All that makes existence valuable to any one depends on the enforcement of restraints upon the actions of other people.
–John Stuart Mill (On Liberty)

Last week, the French Senate approved a bill that, in effect, makes it a criminal offense to deny the genocide committed by Ottoman Turks against Armenians. Predictable Turkish “outrage” has included threats to recall its Ambassador to France, restrict trade between the nations, and a move to deport Armenian laborers from Turkey. The legislation has also aroused public debate about the freedom of speech and expression as it relates to genocide denial. While the law should be applauded as a milestone in punishing an ongoing genocide, some are misrepresenting it as a violation of a universal right.

The purpose of the law (as stated by the French Senate; translated into English), “aims to punish those who have publicly made an apology for, trivialized, or denied crimes of genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes…or [crimes] recognized by France.”

This bill is written in the same spirit as the Gayssot Act, enacted in France in 1990. The Gayssot Act responded to “revisionism” by individuals who justified their writings by their (perceived) status as historians, who challenged the existence of the Holocaust. To the French government these revisionist arguments constituted a contemporary form of anti-Semitism that warranted a limitation of the freedom of speech in France. The law has since been challenged and upheld, by the United Nations Human Rights Committee, as a necessary restriction of expression “intended to serve the struggle against racism and anti-Semitism.” ¹

The committee’s judgement mentioned Article 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights as justification for upholding the law. Article 19 of the Covenant states that “Everyone shall have the right to hold opinions without interference, and everyone shall have the right to freedom of expression…[however,] the exercise of these rights carries with it special duties and responsibilities [and] may therefore be subject to certain restrictions [which are] provided by law and are necessary for respect of the rights and reputations of others; [and] for the protection of national security or of public order.”

In recognizing the legality of the Gayssot Act, the Human Rights Committee acknowledged the duality of “the freedom of speech and expression” as both a right and a duty. Free speech is only a right as far as it does not infringe on rights of others to be free from assaults on their dignity. Moreover, free speech carries with it the duty to act responsibly and with respect to others and to society as a whole.

These laws highlight differences between European and American value systems and resulting legal responses. While the United States prides itself on being a protector of individual liberties², European countries place a higher onus on the inviolability of human dignity.³ For this reason, denialist speech is not understood to be a right, rather it is seen as an indefensible form of racism.

Regardless of geographic location, it is absurd to think that societies exist today or should exist, which place no boundaries on speech and expression (consider laws that prohibit child pornography, advertising cigarettes to kids, or exposing state secrets). So the question is not whether to place limits, rather the question is where to place the limits.

Even in the United States, considered the bastion of liberty, the concept of free speech has never been absolute. US courts have agreed that not all speech is protected speech. Unlawful speech, under the United States Constitution, includes defamation, perjury, incitement and several other categories.

Unlawful Speech (under the US Constitution)
Defamation: False statements about another person, which causes harm to that person.
Perjury: False statements made during a judicial proceeding while under oath to speak the truth.
Incitement: Speech that is intended to cause an immediate breach of the peace.

To better understand where the limits to speech and expression should be, the question that must be asked is, “Does the speech in question further or hinder our society’s most fundamental values/goals?” While it is said, “truth emerges from the clash of ideas,” governmental intervention is necessitated in many instances.

In American society, we value dignity and aim to protect it from untruths; therefore we punish defamation because it spreads lies, which hurt people’s reputation and honor. We value due process, a truthful historical record and honesty; therefore we punish perjury because false testimony becomes a part of court transcripts that can be used to unjustly convict (or acquit) others. We value peace and lawfulness; therefore we punish incitement because instigating illegal activity is dangerous.

Genocide is understood to be a crime against all of humanity, and it remains society’s obligation to punish it and prevent its recurrence. In order to do so, a strong message must be sent that recognizes historical facts and simultaneously condemns their distortion. This is important, not to “prove” the history to the perpetrators, but to safeguard the education of future generations, and to isolate and discredit the revisionists.

The International Association of Genocide Scholars has stated, “The single best predictor of future genocide is denial of a past genocide coupled with impunity for its perpetrators.” Since denial is the last phase of genocide, Turkey represents a continual threat to Armenia’s national security (not to mention the safety of its minority populations) as an unrepentant human rights violator, and a threat to the international community through its audacious state-sponsored denial campaign and political bullying. Steps, such as those taken by France, should be adopted without cowering to threats of reprisal, implicit⁴ or explicit⁵, from the Turkish government.

