differences between ancient greek and american culture differences between ancient greek and american culture

1. Similarities Between Ancient Greek And American Society It is a strong organization formed for bigger reasons then most are aware of. If that is not an impact Greece has made on our culture, then I dont know what is. Characteristics Of Greek Culture - 706 Words - Internet Public Library More than 150,000 words in the English language can be attributed to the direct influence of the Greek language. I go deeper into the concept of culture as I explore various aspects of Greek culture and how they differ from American culture. These insights are presented with a specific point of view intended by its creator, influenced by its historical experiences. That email doesn't look right. While there have been significant changes to the pronunciation and spelling in many areas, compared with the evolution of languages like Latin to Italian and the rest of the Romance languages, Greek is relatively similar. The same thing goes for bread. No slaves. The expressions like "Achilles Heel," "Midas Touch" and "Trojan Horse" come directly from mythology written in Greek. The average American consumes around 32 gallons of water per day.if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'questionscity_com-large-mobile-banner-2','ezslot_11',118,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-questionscity_com-large-mobile-banner-2-0'); 3. However a double standard remains in modern culture in regards to nudity. States were centered around state capitols and split into districts that directly elected representatives to congress. Alexander the Great is a legend or a hero in history, but some of the information about him is separated from fact to legend. In Greece, its customary to greet someone by saying hello or kalispera while shaking hands, while Americans prefer to shake hands without saying anything first. Greek and American democracy have some similarities such as the amount of nationalism and patriotism saw in the people when a lack of representation for a city-state or nation as a whole is seen, and they both vote for their political leaders. Ancient civilizations did not have mass manufacturing as modern day America. Their interactions do not need explanation because of their common history. According to chnm.gmu.edu (n.d.), the economic crisis in Greece caused many Greek families to send their sons to the United States to make money to send back home to Greece. When people wonder about Ancient Greece the first thing that comes to their minds is Greek mythology; gods and goddesses that have helped shape many historical events. (Since World War II, we have increasingly appreciated other traditions, such as the Hebraic.) The second wave of Greek immigration occurred after World War II with the passage of Immigration and National Origins Act of 1965. Different people would likely give different answers, based on their personal experiences and perspectives. . This difference in timing reflects the different pagan calendars used in Celtic and Germanic . In terms of architecture, many of ancient Greece's building styles are alive and well in the United States. It is said that a scholar who spoke only Ancient Greek would be able to read a contemporary Greek newspaper with ease, while a scholar familiar only with Latin would be very ill-equipped to read a contemporary Italian newspaper. eNotes.com will help you with any book or any question. 5. an estimated 5 million small businesses are operating in the US today. I think that it is one of the most important things to remember that no matter what we do it has some effect in the bigger picture. In architecture, many buildings follow neoclassical models using elements such as columns of the three classical orders (Doric, Ionic, and Corinthian). Of tremendous importance, both culturally as well as politically, was one of the most famous documents ever to be recorded, which happened to be written in Greek: the New Testament of the Christian Bible. Many countries, not just the U.S. have similar systems that are created to give citizens that right to vote in someone that will represent them. Cupid, derived from the Greek god Eros, is still invoked in Valentine's Day. Finally, theres modern Greece that began in 1821 when Greece won its independence from Turkey after centuries under Ottoman rule. You will find public art installations with a similar purpose all over the United States. The ancient Greek spiritual beliefs, religion and tradition are all reflected through the myths and legends for the past two thousand years. Ancient Greek Cultures essays 2. his wife was hera his weapon was a thunderbolt which he hurled at those who displeased or defied. Not every restaurant doles out free shots, but most do as a "digestant," accompanied by the restaurant's dessert of choice. I still have dreams about the mint chocolate chip ice cream I ordered on my last day. The Greeks believed in a system of gods and goddesses who lived atop Mount Olympus and whose whims guided everything from the weather, the seasons and the harvest to the squabbles and romantic liaisons of the citizens of the world. They are known as the classics. Given that the symmetrical balance was discussed in the geometry part of . The Greek culture lasted from around 776 BCE to 146 BCE (though it is argued to have begun around 1000 BCE), during this time they invented many technologies and refined old technologies. Compare And Contrast Greek Culture Vs American Culture Without the influences of the ancient Greeks our society wouldnt be the way it is today. I think that many