COMMENTARY
ATHENS, Greece—Strikes and protests have become a weekly occurrence in Greece where the bad economy, low salaries, high taxes, and unsure futures are bringing people into the streets screaming abuse and using physical violence in an effort to assert their rights.
ATHENS, Greece—Strikes and protests have become a weekly occurrence in Greece where the bad economy, low salaries, high taxes, and unsure futures are bringing people into the streets screaming abuse and using physical violence in an effort to assert their rights.
Despite these hard times though, there remains an element of ancient wisdom that makes one feel more positive.
This attitude is not taking the unrest so seriously, even when it actually is, and facing uncertainty with humor and philosophically (meaning “love of wisdom”).
The people who haven’t forgotten this wisdom bring hope to others, and help open people’s minds to different angles.
Last week, I came upon what has become a weekly occurrence in Athens—a 24-hour strike in the center of Athens at Syntagma (Constitution) Square in front of Parliament.
As I approached the protesters, I crossed the street to avoid the angry crowd, but could not escape the sound pollution as the desperate, angry, unharmonious protesters were beating their waist drums and yelling slogans.
All of the sudden, from about 100 yards ahead of the crowed, came a different sound, cutting through the protest din. I heard melodic and delicate music that immediately relaxed my ears and mind.
To my surprise, ahead of me was a small ensemble, playing the instrumental soundtrack of the 1997 movie Titanic, “My Heart Will Go On.”
As the sound penetrated my mind, I thought, “Wow, look at those people, standing there unshakable and unstoppable despite the chaos and risk of protest violence turning against them.”
I thought how great it was to see people with a different way of thinking and a different way of approaching situation. The power of art did its miracle as soon as I got into its field.
The atmosphere, the calmness, and positive attitude of the musicians made me wonder and admire.
They were protesting in their own way, meeting the violence and tension with a feeling of harmony and deep hope.
Going back to the Greek attitude of dealing with problems, where most people usually take to the streets at the mere mention of budget cuts, people do exist trying to make a difference.
This attitude is not taking the unrest so seriously, even when it actually is, and facing uncertainty with humor and philosophically (meaning “love of wisdom”).
The people who haven’t forgotten this wisdom bring hope to others, and help open people’s minds to different angles.
Last week, I came upon what has become a weekly occurrence in Athens—a 24-hour strike in the center of Athens at Syntagma (Constitution) Square in front of Parliament.
As I approached the protesters, I crossed the street to avoid the angry crowd, but could not escape the sound pollution as the desperate, angry, unharmonious protesters were beating their waist drums and yelling slogans.
All of the sudden, from about 100 yards ahead of the crowed, came a different sound, cutting through the protest din. I heard melodic and delicate music that immediately relaxed my ears and mind.
To my surprise, ahead of me was a small ensemble, playing the instrumental soundtrack of the 1997 movie Titanic, “My Heart Will Go On.”
As the sound penetrated my mind, I thought, “Wow, look at those people, standing there unshakable and unstoppable despite the chaos and risk of protest violence turning against them.”
I thought how great it was to see people with a different way of thinking and a different way of approaching situation. The power of art did its miracle as soon as I got into its field.
The atmosphere, the calmness, and positive attitude of the musicians made me wonder and admire.
They were protesting in their own way, meeting the violence and tension with a feeling of harmony and deep hope.
Going back to the Greek attitude of dealing with problems, where most people usually take to the streets at the mere mention of budget cuts, people do exist trying to make a difference.