The notion that today’s Turkey is organically and voluntarily coming to terms with its past, and should therefore be left to its own devices is dangerously misguided. If not for international condemnation, resulting from decades of global activism, the Armenian genocide would be a non-issue relegated to the annals of history. Moreover, Armenian genocide-related human rights violations continue to this very day in Turkey, from the failure to investigate state culpability in Hrant Dink’s murder, to the arrest of Ragip Zarakolu, to the calls for new deportations. Therefore, it is justifiable and reasonable for the international community to condemn Turkey through their legislative bodies.

External pressure and international isolation have finally led to discussion about the genocide inside of Turkey. However, as long as the government of Turkey continues its current policies, these measures will remain necessary to raise the issue, for the sake of the victims, their descendants, Turkish citizens, and the international community at large.

Notes
1. In 1993 Holocaust-denying “academic” Robert Faurisson challenged the legality of the Gayssot Act. He claimed the law curtailed his right to freedom of expression and academic freedom in general, guaranteed by the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ratified by 67 nations, including France: 1980; Turkey: 2003; Armenia: 1993; United States: 1992). The United Nations Human Rights Committee found that Faurisson was convicted for “violating the rights and reputations of others” and ruled that the Gayssot law was a necessary restriction of his expression “intended to serve the struggle against racism and anti-Semitism.”

2. Seen in the Bill of Rights, most notably in the First Amendment’s protection of free speech and press.

3. Seen in Article 1 of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union; Article 4 of the Declaration of the Rights of Man; Article 1 of The Constitution of Germany

4. Concerning the well-being and safety of the remaining Armenian communities within Turkey today

5. Concerning threats from the Turkish government to severe political ties, trade relations, and military cooperation with countries that condemn the Armenian genocide and its denial

Vaché Thomassian is the Chairperson of the ARF “Shant” Student Association, Editor of Haytoug magazine, and a member of the executive board of the Loyola Law School Armenian Law Students’ Association.

By Raffi Hamparian
In celebration of the 20th anniversary of Armenia’s independence from the Soviet Union on September 20, 2011

This day belongs to Armenian heroes.

To the farmer who feeds our nation.

To the mother who cares for our young.

To the teacher who educates our students.

To the baby who represents our future.

To the worker who builds our roads.

To the freedom fighter who gave us our Independence.

And yes – this day also belongs to you.

Here in America – in this nation– on our July 4th – our independence was born of a fight.

A fight against oppression.  A fight against tyranny.

And a fight FOR the American Dream.

Citizens – from George Washington – to the Minuteman soldier in Massachusetts won independence by risking everything.

Their homes.

Their wealth.

Their social status.

Their families

Their lives.

Armenia’s independence – now 20 years old – will be more brilliant, more genuine, when its leaders govern with this same spirit.

By willing to lose everything – Armenia’s leaders can gain everything for the Nation.

They can achieve – with your support – the Armenian Dream for all Armenians.

Yet – twenty years after Armenia regained its Independence – some have mistaken the meaning of this wonderful Independence Day.

Some have viewed our new found independence as a license, as a freedom:

Freedom to steal.

Freedom to rob.

Freedom to pillage.

Freedom to monopolize.

Freedom to sell out our national cause.

Freedom from the Rule of Law.

We know – here in Los Angeles and in the homeland – that Armenia’s Independence – is fragile.

We also know – in our hearts and in our minds – that twenty years on – Armenia needs a housecleaning.

We need to open our nation’s windows – to let fresh air in.

We need to open our nation’s curtains – to let the sun in.

We need to open our nation’s doors – to let new people in

Here in America we can encourage this housecleaning by declaring this.

Our national Independence – today and forever – belongs not to a few.

Not to the oligarch.

Not to the rich.

Not to the dirty politician.

Armenia’s Independence belongs to you.

Our Independence belongs to the majority – a MORAL MAJORITY in Armenia and in the Diaspora.

A moral majority that is waiting – perhaps too patiently –  for the fruits of Independence.

The freedom born of Independence.

The prosperity born of Independence.

The unity born of Independence.

A moral majority who believe that our Nation’s best days are ahead of us.

A moral majority who want to do good, be good.

This majority is who we are.

This majority is who you are.

This is our destiny.

And the truth is – our Independence will not be fully realized until all the people of Armenia have the right and freedom to pursue their very own Armenian Dream.

