Send the Manager to Greece!
As most of you already know, my wife, Sophia, and I were grocery shopping and speaking privately to one another, in Greek. As our viral video demonstrated, a lady started harassing us and yelling at us to “Speak F**king English, This is America!” If you haven’t already seen the video, you can find it at the end of this post. But frankly, we don’t want to make this about us. There’s a bigger story here, and its one of bravery.
There were about 10-15 people around us; however NO ONE felt the need to speak up or to intervene. I didn’t feel too threatened; however, what if Sophia were there alone? Or even worse, alone with our kids? All too often I feel like incidents oh harassment occur and more people choose to look the other way rather than help.
Because of that, both Sophia and I feel the store manager deserves a reward. A HUGE reward. She went above and beyond and we need to show the world that these kinds of people are amazing citizens! So what’s our idea? Let’s send her to Greece!!! The very country of origin of the family she defended. We might as well make something good come of all this. And frankly, we’d prefer to put the focus on her actions because we need more people like her around.
We setup a GoFundMe campaign to try and make this happen. PLEASE, step up and make your voices heard with $5 or $10. She’s more than deserving and its a great way to make a positive out of all this negativity. Here’s the link to the GoFundMe page:
https://www.gofundme.com/SendManagerToGreece
We promise to be 100% transparent by posting EVERY single receipt, and 100% of the proceeds will be turned over to the manager in the form of a trip to Greece. If for some reason there’s any money left over or she does not accept the gift, 100% of the proceeds will be donated to a charity or non-profit fighting racism and/or xenophobia in the United States, or even returned if necessary.
Thanks everyone! Much love.❤
So this just happened…
Sophia and I were in line at the market, and naturally, speaking Greek. Out of nowhere this lady behind us decides to give us a modern history lesson and tells us, “Speak F*@king English, this is America.” Furthermore, she demonstrated her well-versed use of the English language by using every swear word to describe us and how we don’t belong here. Imagine if we were with our kids.
Huge props to the manager for kicking her xenophobic, racist ass out. I only caught the tail-end on video, but you’ll get the point.
Seriously. This. Just. Happened. It’s 2017. #SMH
www.ExcuseMeAreYouGreek.com
www.facebook.com/ExcuseMeAreYouGreek
www.twitter.com/thanasiiiPosted by Thanasi Papoulias on Saturday, January 14, 2017
Good, I hope she doesn’t come back. Why does she care which language you speak unless she’s trying to eavesdrop on the conversion. Free speech. Good for you guys for standing up to her.
It amazes me how ignorant people can be. Every American has descendants that trace back to Europe. How about giving that lady a lesson on how American colonies were British settlers.
Being Canadian, often times we go through the same thing as well, depending on the province you visit.
Xenophobia is just a glorified word for being racist…and besides, derived from Greek to begin with. LOL!
I love this story. I grew up speaking Irish because I had a Great Aunt or two who wanted me to learn the old language. It’s rarely spoken outside the country. I grew up and taught my son many languages, Irish and Latin especially. Now my Mum is interested in Irish. So we practice when we are out doing errands. People are scared you are talking about you. Please! I am just trying to preserve my culture in a land of many! You both were wonderful!
Tell us where this store is so we can shop there. And I notice that super patriot was wearing her camouflage pants so all you Greek speaking enemies of America couldn’t find her. (snark)
You guys are so awesome for doing this for this manager… I’m glad she stood up for you and that horrible woman was removed from the shop. (Seriously, why the hell do people want to listen to strangers’ conversations, anyway? It wasn’t any of her business!)
I really hope you guys raise the money and that she has a wonderful holiday. This is so amazing and I hope it goes viral. Massive love to you.
The Geeks who were so maligned are reacting in a very Christ-like way by raising money to send this ignorant person to Greece. On behalf of America pls accept my sorrow for this terrible occurrence. You gave us the New Testament, a huge percentage of English vocabulary and democracy itself.
I love Greece and am trying to learn the language.
They want to send the Manager, not the complainer!!
Sharing this with my friends in Greece and Greek friends abroad. I’m sorry that you’ve had to endure this stupidity but glad that at least ONE decent American said that isn’t who we are. I’ve been to your home country a few times and loved each visit. I’m sure the store manager will love it just as much as I did if not more.
In Greece none was offended when my wife and me spoke Romanian…. Neither in Thessaloniki nor in Kassandra’s ressorts…
GOOD FOR HER!
Where’s the donations for manager trip to Greece??!!!!!
This is so wonderful! Please, would you lovely couple accompany her? If you are from there, there is nothing like a personal tour from natives of the country, who speak the language, and can show them what they love about their country.
Everyone of all race and culture is invited to America. Too bad lady we still want people speaking Greek to stay in the United States. Do you got a problem with that?