Letters to the editor (oct. 2024 issue)
Armenian beauty culture
Dear Editor,
I would like to congratulate and thank you for the improvements you've made to Torontohye and for publishing well-written articles such as Sophia Alexanian's report on trends in female cosmetics in Armenia (“Armenian beauty culture examined: Confronting the prevalence of plastic surgery in the homeland and diaspora” Toronohye #206, Sept. 2024).
While the article is well-researched, I would have liked to have seen data about the cost of cosmetic enhancements in a cash-strapped country such as Armenia. A few lines about the average income in our homeland would have made the article more relevant.
Jirair Tutunjian
Toronto
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Dear Editor,
I recently had the pleasure of reading Sophia Alexanian's insightful article, ‘Armenian beauty culture examined.’ This article deeply resonated with me as someone who grew up surrounded by conversations about physical appearance, weight, and beauty standards. Discussions about nipping and tucking among the women in my family persisted throughout my life. I, too, have faced insecurities around my weight and body image, often feeling like I was under a microscope when wearing certain outfits. As a kid, I remember thinking that if I just got liposuction, all my insecurities about my weight would magically disappear, and I would suddenly receive the outward validation I thought I needed. I believed that being thin would make me ‘good enough.’
The cultural emphasis Armenians place on outward beauty and ‘thinness’ can negatively affect mental health and foster an unhealthy self-image. While physical health is important, cultivating a healthy mindset is equally crucial. Sophia's article serves as a catalyst for conversations that can drive this necessary change in perspective. I hope all Armenians engage in supportive, healthy interactions with one another to help bring about this shift. Thank you for sharing this piece.
Steph Mangioglu
Lodi, New Jersey
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Յարգելի խմբագրութիւն,
Ուզում եմ իմ խորին երախտագիտութիւնը յայտնել «Թորոնթոհայ»-ի վերջին համարում տպագրուած Սոֆիա Ալեքսանեանի յօդուածի համար։ Նրա յօդուածը ընդգծում է մի անհանգստացնող իրականութիւն․ շատ հայեր, յատկապէս կանայք, յաճախ գնահատանք են գտնում օտար շրջանակներում, մինչդեռ իրենց համայնքում ճնշման են ենթարկւում՝ վնասակար գեղեցկութեան չափանիշներին համապատասխանելու համար: Այս դինամիկան (խմբ.՝ ուժաբանութիւնը) պէտք է շրջուի:
Հաւատարիմ ընթերցող
Թորոնթօ
***
Celebrating 60 years of AYF Toronto
Dear Editor,
I would like to extend my heartfelt congratulations to the Toronto Armenian Youth Federation (AYF) AYF Canada "Simon Zavarian" Chapter on the occasion of its 60th anniversary.
Founded in 1964, the chapter has been a cornerstone of the Toronto Armenian community, providing countless opportunities for youth to engage, learn, and grow. The chapter’s beginnings were humble, founded in the garden of unger Hagop Abadjian, and its first meetings took place at the Toronto YMCA. By the time I arrived in Toronto in October 1966, the community had already secured the Avenue Road and Dupont Street location, where we celebrated New Year’s Eve in 1967. The building's renovation and inauguration ceremony in October 1967 remains vivid in my memory.
As a proud AYF member, I recall many significant events that took place over the years. Our meetings and activities were always filled with the spirit of camaraderie and dedication. I fondly remember the music festival at the Japanese Cultural Centre and the play ‘Aghchig des’ performed by AYF members at Holy Trinity Armenian Apostolic Church, directed by the late Vartan Vartanian. The chapter also hosted the 37th AYF Annual Convention in September 1970, an important milestone in our history.
I've also included a few photos from those early days to share some of these cherished memories.
Throughout its existence, the Simon Zavarian chapter has been integral to the fabric of Toronto's Armenian community. Its members have tirelessly participated in and supported a variety of community events and celebrations.
Happy anniversary to all Simon Zavarian chapter members. You are the pillars of our community, and your contributions continue to shape our collective future.
Hrad Poladian
Toronto
