The prime minister says that the highest authority of Azerbaijan is formulating Armenia as “Western Azerbaijan”, and along with that they are forcing the masses to rejoice. Vahe Hovhannisyan, a member of the “Alternative Projects” group, wrote about this on his Facebook page.
“Forced joy, forced holiday is one of the forms of mass violence, characteristic of totalitarian-degenerate geshe regimes. Along with the intense alienation of Yerevan, our sisters and brothers of Artsakh are still in funerals, funerals, seven-and-a-half days, every day there is a new confirmation of DNA and a new tragedy.
We don’t even manage to understand what we have lost, what will happen, how it will happen. We celebrate in these conditions.
Such a thing happened in concentration camps.
The prime minister of your country says that the highest power of Azerbaijan is formulating Armenia as “Western Azerbaijan”, and along with that they are forcing the masses to rejoice.
Sometimes there is an impression that the evolution in Armenia is going in the opposite direction. we turn from human to animal.
What do the systems, teams, educated layers working under Nicole’s picture think, who pledged their conscience and brain to Nicole? It’s really a shame. We have people in Baku prisons, many prisoners. The government constantly convinces that this is normal with all its channels and media manipulative system.
Actually, the Armenian people are not happy. He didn’t even understand what he was feeling. He did not manage to digest what happened to him. Joy is forced upon him.
The government is trying to create a “new normal” after all the tragedies. war is normal, defeat is normal, thousands of victims are normal, blockade is normal, loss of Artsakh is normal.
For 3-4 years, the Armenian society has been forced to live in animalistic conditions, in an atmosphere not characteristic of humans. The outcome of this may be unpredictable.
In the endless tragedy after 2020, the Church and its many servants have taken on the role of various state and public institutions to alleviate grief, give hope and strength to survive. Different public groups and individuals spontaneously did the same, becoming self-help groups, which became active again during the new tragedy in Artsakh.
If something healthy is still preserved in our society, then maybe it is also thanks to it. But these are temporary, mechanical plasters.
Now is the time for public systems (including political ones) to start a healthy dialogue with their own people to restore the qualities of human society, first of all, coexistence and dignity.
It may be possible to impose “visual joy” on the society with a state car, but we should be afraid of the tendency that the society has already stopped feeling anything due to the extent of the disaster. This is really scary,” Hovhanisyan wrote.
(function(d, s, id) {
var js, fjs = d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0];
if (d.getElementById(id)) return;
js = d.createElement(s); js.id = id;
js.src = “//connect.facebook.net/ru_RU/sdk.js#xfbml=1&version=v2.6&appId=403315783090535”;
fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js, fjs);
}(document, ‘script’, ‘facebook-jssdk’));(function(d, s, id) {
var js, fjs = d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0];
if (d.getElementById(id)) return;
js = d.createElement(s); js.id = id;
js.src = “//connect.facebook.net/en_US/all.js#xfbml=1&appId=429534133762584”;
fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js, fjs);
}(document, ‘script’, ‘facebook-jssdk’));
Interview between Time.news Editor and Vahe Hovhannisyan, Expert in Armenian Political Dynamics
Editor: Thank you for joining us today, Vahe. Your recent post on social media has sparked significant discussion about the current state of Armenia and its treatment by the Azerbaijani government. Could you elaborate on your thoughts regarding the Prime Minister’s claim that Azerbaijan is framing Armenia as “Western Azerbaijan”?
Hovhannisyan: Thank you for having me. The Prime Minister’s statements are concerning. They indicate an attempt to reshape our national identity and narrative in a way that diminishes Armenia’s sovereignty and historical significance. By labeling Armenia as “Western Azerbaijan,” it feels like a form of psychological warfare aimed at undermining the very essence of our existence. This forced rebranding can lead to a broader acceptance of policies that disregard our heritage and rights.
Editor: You describe the idea of “forced joy” in your critique. Could you explain what you mean by that and how it relates to the current atmosphere in Armenian society?
Hovhannisyan: “Forced joy” refers to the government’s attempts to impose a facade of happiness and celebration while the nation is grieving and suffering. It’s a disturbing tactic, reminiscent of totalitarian regimes, which often create a false narrative of contentment among their people. We are witnessing this phenomenon as our citizens are expected to celebrate victories that feel hollow against the backdrop of mourning, loss, and trauma. Many people are still processing the devastating effects of war and the ongoing challenges faced by our brothers and sisters in Artsakh.
Editor: You also mentioned a parallel between current societal conditions in Armenia and those found in concentration camps. That’s a strong comparison. Can you expand on this analogy?
Hovhannisyan: The conditions we are facing are not just about military defeat; they are about psychological degradation. When you’re in an environment where grief is normalized, and human suffering is downplayed or ignored, it can lead to a dehumanizing experience. In concentration camps, individuals were forced to suppress their emotions and create a semblance of normalcy amidst horror; we are facing a different but parallel situation where our pain is politically exploited, and genuine emotions are stifled by propaganda.
Editor: You referred to the government creating a “new normal” after tragedies. What does this new normal look like for the Armenian people?
Hovhannisyan: The ”new normal” being established is distressing. It promotes the idea that war, loss, and suffering are expected elements of life. This narrative can lead to a dangerous acceptance of violence and oppression as simply part of the landscape. For instance, the ongoing blockade, the exclusion of many from their rights, and the loss of Artsakh have been framed as normal occurrences. Such a mindset, if it takes root, could lead to a resignation among the populace, hindering any potential for recovery or resistance.
Editor: There is also the mention of the Church’s role within this dynamic. What impact do you believe the Church and its advocates can have in these circumstances?
Hovhannisyan: The Church has historically played a pivotal role in Armenian society, providing moral guidance and a sense of community, especially during tough times. However, in the aftermath of 2020, there has been a sense of disillusionment among many regarding the Church’s response to the sociopolitical crises. If the Church can stand firm against the narrative of forced joy and instead champion authentic solidarity, healing, and understanding, it could help guide the nation in recalibrating its collective identity and emotional state.
Editor: What would you suggest as the necessary steps for Armenian society to reclaim its narrative and emotional authenticity moving forward?
Hovhannisyan: First, we need open dialogues about grief and trauma. Society must acknowledge its pain rather than suppress it under false celebratory manifestations. Second, we should foster a culture of critical thinking that can resist manipulation. Educating the populace on historical truths, current realities, and the importance of sovereignty is vital. empathy and unity among Armenians, both within the country and in the diaspora, are crucial in nurturing a collective healing process.
Editor: Thank you for your insights, Vahe. This conversation sheds light on the complex dynamics at play in Armenia today. We appreciate your time and perspective.
Hovhannisyan: Thank you for the opportunity to discuss these critical issues. It is essential for us to keep the dialogue going.