When a major world event occurs and Greek-Americans ask: “what does this mean for us?” which “us” are they talking about? “Us Greeks”? or “us Americans?”
If your favorite Olympic event was in its final round, and Greece was competing against the United States, for which country would you root?
We asked some Greek-Americans the question “Do you feel more Greek or American?” Their answers follow.
Gerasimos Alissandratos, 24, Yonkers
“More Greek. I think the way my parents raised me has a lot to do with it. My father was born in Greece and we spoke Greek in the house. We went to Greece three to four times a year. I’m immersed in the Greek culture and come to Greene events all the time. Not to say I’m not proud to be American because I was born here, but the way I was raised it’s easier to build a connection with all of the history we have in Greece and feel a part of it.”
Olympia Bardis, 25, Astoria
More Greek. The way we were raised, with two immigrant parents, they instilled in us deep roots of being Greek. Being first-generation American is a big factor (both on the American and the Greek cultural side), but I feel more Greek.
Vasiliki Bardis, 19, Astoria
I definitely feel more Greek than American. I really don’t even celebrate July 4th but I always celebrate Greek Independence Day and Greek Orthodox religious holidays.
Georgina Dellas, 28, Brooklyn
Both equally! My parents were born in Greece and I was born here. I go to Greece every summer but I was raised here. I love that I was equally raised with an American upbringing and a Greek upbringing. The Greek traditions and morals are the perfect balance of my American upbringing which involves a lot of diversity since America is a melting pot. I was educated here and have a lot of American friends but at the same time, I’m very proud of my Greek heritage.
Despina Galatoulas, 29, Astoria
Greek. When I hear our language, my heart palpitates and I get so excited! Don’t get me wrong, I live in America and grew up here but I just don’t find that same connection like the Greek one. While I feel more Greek, I still call myself Greek-American because I respect the fact that I live here, my family made their money here and succeeded here but my traditions are mainly Greek!
Christina Katehis, 18, Astoria
More Greek. Because my parents are from Greece and we talk Greek in the house. I went to a Greek school too. I was born in Greece and came to America when I was six years old so I spoke Greek first.
Julia Kokkosis, 17, Astoria
Greek. We speak Greek at my house. I went to a Greek school (that’s how I met my best friend, Christina). Ever since I was little, my grandparents took care of me and Greek is my first language. In fact, I had difficulty leaning English!
Michael Kokolis, 42, Bayside
I feel more Greek. My parents, my upbringing, and going to Greece every summer makes me feel that way. Even the people I work with are all Greek and I have Greek patients. Even my community work involves Greeks. I am the Third General Secretary of the Federation of Hellenic Societies of New York and am involved deeply in helping organize and bring together the Greek-American youth.
Dr. Pete Meliagros, 31, Richmond, VA
This is a tricky question. When I’m with family and around the holidays, I definitely feel more Greek but when I’m at work or when I was in medical school and around Americans, I feel more American. But now that I have more time after school to be around my family, I would definitely say more Greek!
Eleni Tsirikos, 13, Astoria
Greek. When I’m in the street I hear people around me talking Greek. I speak Greek because my family speaks Greek, so I talk back to them in Greek. But I feel more American in school.
Alexandros Veizis, 33, Astoria
Greek but I’ve only lived here for a few months. I visited America as a tourist in 2013, but just moved here. But even if I lived here longer I would still feel more Greek.