Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
plays a significant role in the life of many islands and villages, returning each summer in
droves.
PROUD HERITAGE
Today's Greeks cherish the achievements of their ancient forbears, and so they
should. Without the Golden Age of Ancient Greece (about 500-300 BC), the world
would arguably not have developed its classical sculpture, mathematics, geometry,
philosophy, drama and politics. Not to mention the rich tapestry that Greek myths
brought to the well of story and imagination. Show just a little appreciation of this
to the average Greek and they'll love you for it.
Greeks are also proud of their long history of democratic rights (demosmeaning
people, andcratosmeaning power). This concept of political freedom was hard-
fought for by the likes of Solon of Athens and later built upon by Cleisthenes in the
5th and 4th centuries BC.
The State
Personal freedom and the right to protest and protect their democratic rights are sacros-
anct to Greeks. Trade-union activism, mass demonstrations and crippling general strikes
are a routine part of life in Athens and other major cities, with police and property nor-
mally bearing the brunt of anti-establishment sentiment.
This rebellious spirit came to the fore during anti-austerity protests, as Greeks resisted
economic reforms crucial to help curb Greece's soaring national debt.
The nation's capacity to overcome its economic woes has been stifled by systemic
problems with Greece's political and civil life, aspects of society that Greeks have long
criticised and perpetuated. A residual mistrust of the state and its institutions is a legacy
of years of foreign occupation, while political instability fostered a weak civil society
based on tax evasion, political patronage and nepotism, and a black market economy.
Merit has long taken second place to political interests when allocating coveted public-
sector jobs or EU funds. Making headway with Greece's bloated and inefficient bureau-
cracy required
meson
(the help of someone working in the system). The infamous
fakelaki
(envelope of cash) became a common way to cut red tape. At its worst, the sys-
tem fed corruption and profiteering.
Aversion to the perceived over-regulated approach of Western nations is also part of
the national psyche. An undercurrent of civil disobedience extends to lax attitudes to
road rules or parking restrictions (you will see motorcyclists carrying their helmets as
