresno County
from the 1880's to the present. This course will be offered in conjunction
with the community-wide centennial celebration of Armenians' first
arrival in Fresno.
ARM S 120T** (1) Armenian History and Architecture, 0830-1600
S—AH209, Dr. Dickran Kouymjian: General view of the history and
development of the church buildings in Armenian architecture from the
4th to the 17th centuries. This Saturday course will discuss and observe
the major Armenian Architecture exhibit from Milan, Italy, concurrently
on exhibit in the Conley Art building during the month of October.
ARM S 123 (3) Armenian Architecture, 0945-1100 TTh-LS175, Dr.
Dickran Kouymjian: History and development of the church building in
Armenian architecture, the first national architecture in the history of
Christianity. There will be a survey of monuments from the 4th to the 17th
centuries. This course will deal actively with the major Armenian architecture exhibit from Milan, Italy, concurrently on exhibit in the Conley
Art building during the month of October.
* This class meets two Saturdays only, on October 17 and 24.
* -A-This class meets two Saturdays only, on November 14 and 21.
V s
felt that the international "Armenian Cause" can be advanced in the American political arena and that the American-Armenian community can reap
direct rewards from involvement in the American political process.
Here, I sensed a sincere desire among the youth to involve themselves in
the political process—something that has been lacking in this country for
several years. However, the students did acknowledge an unfortunate disunity between Armenian political parties, which a majority of students
felt, "have not adequately served the Armenian people."
see Convention, page 10
Above left:  Bill Erysian serves as moderator for a discussion group; center, George Shaw of Davis reads a proposed resolution; right, Jack Zarkarian addresses the
convention delegates.