Greeks in America - eBooks4Greeks.gr

48 THE GREEKS IN AMERICAsometimes, still it is remarkable that there isso littledrunkenness.Moral life.—The moral life of the people is ingeneral pure, though there is much difference betweenthe sea-coast and the interior, or the largecities and the country places. The populous centersare more lax than the interior.Family life is everywhere respected, kept pure,and blessed with children. Only in places where westernways are introduced, the number of childrendiminishes. The so-called European or a-la-Francacustoms are often corrupting influences in the NearEast.Outside of large centers divorce is almost unknown,and everywhere is looked down upon and discouraged.Unfortunately the double standard prevails amongthe Greeks as to sex morality. Women are closelyguarded and strict morality is required of them. Asto young men, it is taken for granted that they willsow their wild oats and cannot be expected to bevery strict.Influence of the war.—The morals of the peoplewere greatly undermined during the World War,especially in large cities and army centers. All goodpeople bemoan the prevailing immorality in societyin Constantinople, Athens, Salonica, etc.There is much work for the moral refoimers inlarge cities. In most of them, there are houses ofill-fame under legal control and protection, but alwayscondemned in respectable circles, as places ofevil and corruption, but regarded by public opinionas a necessary evil.Dowries.—Unfortunately the custom of dowriesprevails in Greek Society. Brothers often remainsingle, or postpone their marriage in order to providedowry for their sisters. In fact it is customaryfor brothers not to marry while the sisters remain