Q: Why should someone like you, Alexandros, have any right to come into Greece, point problems out, and try to clean up the system – when you didn’t grow up in the system?
Alexandros Benis (A.B.): “Let’s answer that by using the example of those who like to criticize the fact that I don’t speak fluent Greek. Unfortunately, I’m a product of a generation of Greeks who came to America and did not want to pass the Greek language to their children: they wanted to assimilate as quickly as possible.
It’s not because they didn’t like being Greek, it’s because the political and social climate of America at the time held that being a foreigner was unacceptable. So, when my Dad was growing up, his Greek parents refused to speak Greek in the house – not an uncommon thing in America, especially during the 50s, 60s, and 70s.
Yet, as far as the fact that I haven’t grown up in Greece and was never taught the language at home, that’s true. But I don’t believe that should be a barrier to entry for having a vision for Greek politics and Greek society, especially that I’m well-studied and well-read in both of those fields.”
Q: Are there any examples of Greek Americans getting involved in Greek politics?
A.B.: “Yes. Stefanos Kasselakis, the President of Syriza, is Greek American. And, although unpopular, that is a precedent that has been set. Kyriakos Mitsotakis, our current Prime Minister, studied at Harvard, and former PASOK President George Papandreou also studied in America.
As you can see, it is actually quite common. There have been quite a few prominent people in Greek politics who have strong connections to America. However, what is happening right now in Greek society is that many political parties are attempting to take the country in the direction of Westernization and liberalization.
Consequently, I have a unique place and position in the fight for Greece’s soul. Even though I didn’t grow up in Greek society, I have grown up in the culture that many Greeks are trying to adopt. They are trying to forgo the Greek way of life for a more American way of life.”
Q: What does this adoption of American life look like for Greeks today?
A.B.: “Many of them are physically relocating to America, or other Western countries, for better jobs and financial gain. In 2023 alone, nearly 160,000 people left Greece.
Clearly, people in Greece are looking for something a little bit different than what they grew up surrounded by – usually greater economic opportunity. But I’m here to tell you, as someone who grew up in America, that Greece has to be very careful with how it decides to adopt American culture or embrace America’s economic ideals.”
Q: With all that in mind, what is your vision for Greece in the future?
A.B.: “It stems from my upbringing in America colliding with my loyalty to Greece in its purest form. I want my kids to speak better Greek than I did, to be raised closer to Greek culture than I was, and I try to be self-aware about it. I know that the fact I don’t speak Greek was out of my control as a child.
But here I am: I have the desire to be part of this culture and society again. Essentially, that is the reason why I think KTE is necessary for Greece and not just for Greek Americans. Because I see, and I believe, that there is a very clear political and economic path forward for Greece that includes the meaningful activation of the Diaspora. Just think of what the Greek Diaspora – which is very industrious, very well-resourced, and very well-educated – can do for a struggling Greek populace and economy.”