Have we(Greeks) become a lot Europeanized?

Question

We let technology and development do their work...But wht about going back to our old traditions?If we did would tht help us or would it be mischievous?Should we sacrifice our civilization to the altar of unity?(Should we lay day our civilization for unity?).Why are we trying so much to imitate others?Is this the main reason for our geographical and cultural dwindling?
(Translated in greek below)
Αφήσαμε την τεχνολογία και την εξέλιξη να κάνουν την δουλειά τους.Αλλά τι θα λέγατε για την επιστροφή στις παλιές μας παραδόσεις;Αν το κάναμε θα μας ωφελούσε ή θα ήταν επιζήμιο;Πρέπει να θυσιάσουμε τον πολιτισμό μας στο βωμό της ενότητας;Γιατί προσπαθούμε τόσο πολύ να μιμηθούμε τους άλλους;Είναι αυτός ο κύριος λόγος για την γεωγραφική και πολιτιστική μας συρρίκνωση;

I hope tht this time this article doesn't bother the american-english community as it's firstly written in their language!!Take your time...and answer!!

Answer 1

I've lived in Germany for 5 years and have traveled to most European countries. I don't think we are becoming "Europeanized". In fact, we, and the rest of Europe, are being "Americanized". Unfortunately Greece is being americanized at a much greater pace than the other European countries. We ought to keep our cultural identity and be more cautious about the habits we adopt. I am a fan of conspiracy theories so I think it is a bit more complicated. Yet our tendency to accept Western trends as best stems partially from the fact that we were stalled culturally, technologically, financially for several centuries, at least compared to the Western countries and we feel we have to imitate them in order to make up for the lost time.

As for your previous question... I guess most of the people who asked you to use English instead of Greek are actually Greek (I am including myself). It is only about protecting you from getting reported for silly reasons and to inform you that we can't start answering your questions in Greek, since our answers will be deleted...

Answer 2

Hiya - I shall reply in English.

As a bloke of Greek origins living in England, I see a lot of similarities between what you say and how the English feel.

The English too, are paranoid about losing their identity and becoming europeanised. The difference, I think, is that the Greeks have had the sense to take the good bits from Europe and leave the bad bits.

For instance, everybody in England is complaining about the number of ethnic minorities in the country. As a member of the EU it is obliged to accept some of these people, but I think the government is too weak to stop too much of this happening. I do not see this in Greece, which takes its share but does not over-burden itself.

You must agree that the EU money has been welcome in Greece. I see many building projects, roads, hospitals etc., not only on my home island but across the others as well. I don't know what it is like on the mainland for this ;

The good things with Greeks is that they are very good at retaining their traditional values - primarily of the family - but also their music and dance. English people do not have the same family bonds that the Greeks do; nor do you see English children being taught traditional dances or to listen to their folk music in the way that many Greek children are.

The important thing is to hand on to the uniqueness of your nationality, to continue to practice the things that define being Greek. Embrace the EU for the benefits it can bring, but don't lose your identity.

Answer 3

Greeks are very "tight knit" I wouldn't be too concerned. People who are raised in the Greek tradition are happy people. Greeks have a long and beautiful culture and history. Don't forget the Gospel of Jesus Christ was first published in written form in Greek. To this day scholars from all over Christendom study the Greek New Testament. As long as there is an Acropolis, there will be a Greek Tradition. Zyto H Ellas.
I Cr 13;8a
12-8-6

Answer 4

I don't think it is bad for us to be Europeanized.It is kinda mischievous to look back and stuck there.We can keep our origin by unite with the EU!It is up to us....I call myself first a Greek and then a European...We are not dwindling in any way!Have you ever been abroad?Everywhere in the world people have adopt Greek...things...and in their museums they have big halls with Greek statues etc.Κατω απο τον ζυγό των Τούρκων γα 400 χρόνια η χώρα μας έμεινε πίσω.Αυτό μας κάνει να αισθανόμαστε μειωνεκτικά απέναντι στους αλλούς,όχι γισ κανένα άλλο λόγο αλλά γιατί ίσως να μην φαινόμαστε στους άλλους αρκετά "πολιτισμένοι".

Answer 5

it depends on the parent to rely the traditions to the children .............no civilization should be sacrificed for anything . It depends on you what you make out of it ........