I have been listening to Greek public radio while working on my thesis. With the benefit of prolonged distance from most things Greek I was able to discern a few particularities of my native culture. Modern Greek discourse, whether applied to current affairs, politics, music, sport, or trivia, is characterised by sweeping generalisation, exaggeration, intolerance, and a demonstrable incapability for independent (or even structured) thought. At the same time, every discussion a Greek might chose to enter into will be emotionally charged, a peculiarity that would have been tolerable and even welcome in a quaint way, if it weren’t employed to support vast ignorance. Difference of opinion seems to be an unexpected, confusing occurence (”how could anyone not think exactly as I do?”) and the ensuing argumentation relies on belittling the opposing views and trying to embarrass their carriers.

While I have been awe-struck with Greece’s recent progress as I perceive it, listening to Greek radio presenters reminded me of the reasons for which I always liked distancing myself from certain aspects of Greekness.

Of course, I’m a hundred trillion times better than all those idiots.