of us are under the impression that what I do does not matter, but if we were to all think like that then it would not keep those that are in power in check. The states act much like the city states of ancient Greece in the idea that they are run separately yet they can band together to protect the country as a whole (NGS, 2019). For example, greater emphasis was placed on the root of a word as opposed to the accent of the word. Persian Empire vs Greece (compare & contrast) Flashcards Ancient Greece was one of the most developed countries in its time. Tradition and religious practices represent a social lifestyle of the Greeks (mapsofworld.com. Cultural differences of Greeks and Americans - Ball State University On the other hand, the Persians more saw the world for how it was. Difference Between Ancient and Modern Greek A military existed to protect their society, like America has. Whether its the way people dress, how they talk, or how they think about their country, American culture is unique and varied. The movie story even that it is a little more exaggerated from the reality, it shows us a true context about the cultural problems that can emerged when people from different backgrounds and traditions comes together, also the misunderstanding because of the unfamiliarity with other cultures and traditions. The belief in the many Gods provided a feeling of security. Continue with Recommended Cookies. c. has celebratory frescoes. The Ancient Greek language is among the most versatile in the world and has gone through thousands of years and is still relatively similar to its original form. The first of two notable periods of Greek immigration to the United States began in the 1800s and continued until the 1920s. Manage Settings Ancient Greek culture is majorly influential in Western culture. This is all in play so that no one person can come in and be above the law (NGS, 2019).There are reasons that these things have been put into place and we should always remember that they are there and that they are there for a reason. The liquor served is Greece's famous Ouzo and goes down dangerously smooth. 4. I know I'm beginning to sound like Bubba from Forrest Gump, but it amazed me at how prominent the potato's role was in Greek dishes. Also, the successes of these two civilizations lead to many countries modeling most of their public facilities and systems after the ones found in Greece and Rome. Today,, Greeces culture is high context, which means that for the Greek culture the meaning of messages is determined by the context or the environment. Ancient Egyptian Mythology had a significant impact on the way the Egyptians thought and lived. Classical Persia and Greece are two civilizations that both paralleled and differed from each other. A Comparison of Ancient Greek Culture and Modern American Culture - Kibin Greek states, at least at times, had a tradition of direct democratic representation. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. Greeks work hard at everything they do while Americans focus on what is most important. 9. if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'questionscity_com-large-mobile-banner-1','ezslot_10',117,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-questionscity_com-large-mobile-banner-1-0'); 5. many ancient ruins throughout modern-day Greece remain today. Resource 01: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Culture_of_the_United_StatesResource 02: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Culture_of_Greece, Differences Between Greek and American Culture, Differences between Vietnamese vs American culture, The Differences Between Australian VS American Culture, Differences between Italian vs American culture, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Culture_of_the_United_States, Americans focus on what is most important, In Greece, the oldest son inherits the property of his father, America it goes to whoever is next inline. Our democracy in America is similar to this. from University of Massachusetts-Boston. This lesson, althougn many years old, still applied to today, even in a place as diverse as America. Meaning, a culture is that of a group of peoples traditions and acts. Therefore, contemporary art tends to be more diverse. This is something that has always been important to me and that I feel a lot of people take for granted. if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'questionscity_com-box-4','ezslot_5',110,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-questionscity_com-box-4-0'); One practice unique to Greece is honoring departed loved ones with a lit candle or oil lamp. Worshiping the gods and goddesses helped them with their religious rituals and the temperament of the weather. Due to this common origin, there were several essential features that the different dialects shared. Cultural diffusion helped spread Greek culture all over the world, and its effects can still be felt today in almost every aspect. Such as in the Iliad, the Greek men were trying to kidnap women that they thought she was pretty or they . During the period of antiquity, Greek was the language spoken and written in much of the Mediterranean world and as far east as West Asia and beyond. Many of these works were meant to represent a degree of civic pride. It's hard to forget that Jewish people were also heavily discriminated against for their religious beliefs. Just see the picture below of the ancient Egyptian alphabets (which predates the Greek alphabets) depicted in hieroglyphics, demotic and hieratic styles, and see the similarities: They also wanted to distance themselves from the old