Institutionalized Humanitarian Actions and Ethnic Distance Given in the Example of Greeks and Serbs Nowadays Cover Image

Институционализоване хуманитарне акције и етничка дистанца на примеру Грка и Срба данас
Institutionalized Humanitarian Actions and Ethnic Distance Given in the Example of Greeks and Serbs Nowadays

Author(s): Gordana Blagojević
Subject(s): Anthropology
Published by: Етнографски институт САНУ
Keywords: hospitality; gift giving; Red Cross; Greek help caravan; interethnic affiliation; humanitarian aid

Summary/Abstract: This work views the relationship between humanitarian actions and ethnic distance in the example of Greeks and Serbs nowadays. There is an issue of a motive and a role of ethnic distance in the manner of conveying humanitarian help, as well as its wider social consequences. The activities of two organizations are taken as an example: the Red Cross and the Greek Caravan of Solidarity. During wars on the territory of Yugoslavia in the 1990s the Red Cross of Serbia was included in an action with the aim of enabling the continuation of education for the children from the war stricken parts. Many other organizations were also included in giving help. The work of the Greek Caravan of Solidarity as an institution which has a specific method of giving help is viewed here. Apart from extenuating the children’s war traumas, the numerous gifts and hospitality over the years brought to the deepening of ethnic closeness. Among other things, the expansion of Greek language and culture came as a result of this. The hospitality and friendship have been continued after the war until today.

  • Issue Year: LVIII/2010
  • Issue No: 1
  • Page Range: 101-111
  • Page Count: 11
  • Language: Serbian