And that Armenian Dream will not simply appear one day.

It will not be handed to us. Granted to us. Delivered to us. Assigned to us. Emailed to us, Faxed to us, FedExd to us.

No.

We. Together. United.

With people of good will – of all political persuasions, from all backgrounds, of all ages, rich and poor alike.

We will have to force the spring to achieve the Armenian Dream.

And in so doing – we will honor the heroes of Armenia’s Independence – the farmer, the solider, the teacher, and the mother.

Getseh Azad, Angakh yev Miatsial Haiastan.

And now, a year later, I’m in Armenia once again, this time with the AYF Youth Corps program. While walking up Tumanyan street, I ran into one of the scouts from Armenia that I became friends with last year at the jamboree camp, Karen. It’s difficult and a little cheesy to explain, but I felt such joy in seeing my “yeghbair” once again. After a year of thinking I would only see my friend over facebook, I feel a little ecstatic about this reunification. And none of this wouldn’t happen if it wasn’t for the AYF.

Most people can’t relate to bonds and friendships formed as a result of organizations like the Armenian Youth Federation or Homenetmen, but those who can I think really understand how I feel. Most of the time, it seems these organizations have selfless goals and are based on hard working individuals volunteering their time and resources while expecting little in return other than the satisfaction of contributing to the greater good of their community. I think I now understand that it’s much more than that satisfaction of helping others. It’s relationships formed and new experiences made that are the real rewards for the individual working within these organizations. If it wasn’t for either of these organizations, I would never had these experiences and memories that will last a lifetime.

Shant Mirzaians

The Armenian Weekly

The Armenian Youth Federation (AYF) Tri-Regional Seminar: Most see it as an opportunity to attend a series of lectures and debates, to improve our understanding of current events in Armenia, and to learn the details of our organization’s history. This was exactly what my expectations were. Being from Las Vegas, the “Sosse Mayrig” AYF Chapter sits at a distance from the rest of the Western Region. Hearing of the AYF Tri-Regional Seminar, taking place at Camp Haiastan from June 3-8 in little Franklin, Mass., I could not pass up the opportunity. As a member who loves our organization and is wholly dedicated to the Armenian Cause, I am always eager to learn from ungers of our ranks and to bring this knowledge back to the Las Vegas chapter.

Throughout the week, the 80 attendees from the AYF Western Region, Eastern Region, and Canada participated in a number of educationals. Hovsep Avakian (Eastern Central Committee) and Hayg Oshagan (Bureau) held a discussion regarding the goals and struggles our organization has and will encounter. This lecture opened our eyes to the harsh truth that as Armenians we are a dying race. This is why our generation must choose to stand up and continue fighting for a Free, Independent, and United Armenia. It was during this lecture that I saw the passion in my fellow ungers’ eyes grow stronger as the fight within each one of us continues untouched. It is discussions like these, in our nation and across the globe, where we become “re-motivated” and our enthusiasm for the Armenian Cause grows stronger. And as Hagop Der Khatchadourian (Bureau) reinforced in us, “There is no such thing as a dream that is not realizable.” After all, our previous generation could have never imagined an independent Armenia. With this dream now a reality, we must set our sights towards a new dream.

The attendees also had the privilege to be given a lecture by Antranig Kasbarian (Eastern Central Committee) regarding the ARF, and by Dikran Kaligian (Eastern Central Committee) regarding Turkish-Armenian reparations. Additionally, George Aghjayan (Eastern Central Committee) discussed the assurance of the success of the Armenian Diaspora and Jirair Beujekian (executive director of the ARS) discussed the necessity to work with our sister organizations to aid our country.

The weekend’s youngest lecturer, Raffi Sarkissian (published author and Canada ARS Day School vice principal), proved to us that the time to make a difference is now; our celebrated revolutionaries were our age when they chose to step forward to lead the cause. He instilled in us that it does not matter what we do, as long as we contribute to the Armenian nation. And for us the AYF is our greatest source and outlet to benefit the Armenian communities. Sarkissian’s accomplishments at his young age genuinely inspired and proved to our members that we can find a way to make a difference in our communities doing what we love; for him, it has been literature and education.

The Pyunik Band leads as a great example, as they perform in the U.S. and Canada staying true to their Armenian roots. You may have heard their music and appreciate their passion, but from the members’ interactions at the seminar I felt their enduring dedication to our people, to our nation, and to our cause.

