By Afroditi A. Karagianni,
Institutional classism is generally regarded as the act of different social groups being treated in alternate ways, regarding the same matter, by the state. More specifically, in democratic countries, one of the most important laws to is the one that calls for equal and unprejudiced treatment of all citizens. This, as is known, is not always what happens in the real world, since in many countries, some social groups are visibly favored compared to others, in a variety of matters.
To make this clearer, a prime example of institutional classism constitutes the limited access to quality healthcare in poorer neighborhoods, which leads to higher disease rates for that part of the population, compared to the rates reported in richer communities. Furthermore, institutional classism also takes place when new schools and educational institutions are mostly built in affluent cities and neighborhoods, when, at the same time, young people raised in impoverished areas rarely receive such learning opportunities.
Recently, Greece has been divided upon the news that its overthrown royal family has been re-awarded their greek citizenship, in only a matter of days after their formal application. Many Greeks condemn the application’s acceptance and call it an act of institutional classism. In my opinion, by the looks of it, this claim is completely rightful.
More specifically, more and more people from all over the world choose to move permanently to Greece every day. The reasons behind this decision vary: they can be economic, environmental, cultural or for their safety, as a significant number of people move to Greece to protect themselves and their families from war. Whatever the case may be, these people, who are usually members of the middle or lower class, come to Greece from their countries as refugees to try and build a new home, while raising money and families.
Those that arrive here lawfully, usually want to, at some point, apply for citizenship (also known as a green card). However, the acquisition of such a card is, by no means, an easy task. In fact, most of the time, people interested in applying must wait at least seven years, while working in Greece and successfully paying their taxes to even make the application. Mind you, that application itself is in the form of a test. This test consists of the following meticulously examined sub-parts: understanding of written and spoken language and possessing adequate knowledge concerning Greek geography, politics, culture, and history. In other words, someone who takes this test must be able to answer questions revolving around a variety of matters concerning Greece, and those questions are sometimes extremely difficult to answer. In fact, many Greeks allege that they themselves do not know most of the answers to these questions, and support that expecting a foreigner to give correct answers seems somewhat unreasonable. Moreover, the individual tested must speak the language proficiently, and simultaneously be able to understand it in both written and spoken form.
In visible contrast comes the acquisition of the greek citizenship by some members of the country’s overthrown royal family. In a matter of days, they submitted their application, which was instantly approved by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and the family were even allowed to convert their last name to “De Grecia” which (roughly) translates into “of Greece”. Of course, the Greek constitution states that Greece’s political system is parliamentary republic and not monarchy. So, even if the overthrown royal family insists that they “respect the Greek constitution” (which also happens to be an important law for the approval of their citizenship application) exactly how right is it for them to receive such a last name? Honestly, this newly acquired name of theirs sounds to many, more like an honorary title than a last name. Truth be told, plenty of alternate last names could have been chosen instead (if they had to), so that the people, the constitution and the laws of the country would be more respected and guarded. Finally, it must be noted that the majority of the family concerned do not live in Greece, pay any Greek taxes or speak the language fluently whatsoever.
Regardless of my own opinions on monarchy and the whole last name situation, I find these news rather troubling. To me, it is perfectly clear that we are in the presence of a class issue. It all comes down to this: some wealthy people who applied for the same card, received it at the speed of light, whereas poorer people are obliged to struggle and work for years in order to even earn the opportunity to take a “citizenship test”. Of course, it goes without saying that many amongst them never acquire a green card and are, sometimes, even deported from the country altogether.
This reality is by no means fair. Indeed, it deeply saddens, infuriates and disappoints many citizens, and it raises important questions as to how the state functions, and whom it ultimately (and deliberately) favors. As mentioned above, in theory, under the eyes of the law, all people are to be treated equally. Unfortunately, our country seems undeniably unable to reinforce that in practice. Thankfully, more and more people are starting to speak up and protest about similar inequities, and I sure do hope that one day, our country will rise to the occasion and protect all its (to be) citizens, without favoring some who possess money, honorary titles or come from reputable families.
Reference
- Από το Γκλίξμπουργκ στο «De Grecia»: Ένα ιστορικό στοίχημα γεμάτο συμβολισμούς. Το Βήμα. Available here
