While reading The Odyssey, we can see that the epic poem continually alludes to the competitive nature of society in Ancient Greece. The sole objective of life in Greece is to build a reputation for one’s self and to “make something of one’s self”. How does this type of mindset lead to a competitive lifestyle throughout Greece? How does this lifestyle shape the nature of the lives of Greek heroes such as Odysseus? Is competition a beneficial/ productive aspect of society or is it a negative aspect of society? And finally, how is this aspect of Greek society similar to modern day views on life such as American Capitalism? Feel free to take this prompt any direction you would like.
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This competitive mindset is very easily recognized, as Charlie directly stated, and I believe that it is beneficial to the Greek culture, to a certain extent. Competition causes people to push each other to do greater things, just like in sports. If there are two quarterbacks trying out for the position of starter, they are both going to try harder and become better. The same is true here. If two cities are competing for the “Most Technologically Advanced City Award,” they are both going to invest more in education and spend more on research. In the end both will be more advanced than a city that had no competitors or any desire to beat out the competition. This idea obviously works for all aspects of civilization such as military power, political power, and cultural enrichment (theatrical plays, sports, literature, etc.). This benefit of competition is only true to a certain extent, as I said before. Once competition goes to the extreme, it can become very negative. Sometimes, when competitors are too competitive they become hostile or harbor ill feelings towards their competition. If we go back to the quarterback scenario, competition works well when both competitors are pushing each other, but when they stop trying to beat the friendly teammate and they begin trying to make the competition fail with tactics such as sabotage, it can become a distraction. Focusing on beating the competition makes one better, but focusing on making the competition fail distracts one from becoming better. Sabotaging rather than practicing is a big jump that should not be taken, but it is often taken when competition becomes too heated. Friendly competition works wonders, but unnecessary negativity replaces improvements and the competitors regress instead of progressing.
ReplyDeleteI have to agree with Andrew’s first point. I do believe that the competition is a very important part of the Greek society. The connection between status and masculine abilities is very strong. I feel it is strong because one must be powerful and fearless, to gain respect. I believe this, because when Odysseus traveled to Sheria, the people of the palace of Alcinous they competed in many games including wrestling, jumping, boxing and speed of foot. The competition is important because it can represent physical power, and a high status, which earns respect. The Odyssey states; “Next the wrestling, the grueling sport. They grappled, locked, and Brodsea, pinning the strongest of champions, won the bouts.” (Book 8, line 146-149) This quotation shows that wrestling is a very violent sport, and that it takes skill and aggression to be successful at it. I also think that the people in this epic are successful because they resort to games and challenges such as jumping and speed of foot. The reason I think this is a good thing is because they do not resort to violence, but fun games instead. If they wish to resort to violence, it is through wrestling or boxing. From this, I believe that the strongest of champions were the most deserving for respect. With this recognition, they could go on to contribute to many different societies. Finally, I think that sports competition is very important in the Greek society.
ReplyDeleteReferencing Andrew’s first claim about how friendly competition raises industry standards so to speak, I would have to agree. Overall though, I believe that the competitive nature of Greek society is detrimental to a healthy, balanced, and prosperous community. This is because competition leads to a community of individuals who always long for more, and competition shifts the focus of healthy and productive interactions between citizens to petty arguments and improper recognition of personal talents and contributions to society. If you look at my first point, we can see throughout the Odyssey that characters are never satisfied with the fame and prosperity they have already attained. Leaving a legacy of their accomplishments is the only thing that consumes the everyday life of the Greeks. For example we can see that kings like Alcinous are ever persistent in showing others the level of prosperity they have gained. In describing Alcinous’s palace, the Odyssey states, “A radiance strong as the moon or rising son came flooding through the high-roofed halls of generous King Alcinous.” Alcinous gives visitors a physical portrait of his wealth and prosperity only to portray his eminence. This overall self absorbed mindset of individuals would not be detrimental, though, if it did not cause individuals to neglect their role in the community. The Greeks used their wealth as a springboard to elevate themselves rather than to pay their fair tribute to the community. This creates an unequal ratio of personal consumption to personal contributions to the community which clearly cannot sustain the overall prosperity of the community or at least not without the exploitation of lower class individuals. Therefore, competition also widens the gap between the wealthy nobles and the menial workers. This instability is also caused by an unfair recognition of personal talents. As Odysseus stated, all humans are given their own gifts from the gods. Therefore, the general public should ultimately be equal if fame is solely attributed to the total of one’s talents. Clearly though, fame is also built off of what society views as valuable which is whatever seems to entertain the general public. A military leader or a strong athlete, for example is given much more recognition than a housemaid though neither individual does a much more helpful job for the community. Thus, lower classes are put down while the wealthier citizens pursue their own self interests.
ReplyDeleteI, along with Charlie and Eric, agree with what Andrew is saying. I agree with the fact that competitions have the ability to push people to do their best in a certain sport, but also agreeing with him in the point that competition can turn out to be a negative thing if taken too far or too seriously. Even friendly competition between two people or two teams can lead to a bad situation overall if a person or team gets too competitive and caught up in winning the game they are taking part in. In terms of competition in Greek society, it can be a good thing because it can be merely friendly competition, and bring the society together to bond over a celebrated game, or it can become a negative thing if a team or person takes the competition too far, and splits part of the society if they were to pick which team they favored. This is very similar to today’s society, and how people pick teams in college or professional sports. For example, the Ohio State and Michigan football rivalry. It might not bring great conflict to America, but when the Ohio State and Michigan football game comes around, people start to bash the players and fans of the opposing teams, possibly causing conflict, even in a non professional game setting. The competitions back in Odysseus’ time, and the competitions of today are similar because the teams are fighting for an ultimate goal, to be the champion, and the spectators get into the game, both then and now. Winning competitions then and now bring glory and resignation to the team or person involved, and can lead to fame, which is a big concept highlighted in Book 8 of the Odyssey. This is my opinion on Greek’s competitons, how they are similar to today's competitions and how I agree with what Andrew states about them.
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