Analyses
Examining the elements and making connections
Photo credit: Norayr Kasper, "I Will Talk to You About Time." Fotoistanbul 2015.Join our community and receive regular updates!
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Ring in the New Year and Armenian Christmas with our holiday playlist!
As we enter the nameless hump period between (Western) Christmas and New Year’s Eve, one may feel a sense of restlessness. But do not cry or pout! Santa Claus may have left town, but Kaghand Papa/Gaghant Baba/Dzmer Papik (Armenian Santa Claus) is on his way for New Year's Eve and Armenian Christmas (Jan. 6). To gear up for the impending festivities, why not keep the holiday cheer rolling with some sweet tunes? Check out our New Year’s Eve playlist!
From Western Armenia to New England: De-mythifying Indigenous stories of ‘Thanksgiving’
When you think of Thanksgiving, what comes to mind? The holy trinity of this holiday (food, football, and family) is as American as Mickey Mouse and the Apple logo. But underneath the sweet casserole scents and drowsy poultry meat belies a dark history. Read on to see why we, Armenian-Americans, should reconsider the way we approach this “holiday."
Top 10 ways to celebrate Thanksgiving—Armenian style!
From ghapama to telethons, Armenian Americans have very specific and distinct Thanksgiving traditions. How do you and your family celebrate this American holiday? Check out our Armenian Thanksgiving Guide (in two parts) and let us know how many points you tallied up!
POM at 14: Looking back at the festival’s brightest moments
Since 2006, the Pomegranate Film Festival has offered audiences a spectacular array of films and unique programing. Like its fruity namesake, the pomegranate, this film festival is fresh, dynamic, and prolific. Longtime POM committee member Roubina Shnorokian takes a look back at the last 14 years of POM in this h-pem exclusive highlight reel!
An Irish lesson on my Armenian identity
Language has always played a major component in our cultural identity as Armenians. But what do other communities have to say about this topic? We reflect on the experiences of the largest American ethnic group—the Irish—and, in doing so, find the commonalities in their struggle and the universal lessons we can take away from history
What’s in a 'hye'-phenated name: Making sense of the kaleidoscope that is Armenian identity
Are you of Armenian descent and live in the United States? Do you define yourself as Armenian-American? The difference between these questions may seem subtle, but it sparks two radically divergent conversations, one perhaps more hostile than the other. If you’ve ever been personally attacked by the Regina George of Armenian Identity Labels, you may find some comfort in the following recount.
Disclaimer: This article touches upon Armenianness as it pertains to diasporans living in the U.S. Those born and living in Armenia and other parts of the world may have different experiences and approaches to this question that the author does not feel she can speak to, though some of the themes and observations may overlap.
Three Armenian things you should binge-watch right now
Ever wanted to learn about your Armenianness but didn’t know where to turn? This list is for you! We’ve assembled three videos that beautifully capture an aspect of Armenia and/or Armenian culture in a compelling way. Do any of them resonate with you? Let us know in the comments! (Stay tuned for a bonus at the end!)
Review | 'Armenia!' at the Met
Imagine showcasing 1,300 years of Christian Armenian history in one exhibit. Now imagine that exhibit in one of the world’s most prestigious art museums. Exciting, right? 2018 has definitely been an exciting year to be Armenian. The latest string of exciting developments for our community is the “Armenia!” exhibition at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, which highlights the intersection of art, religion, and trade. Read our honest thoughts on this exhibit, then check it out for yourself before it closes next month!