styles of Europe that had become associated with aristocratic excess. In particular, the values and practices of Greek and Roman citizenship and politics, more than any other cultures, influences American policies today in terms of values, government, and self-image., There are so many ways in which history has been documented over time all serving as a permanent record of a culture and its people for future generations to have access to and learn from. However, the language spoken at the time of the Ancient Greek antiquity and the language that is spoken today in modern Greece are very different but related. Ancient Greece and China Compared is a pioneering, methodologically sophisticated set of studies, bringing together scholars who all share the conviction that the sustained critical comparison and contrast between ancient societies can bring to light significant aspects of each that would be missed by focusing on just one of them. Ancient Greece had three different column styles the Doric, Ionic and Corinthian as a substitute wood for building temples. However one can contrast these two societies by observing and valuing the art of ancient Greece. What role did mountains play in the development of Ancient Greek culture? Compare And Contrast Ancient Greek And Roman Civilizations How did they differ from those of the Greeks?, 7. They created things WELL that were way before their time. It is important to understand the differences between Greek and American culture to have a successful business relationship. Copyright document.write(new Date().getFullYear()) Her Campus Media LLC. Similarities between the two classical Empires include aspects of their social structure. Ancient Greek is the branch of Greek, while Modern Greek is the branch of Ancient Greek. In letting issues be decided directly by the voters, the United States is carrying on the tradition of the Athenians. . Without the influences of the ancient Greeks our society wouldnt be the way it is today. -The Greek Orthodox Church plays an important role in day-to-day life because it dictates what happens in society through its rules and regulations such as not being able to eat meat during Lent or not being able to get married on a Sunday. While the adoption of Christianity in the Greek world changed the worship from the ancient gods and goddesses of the pantheon to the Judeo-Christian Bible, the cultures of gods and goddesses persist and are still relevant. He lived in Macedonia, a kingdom in northern Greece. The differences between the Greek culture and American cultures. Greek is one of the oldest languages in the world and is certainly among the very first written languages on earth. (2019, March 15). Both were slave societies, holding a significant proportion of their populations in legal bondage. This was, to some extent, imitated in the structure of individual states, each of which were conceived of as somewhat like a polis--the polis being the Greek city-state surrounded by farmland. I don't recommend taking more than one or two shots, or else you might not be able to make it out of the restaurant. 2. A final difference between the two festivals is their timing. Grecian life was a life similar to what America was in the 1600-1700's. . It is important to remember that the Constitution is there in order know the rights that the people have and to remember that it is the law of the land and that it is there to help people with rights such as trial by jury and other similar rights. No weapon, item of clothing, or dish was the exact same. The Greeks were the first civilization to use the alphabet, and its usefullness spread throughout the globe. Another variety of Greek was written in Crete, using something called the Cypriot syllabary. They influenced almost every part of todays world, such as government, language, and architecture, as well as making scientific advancements. 4. Even the way the government is structured is much like that of ancient Greece. Well, yes and no. 5. As for the religion of this country, although the Ottoman Empire administered this territory for a long time, most of the population belongs to the Orthodox religion, and a small percentage to the Muslim religion. Greeks have a more relaxed attitude towards life. For example, democracy. Many cultures and religions have adapted their ideas from the ancient Greeks. The Greeks needed to have a reason to explain their beliefs, they truly believed everything was controlled by a greater power. From creating what people know of the modern theater, to the Socratic method of learning, which is still used today, the civilization was alive with thought and progress. Some of the most widespread subjects in Greek cultural history are the Greek myths. There are several instances where the birth of democracy can be traced back to ancient Greece. For example Zeus was the king of the gods, Athena was the goddess of wisdom, Dionysus was the god of wine, and the list goes on. In the article, it talked about how the different cultures around the world have different sets of values, which may seem wrong to one culture, but completely normal to another. Greeks in America and Greece: The 42-Cent Difference The ancient Greeks erected massive temples to these gods for worship. Educators go through a rigorous application process, and every answer they submit is reviewed by our in-house editorial team. Additionally, gods worshiped in Greece represented different traits and personalities which further contributed to the idea of individualisma core idea in Western Societies such as America today. The ideals of Ancient Greek government and aesthetics are still all around