The Psychology of 100

It is a sad commentary on our society that serious and worthy Genocide scholars are not able to bring their message to a mass audience, but a lowbrow program can.

It is also empowering that events commemorating the anniversary of these horrific events are spread throughout the year, so that post-April 24, the issue is not forgotten. For example, major commemorative programs are scheduled to take place in Washington in May, including a joint mass at the National Cathedral.

A century is a time span that gives us enough distance to have even better perspective on the events. The mind-numbing acts of violence, the sheer and enthusiastic brutality against those least capable of defending themselves has been captured this year in dozens of books that pay homage to the spirit of survival that many of those carried. Films, music and various other art forms have recorded for posterity our people’s collective pain.

The Armenian Diaspora has come a long way. From those haunting images of women and children with distended bellies, dying in front of us, to beheaded men, we have become success stories across the world. Unfortunately, it seems much of our success is individual rather than collective, yet those days are clearly behind us.

Should it matter to us if Turkey or the US does not recognize the Armenian Genocide? Yes and no. What matters is that we are bringing the truth to more and more people — sources that can spread the word.

And what happens in April 2016? Let’s hope that the energetic spirit of so many young people, Armenians and non-Armenians, will endure. Is it possible that Turkey will recognize the Genocide? It is highly unlikely, since with acceptance comes consequences. While getting back any of the Armenian lands may be almost impossible, Armenian families can file suits against the government and certain families for usurping their wealth after they were forcibly deported. After all, the wealth that the Armenians left behind in Turkey is equivalent to trillions in today’s dollars.