The future of our nation is our choice and is in our hands, the hands of young revolutionaries. We can no longer idly stand around; rather, the time has come to take a stance. On the final day, members participated in a round-table discussion regarding how each region operates, what has proven to work and what does not work, and how to ensure the organization will succeed in the future. On behalf of all the attendees, I can say that we learned greatly from the Tri-Regional Seminar, and have a better understanding of the direction of the AYF as well as our nation.

Clearly, our expectations were met and the goals of the agenda were accomplished. But the critical moments where the Tri-Regional Seminar proudly exceeded any and all expectations was when we were able to relive thehistory of our organization through a tour of the Hairenik Building in Watertown, Mass. We were able to stand in the exact spots where our forefathers established this organization that has added such meaning to our lives. As we laid our eyes on the endless archives and generations of history, we felt the duty we hold to our country, to our fedayis with the same goals in mind, to our ancestors who suffered, and to our lands wrongfully taken from us.

Yes, each of us realized the duties we hold, but seeing that we are not alone in this made the biggest impact on me. As we united in singing revolutionary songs, we guaranteed one another that this is not the end of our path. Our new friendships provided assurance that through each struggle and each fall, we will continue to push each other to always fight for more. We continue to dream of our nation together as one, but for now I am more than satisfied to say that our diaspora has come together, as one.

by William Bairamian

Euphemisms have always played a part in racism. For those disposed toward cowardice, subtle overtures of a perceived enemy have allowed segregationists to convey their message to the like minded without saying what the masses think. This has been happening in Glendale, and throughout the Los Angeles area, for at least a decade, and now it has come to a silent fever pitch.

Last week, Zanku Armenian artfully examined the state of politics in the City of Glendale. This week, his observations were put on public display. In the Crescenta Valley Weekly, John Drayman, who is running for re-election to the Glendale City Council, attests that “On April 5^th some are hoping that you won’t vote”. Wait, I’ve heard that somewhere before.

I wonder, are these the same people that Mr. Drayman’s supporter, Gerri Cragnotti, a popular Glendale real estate agent, was referring to when she sent out an invitation for select Glendalians to come meet Mr. Drayman and Dave Weaver, another council candidate, at her home? That message read, “Maybe certain special interest groups, groups that win by absentee ballots, may not want you to go to the polls to vote on Tuesday April 5?”

Cloaked in ambiguity and doublespeak, the messages don’t arouse suspicion to the casual onlooker but to their constituents, they serve as an effective fear mongering tactic to suggest that there is some Armenian conspiracy that non-Armenians do not vote.

There are few, if any, “special interest groups” that are more engaged in the empowerment of voters in the Glendale area than the Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA). And, because a part of the ANCA’s voter registration efforts aim to help elderly, incapacitated voters, these individuals are registered, and vote, by absentee ballots, primarily because they cannot go to the polls because of their disabilities. This has been shamefully twisted into an ironic rallying cry that “special interest groups”, like the ANCA, who has registered thousands of new voters, are interested in people not showing up to the polls.

But Ms. Cragnotti was right. There are people in the city that do not want their fellow citizens to vote and their names are John Drayman, Dave Weaver, and Frank Quintero.

In 2008, these three members on the City Council voted for an ordinance that effectively made it more difficult for non-English speaking (which, in Glendale, means Armenian) voters to apply to vote absentee.

The effects of this measure were real. In 2007, the percentage of Armenians in Glendale that voted by absentee ballot was 70%. In 2009, after the measure was passed, that number fell to 62%. The three councilmen who voted for passage of this measure, Messrs. Weaver, Drayman, and Quintero, certainly achieved their objective of temporarily lessening the strength of the most powerful voting group in our fair city.

For all the bemoaning of the complaints against him, Mr. Drayman has curiously taken to projecting his troubles unto others – when he’s not curbing voter access, that is. He has made tacit suggestions, in meetings like the one at Ms. Cragnotti’s home, that Ardy Kassakhian, the City Clerk of Glendale, possibly the most upstanding of all Glendale city officials, has been remiss in his duties, with nary a factoid to support his hyperbolic discharge.

It might come as a surprise, then, that while he’s taking shots at Mr. Kassakhian in both public and private, Mr. Drayman is under investigation for criminal activity. It is he, after all, who was cited in the Los Angeles Times, as having work done on his condo by not one, but six, subcontractors for a firm that defrauded the City of Glendale out of millions of dollars.

