ABSTRACT
Instilled in members of this community is a well-defined sense of right and wrong. This notion of right and wrong is both personal and social; it is practical in nature and does not extend to the supernatural. As an operating definition, that which is right is that which contributes to self and/or family esteem; conversely, wrong is that which contributes to personal or family shame. At the core of this strongly-felt concept of right and wrong is the Greek idea of philotomo. The traditional Greek concept of shame is very much in evidence as an agent of social control in this community. Among Greek-Americans of this community, there can be little doubt that shame and philotomo- are key elements in the processes of transmitting values and governing behavior. Through all groups within the community personal pride and self-respect are paramount; it is important “to be respected as a person, to be treated with courtesy.”.
