Eugenia Arvanitis
Ana Garner
Anastasia-Olga (Olnancy) Tzirides
Jessica Andrews
Elizabeth Musgrove
Griselda Escobedo
Angelica Rackow
Ashley Kaufman EDUC 499: Greece - Summer 2019’s Updates
Refugee Crisis and Education in Greece
After reading the articles and watching the videos, my definition of citizenship in context to the refugees in Greece is one that is concerning to me. Although a citizen is someone who is legally recongized as a subject or national of a state, either native or naturalized, I think when we consider the regugees, we must extend our definition. These individuals have been brave enough to leave their country and the unsafe conditions, traveling to a new place like Greece in hope for a better life. Unfortunetely, not being considered a citizen, these people find their rights much less than those who are native to the country.
This is a condition that I think must be improved not only in Greece but globally as well. For example, when we compare and contrast the refugee crisis in Greece to it in the US, there are some similarities and differences. For example, in Greece, refugees are given the chance to an education one that is not necessarily provided in the US to non-citizens, something that I think must change especially with the world we live in today. In addition, a country like the US has the financial and ability to take in more refugees although we are not as open to this group compared to a country like Greece.
My main ideas from these readings and videos is that our definition of citizenship is so limited and narrow and as conditions change for people we must change our definitions as well. Being able to allow these regugees to gain equality and citizenship in a fast and easy manner will give them the ability to equality, edcuation, success, and a better life.
In an increasingly connected and mobile world I think the old definition of citizenship is becoming more and more problematic. There is an increasing concern for people beyond one's own national boundaries. More and more people think of each other as fellow humans rather than Americans and Syrians, with that has come a drive to provide aid to other people who are suffering or who have had to flee their homes. I think we should do everything we can to act on that growing sentiment, to help each other whenever possible. That means nations like the US doing more to help alleviate the pressure on nations like Greece
Jessica, I enjoyed reading your reflection and your thoughts about the definition of citizenship. I agree with you. I think it is important that we rethink this definition when it comes to refugees. Without changing this, it only makes their lives harder in terms of fitting into society.
Jessica, I enjoyed your reflection about the citizenship concept. Like you, I also think the refugee reality makes you reconsider the definition. The more I read and see a documentary about these people, the more I reflect on the humanity we all share. How can our destinies take such a different path depending on the location we are born?
I was surprised to learn more about how the Greece government and population have been assisting the refugees arriving in their territory. I can't wait to see some of these efforts in person.