Take Five
By George Rose
July 14, 2009
The last example I will offer you today is also the most controversial, and therefore the one I am most eager to reveal. It is common for Americans to refer to Greeks as "boy lovers." We have all heard this saying and if you haven't, go watch the movie 300. Even they make a brief reference to this notion. Don't worry, I won't get too graphic here. If you're really that worried, than guess what: you're of the minority now. Most people don't care anymore about gays and you should be ashamed of yourselves if you do. We don't bite! We have better things to worry about than making straight people uncomfortable and "breeders" (as we sometimes say) should have better things to do than hate-crime us into therapy. Anyway, for those of you who know anything about homosexuality (c'mon people, this is 2009, get over your ancient ways), you probably know there are two types of gay men: tops (pitchers) and bottoms (catchers). In Greece, they refer to them as "energetico" (top) and "pathetico" (bottom). They aren't the most affectionate way of referring to these types of people but they also aren't the most offensive. Although, patheticos really do get the shorter end of that... um... stick, don't they? Calling someone pathetic, gay or straight, isn't usually taken well. However, they are both, in my opinion, quite hilarious. Aren't cultural differences fun?!
There are still lots of sights to see, people to meet, food to consume and drinks to be had, so let me get on with this issue of Take Five. As I mentioned in the last article, I am changing things up. While in Greece, I am not "recommending" five movies that I have previously seen. Instead, I will be watching five movies I have never seen (but have heard of on some level) and will briefly let you know what I think of them. I finally have the time to "take five" minutes and watch a bunch of movies, so I'm bringing you along for the ride. Each article (including the intro) will be a bit longer, since it has gone from a weekly to bi-weekly release while I explore the many beaches of Chios! YAMAS, and enjoy!
High Fidelity (2000) – watched/written on July 9, 2009
"What came first: the music or the misery?"
This is one of the many questions asked by Rob Gordon (John Cusack), a record store owner who is relationship-challenged. After a recent breakup with his girlfriend Laura (Iben Hjejle), he recounts his "Top Five" biggest heartbreaks. This is a common theme that is seen throughout the movie, as Rob and his employees (one of whom is Jack Black) do many "Top Five" rankings throughout. Top Five Albums, Top Five Songs, Top Five Songs About Death, Top Five Love Songs, etc. At one point, when reflecting on his incurable misery, Rob even does a Top Five Dream Jobs. Number five is record store owner. It's rather symbolic considering his current number five heartbreak is the girl he's chasing after.
Continued:
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
Print this column
