Kim Kardashian: Planning a Trip to Armenia
Armenian-American socialite Kim Kardashian, famous or infamous for a sex video, is planning a trip to Armenia. Responding to criticism that instead of commemorating the Armenian Genocide on April 24 she went to shopping last week, Kardashian writes on her blog that on the evening of April 24, 2008 she and her siblings actually decided to visit Armenia. In Kardashian’s own words:
I read in the comments that some of you thought it was inappropriate for me not to post about the anniversary of Armenian genocide (which took place [during and] just after World War) and that I was being selfish for spending my day shopping instead.
For those of you who don’t already know, I am half Armenian. I do not speak Armenian, but my late father instilled in us a lot of Armenian culture.
Judging by the pictures you have seen on this site and from what the gossip blogs have been saying, I can see why you may have gotten the wrong idea. But that’s what the media put out… They didn’t know I was leaving for Australia [...]
After my day of running errands, I spent the evening with my late father’s side of the family. I went to an Armenian dinner with my family, like we often do. Of course, cameras weren’t there for that — and some things I like to keep private.
But all of the chatter really got me thinking… Do I know as much about my Armenian history as I would like to? The honest answer is… no.
That night at dinner my sisters, brother and I decided it is mandatory that we go to Armenia. None of us have ever been, neither had my dad and neither have my grandparents! My great grandparents were from Armenia and escaped the genocide. No one has been back since. All I know about my country is what I read and pictures I see on the Internet.
My parents couldn’t tell us stories because no one has been! So, this generation is going to change that! We don’t know when we are going to go, but we four kids have decided it is something we should do! I heard it is beautiful and we are all really excited about it!
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Onnik Krikorian on 02 May 2008 at 12:25 am #
Great find. Makes a change from political blogs, that’s for sure.
Dennis R. Papazian on 02 Jun 2008 at 6:01 am #
I wish you a great trip. I am taking my kids for the first time in August, 9 year old girl and 14 year old girl.
My wife has been there twice before.
I have been there more than two or 3 dozen times.
dp
Tanya egl on 01 Aug 2008 at 2:34 am #
you should go to armenia, you’ll definately learn A LOT.
the hovnanian school in nj took the class of ‘08, which is my class to Yerevan, Armenia. We were also there on April 24. I’m sure you’ll like it, you’ll learn a lot too and i know your father would be proud of you guys
Mary on 18 Sep 2008 at 4:22 pm #
Hey Guys,Kim im A great Fan of u and ur sisters and rob hes so hot u should visit armenia its a great countrey myy mom is from there and i talk armenian with mymom hope u learn armenian!!
Ermeni on 17 Feb 2009 at 4:45 pm #
Hello.. The armenian genocide is a big ly. It is not true that 1.5 million armenians were killed. During that time the ammount of armenians in ottoman empire was less then 1.5 million. Did u know that during the first world war 500.000 innocent Turks were killed and slaughthered by armenians. Did u happen to know that the Ottoman Sultan never gave such order to systematicly kill all armenians. and that gouvernors who were involved killing innocent armenians were executed by Ottoman law…..please read and learn.. Don’t let politics make history, but let historians meet and talk about this issue…
Ani on 17 Feb 2009 at 8:10 pm #
It’s not like nobody’s studied and studied and studied it; anyway, I just got this e-mail from Amazon and thought Simon and all would be interested in knowing about this new book. Unfortunately, the price is so stratospheric that few these days will be able to afford it–unfortunate, since it looks quite interesting:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0719078172/ref=pe_5050_11356460_pe_snp_172
Imagining Armenia: Orientalism, Ambiguity and Intervention, 1879-1925 by Joanne Laycock
Imagining Armenia: Orientalism, ambiguity and intervention, 1879-1925″ examines how Armenia and Armenians were portrayed in Britain at a decisive moment in modern history, when diplomats, scholars and humanitarians (here termed Armenophiles) engaged with the past, present and future of Armenia. Joanne Laycock draws on social and cultural theory in order to examine the relationship between representations of Armenia and the political and humanitarian responses to atrocity, genocide and the refugee crisis.This book illustrates how British observers represented the ‘in-between’ position of Armenians and considers the early development of atrocity narratives which related acts of violence and oppression by the Ottomans. It goes on to examine responses to the massacres of the Armenians during the First World War, showing how established images of Armenians were transformed in the wake of this crisis. Laycock then turns to the post-war period when attempts were made to define and establish an independent Armenian nation state in the midst of international efforts to provide for the relief and resettlement of Armenian refugees. The book ends with the long-term implications that British and international ‘abandonment’ of the Armenians had for their subsequent place in public memory. This book will be of interest to scholars of modern British history, Armenian history and wider issues within European studies.
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(Funny to append this to Kim Kardashian, but I guess she “could” actually buy it, and one for every family member as well!)
Mariam on 20 Jun 2009 at 11:25 am #
That’s a great idea! Armenia is beautiful, a real paradise! It was here where the Garden of Eden was. Getting in touch with your roots will be an unforgettable experience for you.
I’m a tourist guide and I own my travel agency. Im glad to assist you in exploring the spirit of Armenia…
Mariam on 20 Jun 2009 at 11:26 am #
My email is mari_ghazarian@yahoo.com
Tel: +374 93469575
Myke Bernabei on 26 Dec 2009 at 3:33 pm #
I’m Italian/Mexican American, fifteen years old, and I’m afraid I know more about Armenia, its language, people, culture, and genocide [denial by the Turks] than she ever will. I’ve cooked up quite an interest for Armenia, I know a few Armenian phrases and words, and can write Armenian beautifully.
You can see a photo of my Armenian handwriting at http://i897.photobucket.com/albums/ac173/MYKESOBE/My%20beautiful%20handwriting/img010.jpg?t=1261826826
By the way, I’ve almost memorized the UDHR in Armenian as if it were a prayer because of the number of times I’ve worked on writing this universal declaration.
As for Kim’s decision, I think she is taking a great step in becoming aware of her culture. Armenia truly is a beautiful place, and she is one of very few Americans of foreign ancestry to take interest in their roots.
And as for Armenia, may Astvats and Kristos always be at your side, to help defend against Moslem Turks and Azeris, both for recognition of the past and of the present. I love Armenia as I do my two ancestral homelands. Almost as if I myself were Armenian. Hayastan forever.