Influences of Greek and Roman Citizenship on American Society

The Greeks and the Romans were two of the most impactful societies to ever exist. Their influence can be seen in nearly every culture or country throughout history. Despite their differences and competitive nature, their politics and beliefs laid the foundation for future civilizations, including modern society. Specifically, the values and traditions of Greek and Roman citizenship and politics have greatly impacted American policies today in terms of values, government, and self-perception.

The Greek civilization was one of the first well-organized and structured societies in history, considering themselves great and superior to other cultures.

While under the law of Xenia they were generous to outsiders, they viewed most of the outside world as barbaric. Being Greek was crucial for status and those who did not adhere to Greek ways were often shunned in society. Athenians, in particular, valued political engagement among their citizens.

Those who did not take part in political life were known as Idiotes, meaning someone who solely pursues self-interest and does not contribute to society.

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These individuals were ostracized for their lack of patriotism, as Greeks valued love for their country above all else. Greeks also prized reason and rationality, embracing philosophical perspectives and seeking to define everything based on the apollonian concept of reason, brightness, and intelligence. Holding large assemblies for discussions that influenced decision-making and law passage, the Greeks garnered respect and recognition through these traditions.

The similarities between the ways the Greeks ran their civilization and how Americans run their country today are evident to those who study Greek culture.

The Greeks believed in their superiority and intellect, much like Americans do today. In Pericles’ Funeral Oration, Thucydides highlights this attitude by stating: “In short, I say that as a city we are the school of Hellas, while I doubt if the world can produce a man who, where he has only himself to depend upon, is equal to so many emergencies, and graced by so happy a versatility, as the Athenian.” (Pericles’ Funeral Oration) This quote illustrates the Greeks' sense of superiority, reflecting the American mentality where Americans often perceive themselves as smarter and superior to other countries.

Like the Greeks, Americans are accepting and generous to outsiders, however, they are still viewed with disdain. Patriotism and love for one's country are values shared by both American and Greek cultures. Following September 11th, Americans have shown a strong surge of affection for their country by displaying flags and memorials as symbols of loyalty. Those who do not embrace this patriotism are often marginalized in society and lack the same level of respect as loyal citizens. This theme is evident in Greek practices as well, as seen in the play Antigone, where the leader Creon refuses to acknowledge a citizen who has not shown loyalty to the country. This conflict between loyalty to the country and personal beliefs is central to the story. Loving one's country is not only significant in contemporary America but also plays a vital role in Greek culture.

Both Americans and Greeks share a common focus on enlightenment. In America, education is highly valued with efforts to combat illiteracy and ignorance. Similarly, in Greece, there is an emphasis on moving away from the rejection of intelligence. Plato's The Allegory of the Cave illustrates this idea of seeking intelligence and going against the norm. These philosophies from Greek thinkers like Plato continue to influence modern America, showcasing the similarities and shared traits between the two cultures.

The Romans, like the Greeks, highly valued love for one’s country and loyalty. However, they also focused on public affairs such as education, sanitation, and health. They admired their ancestors and aimed to emulate them. Despite rejecting the idea of a king, they favored a common hero as a leader. The Roman government was structured with consuls, senate, and assembly. The consuls served as leaders in place of a king, the senate was made up of patricians who passed legislation, and the assembly allowed plebeians to approve laws. These characteristics helped make Rome one of the most powerful empires and influenced future societies.

The Romans and Greeks both had significant influence on American policies. Laws and practices regarding public affairs are crucial in American society. In Livy's The Rape of Lucretia, the importance of public affairs such as family is evident through the story of Lucretia's rape leading to the banishment of kings in Rome. Similarly, in the Greek play Antigone, the theme of honoring family is prominent as Antigone seeks to honor her brother despite the consequences. These narratives emphasize the values of honor and virtue in citizenship, which resonate in American society today. Americans also appreciate a common hero, similar to the Roman story of Cincinnatus being called upon to defend Rome in times of need.

Both Cincinnatus and the character Antigone from the Greek play Antigone are common individuals who display extraordinary qualities, such as bravery and adherence to personal beliefs. Despite their heroic actions, they also face common struggles like death and scandal within their families. These tales mirror American stories, particularly that of George Washington, a common hero during the American Revolution. The parallel between American and Roman culture is striking, particularly in the realm of government. America's system of checks and balances, which allocates power to different government branches to prevent any one entity from becoming too dominant, bears a resemblance to Roman governance.

Polybius clearly defined Roman government in his work An Analysis of the Roman Government, addressing a common concern of the Romans who rejected the idea of one powerful ruler or Rex. He explained the roles of the consul, senate, and assembly in the Roman government. The consul, similar to the American President, the Roman senate, similar to the American Senate, and the assembly, similar to the house of representatives, showcase how Romans and Americans share citizen traits and qualities.

When comparing citizenship and political practices, there are strong similarities between ancient Greece and Rome and modern society, particularly in America. Despite being compared to various nationalities, America's government, self-image, and values show the strongest connections to Greece and Rome. This demonstrates the importance of drawing on the past to inform the future.