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`The Tankian effect'

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  • `The Tankian effect'

    Mediamax News Agency, Armenia
    Feb 27 2013

    `The Tankian effect'

    by Ara Tadevosyan, Director of Mediamax


    It's already the second day that people speak about Serj Tankian more
    than about Raffi Hovhannisyan. It's quite natural that if there were
    no elections and if Raffi Hovhannisyan hadn't gained about 40% of
    votes and hadn't claimed that he was the real winner, Serj Tankian
    wouldn't send letters to the Armenian President.

    I am quite sure that many of those who were inspired by Serj Tankian's
    letters are not the fans of System of a Down, and some have heard of
    him for the first time. What's the `secret' then? How does it happen
    that almost all TVs have read out excerpts from Serj Tankian's first
    critical letter?

    I think the secret of the `Tankian effect' is that he said things we
    all think about but don't speak out due to various reasons. When
    saying `we' I mean all those people who have numerous complaints but
    stay out of the active political and civil struggle.

    We stay out because we are afraid. We stay out because we are busy. We
    stay out because we live in a small country where almost everybody
    knows everyone. We stay out because each of us has reached some
    success in his work and, realizing that we can't reach big changes we
    stay aside and try to succeed each in our own field.

    If we talk about journalists (I don't mean the openly oppositional
    media outlets) let's be honest with ourselves and admit that we can
    criticize everyone. However, we will think dozens of times before
    criticizing the Armenian President. This is what attracts people most
    of all in Serj Tankian's letters: there appeared a person who openly
    says to the Armenian President: `Let me note you didn't clearly answer
    my questions'. Have you ever heard anyone saying something like this
    to the Armenian President? The thing is not about how fundamental Serj
    Tankian's words are. The thing is that he allows himself asking such
    questions. He is doing what we often want but don't do.

    Of course, in conditions of the Armenian political environment, the
    style of Serj Tankian's letters may seem impolite, but it is quite
    acceptable for the Western culture, and we have to bear it in mind. I
    believe Serj Tankian didn't mean to insult the President.

    I think after these letters Serj Tankian should at least apply for
    Armenian citizenship, otherwise all his urges and advice will
    depreciate. It's clear that Tankian won't quit music and won't engage
    in an active political activity in Armenia, but to be able to talk
    about our problems now he must have our passport. It will be really
    honest.

    http://www.mediamax.am/en/column/12394/

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