This is not even something that Mr. Drayman rejects. He simply says that he did not know. It must have been, then, the merest of coincidences that six different subcontractors, all of whom were associated to a company whose services he had dedicated millions of taxpayer dollars to, were the same six doing renovations on his condominium.

Mr. Drayman is adept at deflecting any exposure of his transgressions. Either by trying to focus the attention on someone else by making baseless claims or by smugly ridiculing allegations against him as though they were incredulous. Well, one can only claim for so long that their character precludes them from such misdemeanors while establishing a steady track record of them.

All this ruckus simply underscores the success of the Armenian-American community in becoming politically engaged and active – they vote in higher numbers than any other group in Glendale. But for some reason, cynical people like John Drayman, Dave Weaver, and Gerri Cragnotti, have a problem with this. They have a problem with (certain) Americans exercising their right to vote. They have some inexplicable problem with the same people whom they underhandedly defame. They have created a false conspiracy to serve their own interests.

April 5 is Election Day. Some people don’t want you to vote – and some of those people are running for re-election to another four year term. It takes five minutes to vote. Should the Armenian-American community have to take another four years of attempts to marginalize and disparage them? You decide.

In the below clip, economist and ARF Parliamentarian, Ara Nranyan, discusses the disastrous neoliberal economic prescriptions of successive governments in Yerevan that have pushed down wages and working conditions, forcing Armenians to look for better opportunities abroad.

Racing to the bottom will only leave you in last place.

Until the privation and financial hardship caused by unbridled capitalism is not checked, we can expect more people leaving the homeland. Until the current conditions are not reformed and the root causes of inequality are not erased, no patriotic speech or sermon will stop the flight of our people toward more opportune shores. Striving for decent living and working conditions is a natural trait of all humans.

The key is not to scold those who have left but to create those conditions which will have them return.

It is no secret that the year 2010 was one of scandal and controversy surrounding incidents of abuse in the Armenian army. A spate of hazings, assaults, and non-combat violence in both Armenia and Artsakh were reported on heavily in the media.

Such occurrences are cause for concern for any conscientious and patriotic Armenian. Not only is it a national tragedy anytime an Armenian soldier, for any reason, is wounded or killed but these developments have also raised the specter of disillusionment toward the country’s military institutions among segments of the Armenian public.

Unfortunately, an incompetent administration in Yerevan has failed to root out these problems adequately. At the end of the day, it is the state which is responsible for the condition of its soldiers. Rather than a few marginal punishments of officers and a penchant toward military celebrations, the fundamental reforms and atmosphere needed to prevent such misdeeds from ever occurring seem to be lacking.

In this context, it is incumbent upon us, the Armenian people, to stand with the men fortified on the frontlines for the protection and security of our homeland. We must reinforce and strengthen the Republic of Armenia’s army by lending every means of support at our disposal.

Coupled with this is the need to reaffirm our sense of unity in regards to the armed forces, while at the same time calling for a truly democratic, people’s army in Armenia; an army which unites both soldiers and society around the concept of moral virtue and sacrifice for the homeland; an army which holds its figures accountable and does not tolerate any form of abuse; an army which stresses sacrificing for the nation above all other values; and an army which strives to empower its soldiers around a true sense of brotherhood and leading by example, consciously imparting the heroic traditions of our history (such as the liberation struggle of Artsakh) as the guiding light of its character.

It is the obligation of all Armenians to ensure the well-being and high morale of our soldiers. We must internalize the true spirit of solidarity required in those critical junctures of battle and secure it for all seasons.

2011 must be the year of ensuring our nation’s security. The creation of an impenetrable harmony among army and nation is a critical component toward this end.

The event, hosted by the Armenian Youth Federation, will feature new songs from Hakhverdyan’s upcoming double disk album, performed alongside a new band.

The event is set to begin at 7:00pm, with doors opening at 6:00pm. The Orpheum is located at at 842 S Broadway Los Angeles, CA 90014. Tickets are on sale for: $40, $65, $100.

For additional information, call:  (818) 507-1933, email: info@rubenlive.com or visit: http://rubenlive.com

Tickets can be purchased from Ticketmaster.com by clicking here.

