Reflecting on Monday's Class Discussion

In response to our class discussion about taking the right steps to acknowledge the Armenian genocide, I feel that it is key that the United States first and foremost admits its own faults. I say this for 4 reasons: 1) because it is the right thing to do, 2) fessing up to our own crimes will prevent other nations (especially the current Turkish government) from pointing their fingers at us, 3) admitting our crimes will set a good and positive example to US citizens, and to the rest of the world, and 4) there are a lot of people in this country that need the US to recognize that there was a Native American genocide and slavery of African Americans. Having a recognition and apology would really help the healing process for current Native Americans and African Americans.
To change things up a little bit, I want to turn to our current issue- whether or not the United States should acknowledge that the Armenian Genocide happened. I'm sure the United States could argue dozens of "reasons" why it is in "our" best interest not to acknowledge the genocide, but what it all comes down to is the question, "Is the US willing to do the right thing despite all of the consequences it may face for doing so?" It will be interesting to see how things play out in the following months.

Reflecting on Bonnie Abrams' Presentation

I've really enjoyed listening to our speakers these past few days and appreciate their willingness to speak to our class about such a traumatic event as the Holocaust. Bonnie Abrams' song "The Legacy" has a really powerful message. The last stanza of this song says "Our family tree was burned; From ashes we arose; How can we ever learn? If just the martyr knows..." This song speaks to everyone, not just the children and relatives of Holocaust survivors. Although our family trees may not have been "burned", it is still important that we learn about the Holocaust, especially from it's survivors. The world needs to know about the Holocaust, and all genocides so that we can learn how to help the victims of genocide and so that we may also learn how to spread awareness and prevent future genocides from happening.
The other thing I liked about Bonnie Abrams is the fact that she is using her coping style to help others cope with their problems as well. I love how she teaches her music to students and helps them to make sense of, and overcome their difficulties.
All in all, I really appreciate those that share their stories- whether they are first or second generation survivors, and so on. Hearing individual stories makes events seem that much more real, and its easier to sympathize/empathize when we hear stories rather than by just reading textbooks.