In light of taxes being due this week, I thought all of the Greek-Americans would appreciate a little “glass half full” mentality. As much as we love the motherland, we’ve got to be honest with ourselves: the economic situation of the Greek nation is less than ideal. You can read the latest about that here.
While this certainly isn’t something that Greek-Americans like (reason why it’s not numbered as such), we do have to be grateful that the American economy isn’t in such poor shape comparatively speaking. If you want to be realistic you can inform yourself about the latest on fiscal policy here, but that might not be great for the whole optimistic view that I’m trying to achieve right now.
Anyways, this may be the first (and last) time I say this, but DON’T do as the Greeks do: pay your taxes.
Something else to feel great about: less than two weeks until Πασχα!
The fact that Greek-Americans are probably one of the most ethnically proud people in the US is evidenced in the constant reminder of Greek success. But can you really blame us?
From the beginning of civilization, Greece produced some of the best scholarly and scientific/technological works of the time (which the Romans then stole from us). In more recent times, Greece has kept to itself for the most part, but we’ve still managed to win the hearts of many.
This widespread philhellenism has been achieved mainly through the following:
1. Food
2. Media (i.e. My Big Fat Greek Wedding, Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants, Mamma Mia!)
3. Famous People of Greek Origin
Take note that food is first on the list; that was completely intentional and well-deserved. Even if most people don’t realize it, the owner of your local pizza joint, regardless of the restaurant’s name, may very likely be owned by a Greek family, not Italians. Just because pizza is Italian cuisine, doesn’t mean Greeks can’t make it (it is pretty damn easy). This is true even in the smallest of towns, including my own rural hometown where I worked at a pizza restaurant called Angie’s. How did I get the job? The owners were Greek. No joke, that’s just how us Greek-Americans role.
Getting back to the point, Greek-Americans will undoubtedly attribute any success a Greek person has to their heritage, or at least brag about the fact that a successful person is Greek. And that person doesn’t have to cure cancer; it can legit be anything noteworthy. For example, I would be willing to bet that some Greek-American out there has brought up the fact that the inventor of the Pap smear was Giorgios Nicholas Papanikolaou, born on the Greek island of Evia and graduate of the University of Athens.
This is serious stuff people. Its like a disease. As prideful Greek-Americans, we are programmed to go out of our way to know about this things. There are even video blogs (humorous ones, of course) explaining the phenomenon of “Greek Success.”
Despite the sometimes sheer ridiculousness of this habitual boasting and bragging, you have to admit that its pretty damn cool that we do have all these historically influential natives.
I, for one, really appreciate and wonder at the fact that I can truly say that my ancestors are from the same Greek Island on which Sappho and Theophilos Hatzimihail grew up and developed their art. That’s right, most of my Greek heritage is derived from Λέσβος (Lesvos) and its pretty frickin awesome, don’t you think? On my Dad’s side, however, my ancestors are from Sparta and, for any of you that have seen 300, you know just how sweet that is; and if you have it, you need to immediately!
It’s also important to mention that this trend is not limited to Greek-Americans. Oh no no no no no. Native Hellenes today make their importance known even today. So much so, in fact, that in the Spring of 2008, Skai TV opened up the polls to their viewers to vote on who is the greatest Greek of all time. Subsequently there is a show entitled Μεγαλοι Ελληνες (Great Greeks). No matter how ethnocentric this whole ordeal might be, it is still pretty kick ass.
Anyways, if you’re curious about other famous Greek-America people, you should check out this list. You better believe people took the time to compile a comprehensive list of notable Greeks on wikipedia.
That’s all for now. Expect great things for next week…Πασχα is almost here!!!
Religion is a big part of the Greek culture and since its Lent, it is an appropriate time to write this and it was going to be done sooner or later. So why not sooner?!
This is especially true when visiting the motherland. What isn’t to like about hiking up a long, dusty trail so that you can see a great holy edifice built into the side of a mountain, hearing the chanting of hymns drift through the air. And, of course, you get to purchase komboskini for yourself and every one you know (more about the kombo later).
When I went to Greece, I went to monasteries like CRAZY. I LOVED it, no joke. By the end of the trip I wanted to be a nun and live in a convent in the mountains. Granted I was 10 and on vacation with my grandparents. Regardless, it is hard not to fall in love with a place so peaceful and pretty.
I think another big part of it is that they are legit constantly hymning over at those monasteries. I’ve never been to a church other than a Greek-Orthodox one, but let me tell you, hymns are beautiful, especially in Greek (and even more so when you are actually in Greece).
I really do think that it was the singing that sucked me in. Plus it is really cool to go and see the relics that these monasteries have. There are bones, miscellaneous body parts, sometimes even the whole body of saints! It’s like a hands on historical and religious lesson in one!
