Meruzhan Ter-Gulanyan: Internet caused alarm among intellectuals (video)
An intellectual who is not standing beside his nation during difficult times has no right to be called an intellectual, says Armenian writer and publicist Meruzhan Ter-Gulanyan. He does not consider himself to be an indifferent citizen. “I have a personal opinion on any important issue that relates to our people and I do not care whether I shall be criticized for my opinion or no,” he said. The role of intellectuals is always important, but very often intellectuals are pushed to the background. “It is intellectuals who push themselves to the background thinking that their word will not reach people in this everyday hustle and bustle of the parliament,” said the writer. The role of intellectuals has been highlighted recently following the frequent attacks and beatings of public and political figures, and civil activists. Many expected intellectuals to express their stance on assaults. Mr Ter-Gulanyan says intelligentsia in Armenia is facing a problem today which should be overcome as soon as possible. “When the Internet emerged, it triggered alarm among intellectuals. They fear that if they express their opinion the Internet will start buzzing about them, misinterpreting their words. Intellectuals are fragile and touchy people who are easily offended.” Astghik Gevorgyan, President of the Journalists’ Union of Armenia, knows the reasons why an intellectual's role has been irreversibly in Armenia. Intelligentsia was ignored during the years of independence and was greatly discouraged. “In the last decade, attention towards intellectuals has increased again. Today they are invited to different important events and receive awards and prizes. They eventually understood that Armenia cannot exist with intelligentsia,” she said. Astghik Gevorgyan says intelligentsia should be guided by the state. “The most dangerous is the fact that today we do not see the man, the intellectual, who will be able to attract people with his powerful speech and make people listen to him,” she said. The president of the Journalists’ Union, who is also a member of public council of Armenia and Yerevan City Council, considers herself to be an active intellectual. “I try to make my voice audible in the City Council through hints and remarks. Empty talk harms our people,” she said.
