Two Observations

Generally speaking, Americans are extremely competitive when it comes to making money. The phrase “by any means necessary” is becoming more and more common in the business world. Men and women often work late into the night trying to make more money. Weekends are no longer a time for rest and leisure, but rather an opportunity to squeeze extra hours in. People claim that they work so much to make a better life for their family when in fact, the absence of hardworking parents may cause family life to suffer. Children often grow up in daycares or under the supervision of nannies because the parents cannot leave work to pick their kids up from school or take them to the park. Family meals in many households are a rare occurrence. Parents need to be the most positive, influential people in a child’s life, but this cannot happen if they are never around.

Based on my observation, Greeks also exhibit a lack of hurriedness in their everyday lives. People walking down the streets seem to be in no rush. They are eager to stop and talk to friends, and may even sit down and have a few drinks with them. People take their time when opening up stores, and may even be a few minutes late, which seems to be a trend among Greeks. They take a very long time to eat, anywhere from one to three hours. It is as if they are not concerned with anything else but eating and enjoying each other’s company. Waiters take their time when serving food and drinks, and may not bring the bill until long after a meal is finished. A long meal is time for family and friends to all come together and be happy. Greeks seem to be very family oriented and put that above all else .

Chris D.
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