Sorry for the delay in posts! I’ve been job searching (unsuccessfully) and traveling so that’s taken up a lot of my time.
However, since Nia Vardalos’ new movie premiered last week, I thought it fitting to send a nod in her direction. I was also inspired by Mr. Panos, of course.
There is simply no getting past it: Nia Vardalos is, more or less, responsible for the popularity and status that Greeks have gained in the US. We really didn’t have that much exposure before My Big Fat Greek Wedding became a surprise box office hit.
Sure, the consequential follow-up TV show My Big Fat Greek Life was nowhere near as successful as its parent film (I still watched it of course), but how many spin-offs are? Has any one seen the previews for the 10 Things I Hate About You TV series? Do you really think that’s going to be good? Of course not.
Anyways, I have yet to se My Life in Ruins (hoping to see it this Monday) but I will be seeing it…and I will laugh. And you better too. Because Nia Vardalos can do no wrong.
Here’s to you Nia Vardalos. Thank you for your work in the advancement of Greeks in American society.
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!!!
