Armenians don’t whine about the genocide, but demand that the situation be brought to light as the U.S. government continues to deny a tragic event in history.
In our remembrance of the genocide, we are always peaceful and grateful that our parents, grandparents and great-grandparents have been able to enjoy the rich blessings of living in the U.S. My grandparents were welcomed to Kingsburg with open arms and succeeded in the farming business. Early Armenian settlers who migrated to the Valley cultivated an identity for themselves that was embedded with American values and ideals but enriched with Armenian culture.
To belittle an ethnic group only reproduces hate and ignorance. America is a melting pot where people’s backgrounds matter. It is important we hear each other’s stories to come to a place to better understand one another.
My Armenian background helps me keep an open mind when hearing about the struggles of others, even when they are from different racial or ethnic groups. Not sharing or caring about the plight of your ancestors deprives your family of the fundamental skills to embrace other’s cultural identity-whether it is laden with tragic or joyful events.
Gardenia Nahigian, Fresno
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