us. The Platonic dialogues and two of the most famous epic poems in all of literature, "The Iliad" and "The Odyssey," written by Homer were composed in Greek. Egyptian. Also, any adult citizen can serve a public office if elected. This is a common aspect of Greek communication. You can find many examples of Greek architecture in America today, especially in our nations capital. The clearest influence is in the English lexicon and in the conceptualizing of language. The legacy of ancient Greek drama still plays a huge role in modern society with many ancient Greek plays still being performed to this day. This focus on Greek Revival architecture goes back to the founding days of the United States. Major works of literature, art, and political structure from ancient Greece remain relevant to modern Western society. This has fascinated us, and has even influenced some of our brands of clothing, Nike for example (Nike being the goddess of victory). The members of the culture are skilled in reading non-verbal cues. However, this influence extended far beyond the capitol city. Contemporary retellings of the myths populate entertainment, and the seasons are in some places still acknowledged as belonging to certain gods or goddesses. Greeks value their time with others and Americans value their time alone. However, religious discrimination is not entirely a new or old concept. Greek life at colleges or universities are very important and beneficial for a students four years of college. The Greek civilization contributed greatly to the development of modern Western culture. The Spartan social structure was made up of slaves, warriors, generals, and the two kings. The Ancient Greeks were the first people to start theater and that is still very popular today through stage theater, and through movies. They Greeks believed sacrifice was necessary to appease the gods and keep everyday life fruitful and peaceful. 6. I find that there are a few cultural parallels between the Italian Americans and the Greek Americans. Alexander's Macedonian army used the phalanx battle formation, with their interlocking shields/ long spears to fight through Persia and across the Asia Minor. What are the customs of this ancient country that has been around for over 3,000 years? One can differentiate ancient Greek culture and modern Western culture by analyzing the treatment of religious figures, attitude towards emotion, and reaction towards nudity in each society. Thousands of years of political, social and cultural change, along with the Greek diaspora and the changes wrought by industry, have left their mark on this beautiful and historic language. West Asia, comprising Iraq (in ancient times, Mesopotamia), Iran (whose territory previously encompassed Persia), Syria and the Eastern Mediterranean (today's Cyprus, Lebanon, Israel, Palestine, Gaza Strip, and West Bank), the Arabian Peninsula (comprising Yemen, Oman, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, and the United Arab Emirates), and Anatolia and the Caucasus (today's Turkey . The nascent United States of the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, therefore, wanted to align itself with the highly-respected Grecian tradition. Greek civilization is alive; it moves in every breath of mind that we breathe; so much of it remains that none of us in one lifetime could absorb it all. Ancient Greeks are known to be one of the greatest and most advanced people and have left behind a legacy that helped define the Western civilization. I saw that you replied to my post about Greek Americans. The good news is if you don't want to pay for the bread, all you have to do is fold a napkin over it and place it at the end of the table. There are several instances where the birth of democracy can be traced back to ancient Greece. The government consisted of an assembly of 6,000 members that were all adult male citezens. Thus, the similarities one finds between elements of contemporary North American culture and ancient Greek culture are actually the result of direct influence. Ancient Greece believed that art is a depiction of the one's culture and individualism. There are many different aspects of these cultures that make them unique but also similar in certain ways. Comparison Between Ancient Greek Culture And Modern Western Culture There is a lot of desire in the U.S. to have laws that protect such Human Rights. Did Alexander achieve greatness? Petrarch (a writer who lived in the 1300s) described the early Medieval period as the "Dark Ages" because to him it seemed to be a period of declining human achievement . Greeks love to socialize and Americans don't like to talk as much. Enculturation was happening at a young age and I didnt even know it., The culture of ancient Greece reflects the importance of the individual in society in many different ways. Greek culture is family-oriented, and Americans are more individualistic. However, throughout my trip, there were many times that I was genuinely shocked and unprepared by all Greece had to offer, even after watching My Big Fat Greek Wedding. Ancient Greek is older than Modern Greek. The New Testament was written in Koine Greek, which was an iteration of the language that flourished between Ancient Greek and Modern Greek. For example, language was a significant cultural similarity between the different Greek states. What Are the Similarities and Differences Between Beltane and Walpurgis From my earliest memories I can recall my family was a lot larger than other peoples. Latest answer posted January 14, 2016 at 10:05:50 PM. The Greeks have created a great stir in modern day values, events, and