Today’s Op-Ed reaction comes from the article:
California’s Armenian diaspora sees another genocide happening in homeland published on September 23 written BY MARK GERAGOS AND SEVAG TATEOSIAN
https://www.fresnobee.com/opinion/article279660689.html
I selected this article primarily because I don’t think it is an issue that has received a lot of attention. Fresno, California has a large Armenian diaspora so it makes sense that the Fresno Bee would run an opinion article regarding Azerbaijan and Armenia.
The authors start by making reference to the Armenian genocide that started in 1915 and then quickly compare that to the events of the last 10 months including the blockade of the Lachin Cooridor.
The authors also point out the financial aid Ukraine and Azerbaijan have received from the United States while noting that Armenia has not received aid.
The authors also outline the authoritarian nature of the Azerbaijani government. Finally they conclude that the Armenian diaspora watches “In horror but are determined never again.”
In general I think it is important to bring awareness to situations where violence is used to oppress people. It also highlights the dangers of autonomous regions within countries.
Great literature should do more than entertain us. It should provide a roadmap to improving our lives.
In A Tale of Two Cities, Charles Dickens introduced readers to Sydney Carton, one of literature's most compelling and deeply flawed characters. Dickens also gives him an unusual title: the Jackal.
His struggles raise questions that remain relevant today.
Are we defined by our past mistakes? Can we overcome our weaknesses? What separates the people we are from the people we could become?
Lessons From the Jackal is a 25-day character study exploring these questions through Sydney Carton’s life, decisions, relationships, and personal development.
This is not a traditional course on A Tale of Two Cities. Our reading assignments will focus specifically on Carton, with sufficient background provided to understand his story. No previous knowledge of the novel is necessary.
Each day will feature selected readings, historical comparisons, reflection questions, discussions, and practical challenges ...
Sydney Carton is intelligent, capable, compassionate, self-destructive, and deeply dissatisfied with his life.
His potential is evident, but his accomplishments are limited. His habits are troubling, but his character contains admirable qualities. His reputation is unfavorable, but Lucie recognizes something in him that others have overlooked.
Perhaps the greatest mistake we can make when judging another person is to assume that who they are today represents everything they are capable of becoming. Yet there is an equally dangerous mistake: assuming that possessing the potential for greatness is equivalent to achieving it. Potential without action remains unrealized. Character without conviction may fail when tested. Reputation without substance is little more than appearance.
The challenge is not simply to possess admirable qualities or to be regarded favorably by others. It is to develop the discipline, courage, and integrity necessary to become the person we are capable of being. When ...