Crypto-Armenians are individuals or groups of people who identify as Armenian or have Armenian roots but hide or obscure their Armenian identity due to various reasons such as safety concerns or societal pressures.
It's like when you have a toy that you really, really love but you don't want to tell anyone because they might take it away or make fun of you. Similarly, crypto-Armenians may feel that their Armenian identity is something precious and important to them but hide it from others because they fear discrimination, persecution, or harm.
Some reasons why individuals may become crypto-Armenians include historical events like the Armenian Genocide, where many Armenians were killed or forced to leave their homes, and later generations fear similar atrocities. Additionally, some may feel pressure to assimilate into mainstream culture, putting aside their Armenian background to fit in better.
Overall, crypto-Armenians are individuals who have decided to hide or obscure their Armenian identity due to societal pressures, safety concerns, or other personal reasons.