1. What are some predominately shared values? (broadly in life, not politics):
Family, Community, Education, Faith, Heritage, Hard Work, Patriotism.
+Family is perhaps the strongest value that Greek Americans share. It’s difficult to surmise the precise reason for this , but a good deal of it can be attributed to the plight of their first generation immigrant ancestors. Countless stories of “a grandfather who came here without a nickel to his name, rising to become a successful restaurant owner or business man,” create a strong family bond and loyalty among Greeks. Successful Greeks today feel that their parents and grandparents have paved the way for them, and from this springs a sense of philotimo— love of honor.
Greek fathers are often described as workoholics, slaving tirelessly to support the family financially. But it is the mother who holds the family together, running the household and overseeing the actions of the home community.
+This is where a strong appeal towards general Community or kinotitos comes from. Greek households typically open their doors to friends and family, with many people living under one roof.
“It’s a little bit like living in a commune, which is very Greek”- Arianna Huffington –Stassinopoulos
“Family is the wheel, it starts not only with cousins aunts and god parents, but also regional groups. The circle becomes so wide that even friends become family.”-The Greek Americans
Speaking on Greek comradery, “Greeks are never lonely, not lonely for too long because we always find Greeks where ever we go”-Alex Karras, Actor
+Their regional community, comprised of Greeks and non-Greeks, becomes their extended family, and for many, the Church is the center or heart of this family. So much of Greek American life revolves around religious events; Weddings, Baptism, Christenings, with perhaps Easter being the most significant.
+Perhaps because of an immigrant background, education takes on a new meaning and significance with Greek Americans. The importance of education is ingrained into every Greek child from the start.
"I can’t remember a day in my life when I didn’t hear the greek word επιστολές, which is letters,”… “it was always letters, it was always education because that was the real outlet for opportunity.”-John Veronis, Chmn, Veronis Suhler & Assoc, Inc.
“I don’t care if you’re a push-cart Greek or a doctor Greek, you understand what education can bring to you.”-Bill Tragos Chmn, TBWA Worldwide
This drive for success may come from a desire or perceived duty to carry on the heritage that was started in Ancient Greece.
“How would you like to the have responsibility for your actions measured against one of the world’s greatest civilizations.” –The Greek Americans
+Greeks are overwhelmingly proud of their Heritage, and often cite themselves (ancestors) as being the creators of athletics, medicine, democracy, and civilization.
+Greeks take pride in possessing the “Zorba” — spirit of love of life, and this is most apparent in innate love for music, food, and dance.
“The dining experience is really an extension for the center of our life; the family”- The Greek Americans
It seems that the same could be said for Greek dancing which operates to bring everyone into the dance circle, no matter what the experience or skill level.
2. What political policies/issues are particularly important to this demographic in this election? why?
Education:
With their already high propensity towards higher education, the current student loan crisis is particularly of interest to Greek Americans.
Economy and Rising Food Prices:
Greeks have a strong desire to give back to the country that gave them so much opportunity. They, or their ancestors have experienced economic hardships first hand, and this gives them concern for families that are currently struggling.
Food is their livelihood. Gatherings and celebrations centering around food cannot be marginalized due to staggering food prices.
Foreign Policy
(especially relating to southern Europe, and the Mediterranean): Many Greek political organizations have among their tops issues, the Turkish occupation of Cyprus. Greeks specifically push for withdrawal of the Turkish armed forces from the territory of Cyprus, return of the refugees to their homes, respect for human rights of the Cypriot people, accession of Cyprus to the European Union.
Immigration: This will always be an issue for this group considering that the struggle of their parents or grandparents as first generation immigrants is one the defining factors in their own lives.
Corruption (at the state and federal level):
Although having strong ties to Greece, most Greek Americans would never leave the United States. Because of the gifts and opportunities that they feel have been given to them by this country, they simply call themselves Americans of Greek decent.
“The roots of what this country ultimately has become were set in Greece, and America took it and opened the doors, opened the opportunity…That’s the ultimate culmination of democracy in my mind, and that’s why it’s kind of special to be both.” -Peter Venetis, The Greek Americans
Greeks tend to be very patriotic. This, coupled with the fact that most are highly educated, entails more than a superficial love for the idea of country, it’s flag, it’s anthem, it’s pledge; This entails a vigilant watch over those who govern it, and a active safeguarding of the American people, and their constitution.
3. Are there any cultural references your demographic identifies with? what?
Greek Orthodoxy
Greek Food
Ancient Greek Culture
Traditional Greek Dress/Costumes
Language:
Greek-traditionally spoken and written
Music:
+Yanni
+Vangelis
+ World New Age Greek Music
+ Traditional Greek Music
+ Zorba the Greek song
Film/TV:
+ John Cassavetes
+20th century fox
+Billy Zane
+Zach Galifianakis
+Olympia Dukakis
+My Big Fat Greek Wedding (Although my research tells me that many find the overly neurotic and eccentric depiction of Greeks in the film offensive)
+Tom’s Restaurant- owned and operated by the Greek-American Minasizoulis family since the 1950s. (as seen on tv’s “Seinfield”)
+ Zorba The Greek (1964)
4. What does their graphic landscape look like?
5. Including the AIGA document and other sources, what are the issues cited for this group not voting?
Too busy; conflicting schedule:
The family-oriented lifestyle can be hectic; they may not have scheduled in time to vote, or may feel that they have not had enough time to become educated on the issues to make a decision.
Out of town:
Due to extended family
Did not like the candidates or campaign issues:
The top issue for many Greek Americans is the Turkey Cyprus situation, and some Greeks may feel indifferent towards an election in which candidates have not made this a priority.