philosophy, and they were just getting warmed up. Greeks value their time with others and Americans value their time alone. Today, Greeks celebrate death during their Day of the Dead festival called Panoiada on November 2nd each year by visiting cemeteries where they offer gifts to family members who have passed away. Ancient Greece was a polytheistic society. Beyond vocabulary, however, there is a tremendous impact on the development of English and the Romance languages as people know them that can be traced to the influence of Greek. Although there were several different dialects used in the Greek states during the Classical Period, for example the Doric and Attic dialects, the Greek language essentially all originated from the Linear B script used during the Mycenaean times. Ancient Greece has had a great impact on the society we live in today. At the end, both differences between the families ended when finally Toula married Ian. Another similarity to ancient Greece is the notion of public art as a form of civic pride. Knowing how Greece ran their government in ancient times leads us to where the basis of the current U.S. democracy comes from. It can be divided into three main periods: Ancient, Byzantine, and Modern. The Greeks are often credited with pioneering a democratic government that went on to influence the structure of the United States (National Geographic Society, 2019). The Byzantine period started in 800 AD with the restoration of Constantinople as the capital of the Eastern Roman Empire after the fall of Rome. We have many similarities with ancient Greece today. Did I mention that Greeks love alcohol and will drink it at just about any hour of the day? When the rights to vote were first set in place, they very much so resembled that of ancient Greece. Ancient Greek culture had major influences on todays culture; some of these influences include mathematics, government, art and architecture; they even did research in the field of medicine. The Greek culture was developed before the American, but now the American culture is more In ancient Greek the men treated the women different too. if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[336,280],'questionscity_com-leader-1','ezslot_8',116,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-questionscity_com-leader-1-0'); 1. The idea of a representative democracy was where the idea of what is currently the U.S. Congress started. And so, it is the responsibility of the observer to examine pieces of art and architectural structures taking into account the context in which they were produced. To other civilizations such as Ancient Egypt, culture expresses why the people are significantly different than those in other nations. I had many relatives that were the same thing to me as my blood family circles. Greek culture influenced the Roman Empire and many other civilizations, and it continues to influence modern cultures today. They had plays, music, and texts to pass their free time, all of which most Americans typically experience in a day. All in all, Greece was an eye opening country and while it differs greatly from our way of living, I was able to meet incredible people and gain a better cultural perspective. Greek culture appeared in the world earlier than Roman one. The Greek language today has been much simplified but still retains the most critical characteristics of its earlier forebearer. The word democracy comes from two Greek words: demos, meaning "the people," and kratein, meaning "to rule." The Greek language has had a profound influence on all Indo-European languages, including the English language. The second generation of Greek Americans had been established by this time and they had established Greek communities as well as various businesses that were thriving. The clean and simple lines of neoclassical architecture that harkened back to a time of democratic liberty were preferable to the fanciful adornment of baroque and rococo motifs found in Europe. These three different styles are still been used today in various mode like the Greeks. That doesn't make English a dead language. They continue to unite countries all over the world in peace for sixteen days of pure love of sports. Last Updated on March 19, 2022 by QCity Editorial Stuffif(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[580,400],'questionscity_com-medrectangle-3','ezslot_3',107,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-questionscity_com-medrectangle-3-0'); There are many cultural differences between Greece and America. In America, it's expected that water and bread are brought out for free. Ancient Greek Influence On American Culture The Ancient Greeks have influenced American culture through their language, their architecture, and in the theater. The article gave an example of the Greeks and Callatians, who have very different cultural values of what to do with the dead. Ancient Greek medicine: Influences and practice - Medical News Today Within our pop music, fashion, cuisine, and much more. In what ways did Athenian culture and philosophy reflect political and social ideals? Although the United States is technically a republic (or "representative democracy") rather than a direct democracy, many elements of contemporary government, including trial by jury, derive from ancient models. This goes even into how the constitution is structured much like The Constitution of the Athenians, both documents lay out the structure and the checks and balances that are placed to keep the government power in balance with the power of the people (NGS, 2019). Greeks even have their own traditional salad called the horitaki.