Dear Chancellor Angela Merkel,
As the German Chancellor and the most powerful woman in the world, according to Forbes, your voice clearly has a large influence on all those who are willing to hear, but that is what I have a problem with. While I am gracious for the help you have (unwillingly) bestowed upon Greece in order to allow the nation to stay in the eurozone, I am far from gracious about the horrible stereotypes and perception you have enforced about the country of Greece.
While speaking in Meschede, Germany, you made it clear that you believe Greeks are lazy because they “take too many holidays and retire too early,” unlike the Germans. You also made it very clear that your generous country will only help others out if they “try,” because apparently, all Greeks have been sitting on their couches all day not trying at all. Your harsh judgments were not unheard, the media fed off this idea that Greeks are those freeloading friends that overstay their welcome.
Realistically, the idea that all Greeks are lazy is the equivalent of saying, all Germans are Nazis, which is so incredibly far from the truth. However, this is what your speeches have portrayed to the world. If you think I am overreacting, check out this cringe-worthy video. It’s a conversation between two friends, and everything they say has been a repulsive headline from a tabloid, newspaper and even your own mouth.
After some research, I found that what you have been stressing to the world differs from what the statistics say. According to a recent Paris-based Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development study, in 2012, the average number of hours put in by the world’s workforce was 1,765. In contrast, Greece’s workforce put in 2,034 hours, while Germany’s workforce lagged at 1,397 hours. Not only did Germany put in fewer hours than Greece, but they also put in less than the worldwide average. The Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development discovered that Greeks retire at the average age of 60.8. On the other hand, Germans retire at the average age of 61.2. Additionally, during their careers, Germans are allotted 20-30 holidays a year, whereas Greeks are given 20. Consequently, there is not a large enough gap that gives you the right to place Greeks in an indolent category.
Of course, Greece has had their fair share of corrupt politicians and debauched decisions. Heck, they should not have even joined the eurozone to begin with; however, the mistake has been made, and the consequences are being dealt with. BUT perception is reality, and the perception you have enforced is not helping the Greece crisis one bit.
So, Chancellor Merkel, I ask you to look at the bigger picture and realize generalizing all Greeks in this disrespectful manner is incredibly demoralizing.
Yours Truly,
A Very Angry Greek American
