Katalaveno, Eleni. That's a toughie though. I don't see the awakening as a single event, but rather as a process, mostly of education. It would take generations. That's not to say it's not worth trying, of course.

And you're right, this phaenomenon is not limited to Americans (not all, of course). I know Greek and English and Dutch and German and French "hillbillies". And Arabs, and Jews. We mostly "let them be" and do not engage in argument because life is too short. But they do need to be educated to look (and understand) beyond their borders.

It takes persistence and sacrifice. People who will devote their lives to the process, knowing that they may not see significant change in their lifetime. People who are not discouraged by the amount of xenophobia and "me first" around them. Some will be artists who will dress the message appropriately so as to touch people. Some will be politicians (and I don't know many - any - in that category today). And most will be just ordinary people. You and me. Start by teaching our kids, then our friends and neighbours.

A lot of the barriers have gone down already. Increased travel helps, and so does commerce. But the stumbling block is the politicians, with their short-term interests.

Because this is a very long innings.

Kouragio, fili.
Yiorgos