Tyler Lotz 
Meghan Lawrence 
Gavin Lane The Greek culture can be described as intelligent, enthusiastic, daring, and sensible. As a whole, they excelled at mathematics, physics and astronomy. There were great accomplishments in the fields of art, philosophy, and religious thinking. It is from the Greeks that many of our American values come from; democracy, freedom of speech, patriotism, religious freedom and basic rights for citizens were all values the Greek culture had.
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In today’s media, passion, bravery and love are central themes in movies, television shows and musical lyrics. Women are commonly featured as a damsel in distress who needs the rescuing of a man. They patiently await the man who will free them from the current depressive state, allowing their lives to be more or less run by the decisions of men. Men are often seen engaging in a fight-whether it be a war, a bar brawl or a spat with a best friend- showing their masculinity. The main character is defending a just cause or fighting to avenge someone’s honor. Ultimately, the victor is the stronger, more loved character. On screen, a man’s bravery is rewarded with a beautiful woman who gives herself over to him and they become the illusive perfect couple.
The glory of American troops enlisting and going off to war, referred to as American pride or patriotism, was an idea that originated with the Greek culture when the “good life” was seen as defending your country and home, fighting for the king you loyally followed. Religious diversity and tolerance in American schools, work place and community is a result of the Greek ideals that religion should be a personal statement and belief. Mandating religion today is seen as infringing on civilian rights and a separation of church and state has been a part of the American Constitution since independence was declared.
America is deeply influenced by the Greek culture and the developments that resulted from the philosophers of that era.
MaryLynn Kemp
12:01 am, 01.31.13
I think it’s really interesting how the view of valour and bravery as central values has shaped our definition of “what a man should be” today. I definitely have seen the negative impacts when society defines a man as different than the actual men who live in society.
Lyndi Smith
10:08 am, 01.31.13
Steph, your relation between the Greek culture and our American troops going off to war is extremely interesting to me. I would have no been able to view the relationship between the two like that and I find it very interesting. You are absolutely correct when you say that the idea of defending your country and territory is the same as the defense of protecting your king that is loyally followed. America is extremely influenced by the Greek culture especially the impacts that it has had on our idea of what a man should be and what exactly defines a hero. We tend to be naive and just act on our thoughts without ever really discovering where these views came from. It’s a shame that the Greek culture has gotten pushed behind all the modern views but it’s nice to be able to reflect on information throughout courses we take and realize what has impacted our views.