Insights from a Cypriot: Culture, Politics, and the Pursuit of Happiness

David is from Cyprus but was born in America. He spent his childhood in Cyprus, where he learned the native language, a dialect of Greek. Although it is similar to standard Greek, it can be difficult for Greeks to understand. David is fluent in both languages and learned English growing up from his American mother. English is widely spoken in Cyprus, along with Greek and Russian, and it is essential for the tourism industry, which is crucial for the country's economy. The island is divided between Greek Orthodox Christians and Muslims, with the Greek side being David's home. The borders have opened up in recent years, allowing people to move more freely between the two sides.

CYPRUS'S HISTORY AND INDEPENDENCE

He discusses the complex history of his small island nation. Despite being located near the Middle East, Cyprus has a significant Greek influence due to its heritage. However, David asserts that Cyprus is not Greek and that the Greek culture's prevalence in Cyprus is a mystery. The Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot communities lived in harmony before Turkey's invasion, which David describes as a consequence of Greece's interference. He has no love for either Greeks or Turks but feels that his people's traditions are more aligned with the Middle East.

Cyprus is still divided between the Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot regions, and David's generation wants peace more than war. They believe that Cyprus should be independent of Turkey and the British, who still occupy the country. David grew up in the Greek Orthodox faith but is no longer religious, having lost faith in organized religion after seeing a priest who smokes and drinks alcohol. Despite the island's fraught history, David wants Cyprus to be free and independent.

David talks about the political situation in Cyprus and how it has affected his life. He explains that Cyprus is divided into two parts, the Greek Cypriot side, and the Turkish Cypriot side. He refers to the Turkish Cypriot side as the "stolen side" because it was taken from the Greek Cypriots. David also shares how his family's house was taken from them and turned into a military barracks. He describes growing up with a literal wall separating the two sides and seeing Turkish soldiers marching.

He believes that people should become better humans and treat others with kindness, regardless of their ethnicity or religion. David also talks about his memories of growing up in Cyprus and how it was one of the safest places. He enjoyed playing with his friends and riding bikes. Despite the political turmoil, he has fond memories of his childhood in Cyprus.

DIVERSITY

David cherishes the experiences he has with his loved ones, believing that time is the most valuable currency one can possess. He is fascinated with Dubai, which he perceives as a diverse city that caters to the different faiths and beliefs of its citizens. He is aware of the stereotypes associated with Muslim countries, but he thinks that the UAE is doing what the rest of the world needs to do - to welcome and respect other religions and beliefs. David believes that ignorance is the root cause of most problems in society and that it is crucial to eradicate it. He thinks that humans should learn to love and embrace one another, regardless of their race, religion, or sexual orientation.

EDUCATIONAL SYSTEM COMPARISON

He shared that the educational system in Cyprus is more advanced than that of the United States, with students in America learning topics in the 11th and 12th grade that he had learned in the 6th and 7th grade in Cyprus.

In Cyprus, students stay with the same group of peers for the whole year, allowing them to build stronger relationships. The school day is shorter and students are allowed to spend time outside during breaks. In contrast, American schools have metal detectors and security guards due to the prevalence of school shootings, and students are not allowed to leave the building without permission. The American education system is structured to restrict freedom and impose discipline, while in Cyprus, students are given more autonomy and trust from a young age. David believes that this difference in educational philosophy can contribute to the lower success rates and lack of motivation among American students.

CULTURAL & POLITICAL OBSERVATIONS

In an interview, David shares his experiences traveling and observing cultural differences between Europe and the United States. He highlights the tendency for Americans to act obnoxiously when visiting other countries, compared to Europeans who tend to be more respectful. David also discusses the flaws in the American political system, pointing out the disconnect between politicians and the people they represent. He notes the poor state of infrastructure in the US and the lower standards for cleanliness in restaurants. David attributes the high obesity rates in the US to the unhealthy and cheaper food options available, compared to Europe where fresh and organic produce is more affordable. Overall, David's insights offer a unique perspective on the cultural and political differences between Europe and the United States.

U.S. AS A BUSINESS

He believes that everything in the US is a business, including universities and colleges, unlike Europe, where education is affordable and more accessible. David is frustrated by how Americans work hard and long hours, but have nothing to show for it, unlike Europeans, who work smarter and have more education. He uses the example of military service in Cyprus to illustrate how the approach to work and education is different in Europe, where people work smarter and are more educated. David believes that life in America is a scam, with only ten days off work each year, which is not enough time to enjoy life.

MATERIALISM & PREJUDICE

In this interview with David, he expresses his frustration with the consumerist culture in America, where people are constantly buying new things and living to work. He explains that in his home country of Cyprus, people are not as consumed by materialism and have a different outlook on life. David also touches on the issue of race and ethnicity in America, where people tend to segregate themselves and ask irrelevant questions in job interviews. As someone with a Spanish-sounding last name, David has had experiences where people assume he is Puerto Rican or Latino, even though he is not. He finds it frustrating that people try to put him in a box based on his appearance and last name. David's experiences and observations shed light on the issues of materialism and prejudice in American culture.

CHANGING GENDER ROLES & VALUES

David discusses the changing roles of men and women in Cyprus in an interview. He acknowledges that in the past, men were considered superior, but this is changing with each generation. Traditionally, women were expected to cook, clean, raise children, and iron clothes, while men worked and provided for the family. However, David believes that there should be a balance and that both partners should contribute equally to household chores. He also acknowledges that women are very good at managing households and raising children, and there is no problem with them taking charge. Women are also now highly educated and work outside the home, sometimes earning more than men. In America, David feels that there are different expectations for men, and they are not always able to show their emotions or love to friends without being judged.

He believes that the COVID-19 pandemic has been good for America. He thinks that America still has a slave mentality and that people are all slaves to the system. He doesn't want to work his entire life and retire on a meager salary, so he can't enjoy his life. He wants to travel, see the world, and experience true happiness, not just material possessions. He enjoys dancing and going to clubs in his country, Cyprus.

He describes the importance of respecting elders in his culture, where you must speak to them as if they are plural, and emphasizes the value of good manners and polite behavior. David's perspective offers an insightful look into the pursuit of happiness and the importance of cultural values.

FAMILY TIME

He explains that the cost of living in the US can make it difficult for families to enjoy quality time together, whereas, in Cyprus, there is a greater emphasis on family time and education. David defines success as happiness, which he believes comes from being content with oneself and spending time with loved ones. He values the ability to travel and experience different cultures over material possessions. The biggest challenge he has faced is having to leave his daughter behind as he works hard to provide for her as a single father, at the time of this interview. Despite the difficulties he faces, David remains positive and is grateful for the experiences that have helped him grow.

FINAL WORDS

David talks about his philosophy on life and the importance of hard work and struggle. He believes that life is not easy, but it is up to each individual to make it what they want it to be. David believes that people who see obstacles as opportunities to rise to become something are more likely to succeed in life than those who give up when faced with challenges. David also feels that America is promoting a mentality of no winners and losers, which he believes is not helpful. He argues that hard work and earning things are important and that without struggle, people cannot appreciate what they have. David says that life is hard, unfair, and never will be fair. He thinks that people need to learn the value of hard work and earning things rather than having everything handed to them.

David says that the most interesting people are those who have struggled and gone through something. He would never want anything handed to him and thinks that life becomes boring when everything is perfect. He finds thrill and excitement in working towards his goals and is grateful for his health, family, and friends.