Criticism? Don’t Want to Hear it! Sensitive Soul Part 3
I always talked about my anxiety and that is what people read on Medium. I will back up. So I believe some people know that I am from Greece originally. I was born in Athens and moved to America when I was 3. English was my second language and I had to completely start from scratch. Then again I was only 3. I lived here about 15 years. I have been always proud of my culture and where I am from.
I love to read the history and mythology of my country. I never been ashamed of my country. I am proud of my country and I tend to focus on the positive aspects of what is my country. ( I mean many people should!)For example the history is amazing! Spartans? Mythology? I love it all! I mean who does not like a good Percy Jackson book? Greek Mythology is so interesting that I wanted to know everything about it. I mean that was my bedtime stories when I was little. I also enjoyed looking at the temples and old buildings. It is fascinating to think of all these people build thousands of years ago! The list can go on and on!
There are times where my Greek heritage made me a target for rude comments. Look I have been bullied plenty of times in my life. If people have anything mean to say to me, I can take the stand. In the past, I was told at a young age by a bully to go back to Greece and not be here. I also heard many comments when I was in high school about the government of Greece and how the economy “sucks” and that we were close to bankrupt. No one seems to care about my opinions.
Last year I had a friend (Key word “had”) say to me she is going to dress up like a Greek goddess for Halloween and have a sign on the back saying something like“I take free bailout”. I told her not to do that since that will make me very furious and offended. She told me to find another costume that is better than that. I just shock my head. Then on Halloween (we can wear our costumes to school) I saw her in first period with that attire. I looked at her and told her I am very offended and I am not speaking to you again. I was pissed off and people were laughing at her costume and telling her it was genius right at my face. The thing is everyone knows that I am from Greece in my classes though they didn’t care about me. I was so shocked on how some of my friends reacted saying its just a joke. Yeah it is a joke, but I don’t care. You are making fun of my country and culture, and I would never do that to you!
I mean it’s ridiculous! I have heard even worst crap about my country as the year progressed saying some pretty nasty things. One girl basically joked about how many Greeks were killed by the Nazis and I basically told her to (insert cuss word her) and pointed a certain finger at her (it could be any finger). UGH! Why do people have to look at the negative side of things? I heard many criticisms about Greece, I get the government is not the greatest, but please do not judge the country due to some idiots who have the power. We have so many fantastic beaches, history, food, cultures, etc! Why do people have to judge?! Please good people out there, put some perspective and see how the other person feels. I highly encourage you. Not only in my sense but in everything! Listen to how other person feels and thinks about that certain subject. Listen and learn.
People might say I am too sensitive about these things, but how would you feel? Just imagine being in a different country where there really isn’t many people like you in this country and that people in this country are joking about your country. It is all about perspective. Being different gives people a chance to upset and make fun of you. Please do not get discouraged. Fight back and take a stance. Express how you feel and do not think of yourself any less. I am proud to be Greek and if anyone has a problem with that than I do not need you in my life. BYE HATERS!
Love and Peace K.D