BY ARIS HOVASAPIAN

“Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity.”
– Seneca, Roman philosopher and statesman, 1st Century AD

Last week, the Armenian Youth Federation (AYF) took the opportunity to initiate a campaign to expose a newly signed endorsement deal for Kobe Bryant to promote Turkish Airlines in the global market. The AYF expressed its disappointment with Kobe and has publicly asked him to back out of the deal due to Turkish Airlines’ strong association with the Turkish government (the government holds a 49% ownership stake in the airline). That Kobe practices his craft in a market that is home to the largest Armenian population of the United States should serve as even more evidence that his public relations team failed him spectacularly in allowing the Turkish Airlines deal to materialize.

Due to the organization’s meticulous preparation for just such an event, the AYF was able to gain a great deal of local and national media attention as a result of this effort. There was television coverage on nearly all the Los Angeles TV stations. There was print and web coverage from USA Today, CNN, UPI, Los Angeles Times, Sports Illustrated, ESPN, Huffington Post, LAWeekly, and other news outlets.

Despite Kobe’s popularity both locally and nationally, all media coverage of the “Kobe controversy” has treated the AYF and AYF’s claims with full legitimacy, almost always mentioning genocide recognition efforts. Some media were even sympathetic to the AYF campaign, with LAWeekly’s Dennis Romero going so far as to demand that Kobe fire whomever allowed him to make this deal.

Some reactions of a segment of the general population, including those of some Armenian-Americans, have not been so sympathetic to the campaign. Several reasons and rationalizations have been conjured, on message boards, Facebook, Twitter, and any other public forum, to justify these contrarians’ dissatisfaction with the AYF’s tactics on this issue.

Are these criticisms valid, and has the AYF overreached with targeting a professional athlete in genocide recognition efforts? Or is it fair to ask a public figure to be sensitive to the feelings of a notable portion of his market?

A proper answer to these questions call for a full examination of the validity of the arguments cited in opposition to the AYF’s campaign (in ascending order of veracity):

AYF or Armavia should have paid Kobe more.

Do people honestly believe that the AYF has the cash reserves to outbid an international airline? Wouldn’t Armavia prefer to upgrade their fleet if they had the disposable income?

Where was the outrage when: Allen Iverson signed to play in Turkey, Michael Vick was caught in a dog-fighting ring, Kobe Bryant was accused of sexual assault, etc.

Many have been asking why the AYF is upset over Kobe’s current deal but hasn’t said much about past transgressions of professional athletes or celebrities. This is truly one of the sillier criticisms of the AYF’s campaign. Surely any human being would be upset by a behavior that victimizes another, but an organization sticks to its own issues, and speaks out about situations that affect those issues.

When Allen Iverson signed to play on a Turkish club, the AYF did not publicize this matter because it happened in Turkey and because Iverson was past his prime and had lost most of his appeal and legitimacy in the United States. Iverson also never played in any market with a significant Armenian population.

The AYF does not expect PETA or ASPCA to speak out about genocide recognition efforts in Congress, and the AYF was not expected to speak out about animal welfare in the wake of Michael Vick’s conviction for dog-fighting.

The AYF also had no reason to speak out about Bryant’s previous legal troubles in Colorado because they had no connection whatsoever to the AYF’s agenda.

Celebrities and athletes get into trouble all the time, and it is unreasonable to ask an Armenian-American organization why they were silent about all those instances. The reason that that organization is not silent now is because a situation has arisen that affects the policies of said organization.

Kobe is not Armenian, this issue doesn’t matter to him.

Indeed, Kobe is not Armenian. However, the issue of genocide recognition is a human issue, and not just an Armenian issue. Most have forgotten what they mean when they say that the Armenian Genocide was a “crime against humanity.” Kobe’s background did not prevent him from speaking out against the genocide in Darfur in May 2008.

Simply put, one’s ethnic background has nothing to do with recognition of the Armenian Genocide; one’s ethnic background also does not matter when it comes to doing business with a government that has a long, illustrious, and on-going record of human rights abuses.

Kobe made a business decision, so what if Armenians are upset?

Public figures, including celebrities, must be sensitive to the needs and wants of their market. Kobe’s market is truly global, but as a result of his playing for the Lakers, he is identified with Los Angeles, a polyglot city that includes the largest population of Armenians outside Armenia. There are certainly many Armenian-Americans that purchase tickets to see the Lakers play, and there are even more that watch games from home or purchase Lakers merchandise.

A true business decision must take into account all factors, including those that don’t have dollar signs in front of them. As a result of Kobe’s endorsement deal, Kobe’s name is now associated with a government that is a denier of history and an abuser of human rights.

