How is a diaspora different than any ethnic community?

There are some distinct characteristics that make a diaspora community different than an ethnic minority community. To do this lets first define diaspora: Khachig Tölölyan defines diaspora as a collective identity that preserves culture from the homeland, enacts a rhetoric of restoration, and seeks a “re-turn” to homeland through temporary visits, communication with, and political lobbying for the homeland (2007). On the other hand, an ethnic community does not maintain a “commitment” with the homeland and the other kin communities globally located. 

What is an example?

Many first generation Americans, in present day, do not have an agenda to create self representation and have little to no connection to their ancestral homeland. On the other hand in Armenian diaspora communities, like in Glendale California, you will find Armenian churches, schools, and sports organizations that foster Armenian culture and organize trips to the homeland while commemorating Armenian culture in their new homes. By actively preserving Armenian culture, the Armenians differentiate themselves from ethnic minority communities through collective efforts of community building, language preservation, and more.

Why Diaspora?

When we think about diaspora, think about how the community actively works to commemorate, perform, and cultivate identity over many generations. Diaspora communities in some countries might be stronger than others; however, trans-generational preservation stems from self education, storytelling, and communal continuity. In western countries, particularly America, it is easy to culturally integrate with the mainstream culture, but when we are able to learn about and acknoweldge the histories of displacement and migration Armenian people experienced we find an exigence for maintaining Armenian culture even though we are far from our homeland.