ABSTRACT
This chapter explains how national identity is founded upon everyday practices. It focuses on the Greek American identity which is one of the subdivisions of the American national identity. The chapter discusses what foods and eating practices that Greek Americans enjoy, and how they categorize and organize these practices along ethnic-national lines. When it comes to Greek American family practices, the closeness of the family is often noted. The repetitions and rituals associated with religion and superstitions appear to be of some libidinal value. Eating, going out with friends, attending religious ceremonies, dancing, displaying totems, and family life are all practices from which Greek Americans derive enjoyment. In all cases, practices and their libidinal content are paramount. The idea that the nation is simply a symbolic construct or a genetic characteristic of all social formations can be countered by way of the materialist approach. Only an already interpellated subject is able to gain satisfaction from flag waving.