Kobe was certainly living comfortably prior to this deal, and had he known of the reaction that would follow, he certainly would have chosen to leave the money on the table, especially considering how hard he has worked to rehabilitate his image since the sexual assault allegations in Colorado.

Armenians should clean up their own shop first.

Some critics of the AYF’s handling of the Kobe situation have charged that the time and energy would be better spent in convincing Armenian grocery stores to refrain from stocking Turkish goods. Interestingly, the AYF has promoted just such a campaign for several years, with middling success; it is difficult to convince people to change their behavior without providing a proper incentive, and the AYF’s only incentive in the case of Turkish grocery products is guilt. It is also an amorphous policy that cannot be filtered down to a single item or person, in stark contrast to the Kobe-Turkish Airlines pact.

A policy boycotting Turkish products in Armenian grocery stores could never possibly get as much media attention as the Kobe situation has already gotten. The issue regarding Turkish grocery products is simply not newsworthy in any type of mainstream media. For this reason alone, it is clear that the AYF was right in concentrating efforts onto the Kobe situation. Simply put, that decision garnered more media attention in a few days than anything else the AYF has done in the last several years.

AYF should focus its efforts to reform the government in Armenia.

The AYF’s resources are finite and local. It would be exceedingly difficult for a grassroots youth organization to have any kind of effect on a government halfway around the world. However, it is much easier for this organization to affect policies and decisions locally. There are countless individuals that would like to bring reform to the Armenian government, and surely to other governments around the world, but this is impossible to accomplish from outside. Thus, those that live in the United States, or in Los Angeles, can only take on tasks that are within reach. The Kobe-Turkish Airlines deal is an international issue that can most certainly be affected on a local level due to Kobe’s presence in the Los Angeles region.

Don’t exploit the deaths of my ancestors for a public relations stunt.

This line of thought is truly confusing. The AYF organizes an annual protest at the Turkish Consulate every April 24, and one of the aims of this protest is to gain media attention and expose the issue to those that are not familiar with it. One could easily make the argument that the protest is an exploitation of genocide victims. However, the Armenian community is facing off against a government in this struggle, and we have often put aside our feelings in favor of pragmatism. We have not the luxury to pick and choose the times when we become emotional about the suffering endured by our forebears, for in so doing we would undoubtedly fall behind in our fight to extract justice for their unnecessary deaths.

Having explored all these criticisms, it becomes clear AYF’s decision to target Kobe Bryant was not only right, but also smart. Kobe Bryant is one of the most recognizable faces on Earth, playing the second-most popular sport on the planet, in the media and entertainment capital of the world. He is a proven winner and an individual who has faced adversity and rehabilitated his image in a way that few could have imagined. The media attention that this campaign has gained is clearly a function of Kobe’s popularity. It simply would have been foolish for the AYF to let this go.

Kobe presented a clear opportunity for the AYF to push its agenda forward by mobilizing a base of already prepared grassroots activists. It is a true credit to the AYF that they were able to gain so much steady and positive media attention in so little time. However, it is equally disappointing that some of the harshest critics of this campaign are Armenian-Americans who typically align themselves with the AYF and its sister organizations.

It is easy to sit at a keyboard and anonymously criticize this effort, but one should find it difficult to look past the results: generous and fair media coverage, exposure of Turkey’s human rights abuses, mentions of the Armenian Genocide in the press, and thousands of comments and conversations, both positive and negative. By these measures alone, this has been a success. Even those that criticize this effort are, in a way, supporting it, for by mere mention of it, there is an intrinsic understanding that the AYF has done something creative and meaningful. Is that not what must be demanded of all grassroots organizations?

While Kobe has so far remained silent about this issue, Turkish Airlines has issued a response that is very much in line with the way that Turkish government and their allies in Congress portray this history. “Kobe Bryant is a cultural figure, not a historian, and is in no way related to a sensitive and complex controversy over highly contested history.” This canned response from Turkish Airlines proves without a doubt that the AYF’s campaign has gotten the Turkish government to become sensitive to this issue.

Kobe Bryant did not negotiate his deal with Turkish Airlines; he has an agent that takes care of these matters. His agent’s office typically handles all his contracts and business dealings. This same agent would also be advising Kobe about public relations gaffes (he has experience with this) and about when to cancel an endorsement deal to save face. Those who want to contact Bryant’s agent should call Landmark Sports Agency at (310) 966-4101 and leave messages for Bryant’s agent Rob Pelinka.

“Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity.” The AYF was prepared and Kobe Bryant presented the opportunity.

EDITOR’S NOTE:
Aris Hovasapian has a degree in Political Science from UCLA and currently works in energy and utilities. He is an alumnus of the AYF but is not currently a member of any Armenian organization.

TORONTO, On.–Kobe Bryant faced demonstrations on Sunday as members of the Canadian-Armenian community took to the streets of Toronto ahead of a Lakers-Raptors game to protest the NBA star’s recent deal with Turkey’s national airline carrier, the Armenian Youth Federation of Toronto reported.

The protest began at 11 a.m. at the York Street entrance of The Air Canada Centre, with participants holding large banners reading the words “Kobe: Do the Right Thing,” as well as several other signs pointing to Turkey’s gross record on human rights.

“Kobe’s recent agreement with Turkish Airlines, 49% of which is owned by the Republic of Turkey, has tremendously upset Armenians and stands in stark contrast to public statements he has made calling for an end to the Genocide in Darfur,” said Rupen Janbazian of the Toronto AYF. “Turkey’s long list of human rights violations, including the ongoing denial of the Armenian Genocide, restrictions of free speech and expression, and its continued support of the genocidal government of Sudan, prove that this deal seriously damages Kobe’s reputation.”

If Bryant follows through on his deal to serve as the “Global Brand Ambassador” for Turkish Airlines, he will always come to be associated with the violence, oppression, occupation and genocide denial of the Turkish government.

The deal with Turkish Airlines has caused an uproar in the Armenian community in North America, especially within Southern California, which boasts the largest population of Armenians outside of Armenia with 600,000 Armenians.

“Toronto’s large Armenian community is likewise upset and we kept the pressure on Bryant during his visit to Canada, asking him to rescind his contract and make a statement separating himself from the actions of the government of Turkey, especially when the Armenian Genocide Resolution (H.Res.252) is being put to vote by the United States Congress,” Janbazian said.

The demonstration comes after a week of growing grass-roots and media pressure on Bryant to reverse his deal and acknowledge the Armenian Genocide. ESPN.com, NBA.com, LATimes.com, Bloomberg.com, and CBS 2 News and ABC 7 News, are among the dozens of news outlets, blogs, television stations and websites reporting on the developing issue.

As the controversy continues to spread throughout, other Armenian communities across the continent are sure to become more vocal in demanding a public statement from Bryant, who told a reporter after a Lakers game against the Philadelphia 76ers that he was unaware of the issue altogether.

As victims of genocide at the hands of the Ottoman Turkish government from 1915-1923, Armenians are angered that Bryant would sign a contract with a country that denies justice to the victims.

“For Armenians in Canada and the United States, Kobe’s contract with Turkish Airlines is like jet fuel on the fire of Turkey’s genocide denial,” said Aram Hamparian, the Executive Director of the Armenian National Committee of America in a statement published on the ANCA website Friday.

“We are hopeful that Kobe, in selling his brand, hasn’t also sold his soul by agreeing to remain silent about Turkey’s human rights abuses,” Hamparian said.  “He should reconsider his ill-advised endorsement of Turkish Airlines, and, at the very least, go on record condemning Turkey’s denial of the Armenian Genocide and calling upon our Congress to pass of the Armenian Genocide Resolution (H.Res.252).”

The Kobe controversy also comes as American and anti-genocide activists across the United States continue to mobilize in support of a possible vote on the Armenian Genocide Resolution, H.Res.252, in the final days of the Congressional session, the ANCA reported on its website.

Armenian Americans hope that Kobe would balance what clearly looks to be a profitable business deal with a strong moral statement against Turkey’s violations of human rights, including, of course, its ongoing denial of the Armenian Genocide.

The Armenian Youth Federation urges Bryant “to stay true to his loyal fan base and rescind his contract with Turkish Airlines.” The AYF further asked Bryant “to put out an official statement affirming his commitment to ending human rights abuses and voicing his support for House Resolution 252, calling on the United States Congress to properly recognize the Armenian Genocide.”

Founded in 1933, the Armenian Youth Federation is the largest and most influential Armenian American youth organization in the United States. With chapters throughout the country and affiliates around the world, the AYF actively strives to advance the social, political, educational and cultural awareness of Armenian-American youth.

_____
For more information on the developing story,  follow the AYF on Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube.