Xenia can it be dangerous?

In light of recent events in Ithaca and around the world many people have begun to reevaluate the practice of Xenia. For centuries now we Greeks have practiced this age old tradition of welcoming any stranger without asking questions. However, as times are changing and more and more travelers are coming on faster and cheaper ships. Is this still a safe idea? I don’t think that it is anymore. As we can see in the case of the suitors at Penelope’s palace many people simply abuse Xenia. They are using it to exploit the wealth of others and are no better than beggars.

When we asked for her view on the matter Penelope responded, “Xenia is tearing me apart. Day and night I try to think of ways to get these brazen suitors to leave. They are simply mooching off of everything this palace has to offer. Something must change soon. After all this could happen to anyone” There have numerous other cases of Xenia gone wrong as well. On his journey home our prince Telemachus kindly helped aid a known murderer. When asked about this he simply said, “I was just so caught up with tradition and didn’t even think about it. Looking back, I can now see how dangerous helping him was” Telemachus was lucky to survive this encounter. Many people who argue against me bring up the fact that the Gods may try to destroy us if we refuse this practice. This is a good point, but I think we must simply explain to the gods that we will still worship them and cower in their presence. If we cannot change this tradition soon I fear for the well-being of all Greeks. Xenia is no longer about pleasing the gods, it is an issue of safety for the people.

#Xenia #danger #tradition #OpEd