Censorship

Americans visiting European countries would be amazed at how people are so affectionate towards one another. Sitting at lunch one day in Skiathos, a group of us noticed an elderly couple groping each other as if they were long lost lovers. Right there in the middle of the restaurant they were hugging, kissing, holding one another as if it had been a lifetime. The group I was with snickered and joked a little about the situation. We did not know what to make of it. Something similar happened at the metro station but it was a younger couple in Athens. They would hold each other all over kissing in plain sight without a care in the world. The onlookers did not seem to mind as well. In America this would be frowned upon and comments along the lines of get a room would be expressed. Public display of affection is not as socially accepted in the United States as it is in Greece or other European countries.
We have more of a conservative view of life it seems. Kissing and groping in America usually happens either behind closed doors in a more private setting or highly intoxicated. Other than those situations, Americans appear shyer when it comes to approaching the opposite sex and being comfortable with themselves. Greeks are more open with their feelings and expressing how they feel. When I was dancing with a Greek man in Skiathos, he was not shy to try and kiss me. I knew that in America this situation would not have arisen if it were with someone I had just met. The confidence these Greek men have is astounding.

Their confidence in sex appeal is not only in the clubs and with significant others, but on the beaches as well. On Saturday in Skiathos, a small group of us went to a beach. Not realizing it until we got there, it was a nude beach. There were topless women and naked men all over. In America there are nudist colonies, but nothing like this. I had never seen so many people be comfortable naked. Even more stunning was how no one seemed to care that it was part of everyday life. I know that being nude would never feel comfortable to me. In Greece however, this was very common. There was even a whole nude family on the beach. Being able to do this takes such confidence and security in your sex appeal. There is a social acceptance about it, the Europeans do not understand privacy and therefore accept it. Americans do not appear to be as open to this idea at every beach. American families teach their children that clothes are appropriate, and are not accustomed to seeing nudity. To Europeans and Greeks being naked and exposing oneself is no big deal. The human body to them is something to be flaunted, not to be concealed or covered up. Americans are not taught to be ashamed of their bodies, but that it is sacred to us.
This is where America becomes what seems more conservative to the rest of the world. As children we are taught certain mannerisms, traits, and ways to think. I was taught drinking was bad, clothes were appropriate, displaying of one’s personal feelings should be done in private, and to be respectful of others. Americans tend to prefer a more private life unlike the Greeks who do not even have a word for it. We are clothed and shy about expressing our feelings. The other side expresses who they are and how they feel with no remorse or care of what others think of them.

Keegan W.