Responding to a question from the audience about the despair many young people feel in the face of current human rights problems and how those who believe that change is possible are marginalized and called “naïve,” Mark Arax, this year’s distinguished Dr. Shant and Robin Garabedian Lecturer explained to both a live and online audience:

 I think some of the great things, great contributions to our music, art, writing have been done by people who were very naïve. Someone who thinks what their putting down will reach somebody, move somebody…maybe if they get it really right and move enough people then change happens. Naivete is a wonderful gift. If you want cynicism, it will come. Do let anyone beat you down with those accusations, you’re doing what has to be done because we failed to do it, just go, do it.

In wide ranging lecture on the relationship of memory, becoming aware of one’s own ties to genocide and survival, Arax, author of The Dreamt Land, In My Father’s Name, West of the West and other titles, wove a story of how genocide, destruction and violence sit at the center of California’s history. 

The Dr. Shant and Robin Garabedian lectures are an annual event. For more information on Human Rights Studies at UC Davis and how you can support its follow this link.