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I have never been to Greece but have a friend in New York who just returned - in his words "Greece is the armpit of Western Europe".
Any truth to it? I don't know
And what make any other country in Europe so much better? Their northern european superiority complex? Their wealth? Their shorter culture? Europe is what it is today because of Greece and Rome don't forget that. Only some centuries ago northern European countries were looked at as barbaric. Their culture and rennaisance is mostly a derivation of the fall of Rome and later the sack of Constantinople by the 4th Crusade. Sure Greece fell behind in the last few centuries in some ways but it was mostly due to wars and foreign occupation. That won't make them the armpit of Europe. Moreover I am sure the the austerity measures by the recent government along with its shot economy has made everyday living harsh for Greeks and things don't look so shiny there now
Europe is what it is today because of Greece and Rome don't forget that. Only some centuries ago northern European countries were looked at as barbaric. Their culture and rennaisance is mostly a derivation of the fall of Rome and later the sack of Constantinople by the 4th Crusade.
BS. I've never heard a single European saying that "Europe have Greece and Rome to thank for everything", but many Americans seem to think this way. We know our history, and realise this is just false. Lady Gaga hasn't much to do with the pioneers of jazz or rock 'n' roll either.
I don't know what century you are referring to, but there has been negative sentiment probably towards
And what make any other country in Europe so much better? Their northern european superiority complex? Their wealth? Their shorter culture? Europe is what it is today because of Greece and Rome don't forget that. Only some centuries ago northern European countries were looked at as barbaric. Their culture and rennaisance is mostly a derivation of the fall of Rome and later the sack of Constantinople by the 4th Crusade. Sure Greece fell behind in the last few centuries in some ways but it was mostly due to wars and foreign occupation. That won't make them the armpit of Europe. Moreover I am sure the the austerity measures by the recent government along with its shot economy has made everyday living harsh for Greeks and things don't look so shiny there now
By this logic we all need to thank East Africans because we wouldn't even exisit were it not for them.
And what make any other country in Europe so much better? Their northern european superiority complex? Their wealth? Their shorter culture? Europe is what it is today because of Greece and Rome don't forget that. Only some centuries ago northern European countries were looked at as barbaric. Their culture and rennaisance is mostly a derivation of the fall of Rome and later the sack of Constantinople by the 4th Crusade. Sure Greece fell behind in the last few centuries in some ways but it was mostly due to wars and foreign occupation. That won't make them the armpit of Europe. Moreover I am sure the the austerity measures by the recent government along with its shot economy has made everyday living harsh for Greeks and things don't look so shiny there now
The same could be said of North America and the ancient South America civilisations and the US as a nation is equally indebted to numerous civilisations who went before them. As for superiority complexes I would suggest American Exceptionalism is seen as quite a bizarre notion in other parts of the world. Whilst the US equally has a history of White Anglo Saxon superiority with the original ancient North American civilisations such as the Indian tribes treat very badly by the newly formed US Government and populace. Furthermore a system of racial apartheid still existing in parts of the US as late as the 1960's, based on racial superiority. So I really don't think Americans are in any position to lecture others on superiority.
In terms of Greek and Latin, they are both highly respected languages and cultures and are known as the 'Classics' in Britain, whilst in recent years both have returned to some state school curriculums.
BS. I've never heard a single European saying that "Europe have Greece and Rome to thank for everything", but many Americans seem to think this way. We know our history, and realise this is just false. Lady Gaga hasn't much to do with the pioneers of jazz or rock 'n' roll either.
I don't know what century you are referring to, but there has been negative sentiment probably towards
wasn't speaking as someone living in America but I would still say that northern Europe and north America feel superior over the older nations of southern Europe. Nevermind the fact that they got their roots of their own civilizations from those older countries. That is not a false statement but a historical fact.
but I would still say that northern Europe and north America feel superior over the older nations of southern Europe.
Really? Haven't really noticed that in Europe. Well, besides the sentiment of the Germans towards Greece lately. But that's not so much about a feel of superiority, but rather disbelieve of which path that country took during the last years politically and financially.
Really? Haven't really noticed that in Europe. Well, besides the sentiment of the Germans towards Greece lately. But that's not so much about a feel of superiority, but rather disbelieve of which path that country took during the last years politically and financially.
wasn't speaking as someone living in America but I would still say that northern Europe and north America feel superior over the older nations of southern Europe. Nevermind the fact that they got their roots of their own civilizations from those older countries. That is not a false statement but a historical fact.
Most of what modern Europe stems from the Enlightenment and newer ideas. Modern economics, the modern constitution, universal suffrage, free speech, free press, Protestantism and much more which is essential in today's society has nothing to do with the Romans and Greeks. And I don't see any reason why anyone should be grateful towards modern Italy or Greece, which has nothing to do with something that was over 2000 years ago. Every nation in Europe has built itself by themselves.
I don't deny that the Ancient Greeks and Romans haven't had any effect, but it's a lot smaller than you might think.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Catbelle
I did unfortunately.
And can confirm it. There's people here who hold Spain, Portugal and Greece in contempt labeling them as corrupted and lazy siesta sleepers, but luckily that is not a widespread sentiment. Mostly it's wondering how the politicans could get their countries in that shape, like VU said.
(And we would've probably gone Portugal by 2030 if keeping our debt and budget deficit growing at this rate, so that got many to be silent.)
What's funny is that Greeks work roughly 500 hours per year more than most of Northern Europeans...talking about "laziness".
PS. Not an offense to you Ariete, just a mere fact which most people seem to forget.
BS. I've never heard a single European saying that "Europe have Greece and Rome to thank for everything", but many Americans seem to think this way. We know our history, and realise this is just false. Lady Gaga hasn't much to do with the pioneers of jazz or rock 'n' roll either.
I don't know what century you are referring to, but there has been negative sentiment probably towards
Not for everything, just for the western civilization.
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