Basile - Being Greek

[frankovich213]

Awesome, I'm Italian but I can't wait to see you in Adelaide at Comicus Erectus in February with three other kings of ethnic comedy, Joe Avati, George Kapiniaris and Tahir Bilgic.

Ci vediamo Basil.

[TheAbcdlala]

Those of you who left Greece turned out to be the lucky ones.

Because now Greece is falling apart...

[MrTeddyBass]

Too funny! Can't wait til he comes back to Chicago!

[MrSaKoSsS]

ELLADAAAA gamw!

[iluvhermitcrabs18]

For all you people who think he can speak Greek, he CAN!! I saw him live, and AT LEAST every second word or scentence was fluent Greek, the reason he is speaking English in this video is because people who buy tickets for that comedy club don't buy tickets for just one guy, two or three guy go on each show, so most of those people were not Greek, at his shows where he's the only comedian the whole show, most of the audience Is greek, so at those he speeks almost all Greek, on his DVDs and CDs h

[AnastasisKos]

I'm greek and I can't tell you this guy is really greek..you know how you can tell??

HE IS SHOUTING ALL THE FREAKING TIME!!!HE CAN'T SPEAK NORMALLY HE CAN ONLY YELL!!NO GREEK HAS EVER MANAGED TO SPEAK QUIETLY!!!

But anyway he is reaaaaaaally good!!

[dasudosomia]

then they named me basile, COME TO TORONTO!!!

[ElizaMogha]

People watching Greek diaspora comedians need to understand that there is a huge difference between the way they were brought up and the way we Greeks who remained in Greece were. When you move to another country, you feel the necessity to keep your traditions and customs because they define your identity. So, these people's parents kept the folkority and didn't evolve the same way we did. Apparently for a child experiencing two different worlds (1 at home 1 outside), things look weird.

[Ellatha1]

@ElizaMogha "...and didn't evolve the same way we did." ? What, are we chimpanzees now?

[ElizaMogha]

@Ellatha1 maybe i have used the wrong word here. people develop mentally, culturally, physically. i meant evolve as in develop. still i hope you get the point i am trying to make here rather than isolate words out of context.

[Ellatha1]

@ElizaMogha Yes, I get the point, but do you get the point that where I live "evolve" seems to be more a primitive word when referring to people. But yes, it can still mean what you said, I'm just glad you didn't mean in it a negative way. As far as the diaspora, you try to live your heritage in a country where the culture becomes more and more assimilated into American society with each passing generation. What you do if you identified yourself as a Greek in that situation?

[ElizaMogha]

@Ellatha1 it's tricky+i understand what you're talking about, but don't have a straight answer im afraid. i made my initial comment mainly for people like me, who were born and raised in Greece, because it's easy to find this video a caricature of greek culture. to be honest, i can understand few things he is talking about, but he comes across as rude to me and not at all funny.

[Ellatha1]

@ElizaMogha That's the point of these comments, hopefully to communicate & reach common ground rather than others who just hurl insults. I think comedy sometimes is funny because it is a caricature. I can understand if his style doesn't appeal to you...that's just personal preference. But know that in real life he's a really nice guy.

[ElizaMogha]

Respond to this video... so i made the comment to remind myself first and other Greeks out there who cannot identify with his comedy that greekness is experienced differently between Greece's Greeks and diaspora Greeks. Sorry for the long comment :S

[Ellatha1]

@ElizaMogha Now I will say there is a so-called comic Yiannis Pappas who does a character called Mr. Panos (since Americans couldn't pronounce Panayiotis). He does an extreme caricature of Greeks who have immigrated here...at first I thought he actually owned a diner called "Baby Socrates Diner" (is on his T-shirt) & was doing it for publicity but then found out he was a supposed comic. I started watching him but realized how offensive he is & I will not watch him any longer.

[EffLabels]

@ElizaMogha You have a very good point. It's almost like reverse psychology. For example, my cousins in Greece are very influenced by American pop culture and music, where as MY family in diaspora only listen to Greek music and keep up with the 'old ' Greek tradions. In some ways, Greeks in diaspora are more Greek than the ones who stayed. It's quite funny actually

[ElizaMogha]

@EffLabels I can totally understand your input here. Have seen it myself. After having lived both in Greece and abroad, I have come to think that people perceive differently what it means to be Greek (or any other nationality). When you remain in your home country, usually you belong to the majority, while when abroad, part of a diaspora, you're most likely to be a minority. I think this element makes diaspora people (like myself at the moment) hold on their traditions tight.

[MikaLefebvre]

@EffLabels I totally agree. I happen to know this guy and let me tell you, he has raised his family more greek than the greeks in greece. His children speak fluent Greek, and immerse themselves into the orthodox faith more than any other kids i know and his oldest daughter is a professional greek dancer.

[EffLabels]

@MikaLefebvre It's good he's kept his family like that. It's important to preserve culture

[XristineL22]

so sad when i see people making fun of something that they are from :(

i dunno. sometimes i felt offended.

[Ellatha1]

@XristineL22 He's speaking of growing up Greek in America which you wouldn't understand only because you don't have the same experience. Trust me, those of us in America with Greek heritage & who identify with it have experienced many of the same things he talks about, but he exaggerates a little for effect. In a way it's actually a way of sharing that & honoring it rather than making fun of it. I am fierce about my ethnicity, if I felt he was being offensive I would admit it.

[Andysangelkf]

lmao! you gotta come to Saint Louis!! Please!!!! There's plenty of people and greek people who wud LOVE to see you!

[biggreek2476]

when are you coming to pittsburgh pa

[79ichwill]

i love you!!!

[amylane523]

BASILE WHEN ARE YOU COMING TO PITTSBURGH AGAIN???!!!?!?! seriously, my family and I come every time you are here and it's been a few years and I miss this!!!! I have never laughed so hard as the 3 times we have seen you....we sit in the front row every time and take pictures with you every time you'd probably remember us we talked to ya everytime!

[Cristinamk]

@GrindMasterElite Oh I definitely understand that... old Greek music is almost always based off of stories or lessons. I wasn't expecting anything happy, just stating that by him acknowledging it and making a joke about it, I feel like it was more a positive nod and pride for it than an insult. Who doesn't love the old music?

And I am a first generation Greek/Italian American that has culturally been raised Greek... my dad and his entire side of the family are pure Old World :)

[sethramsey556]

I saw you tonight in myrtle beach!

[AfaneisHrwes]

basile looks like maradona!!

[GrindMasterElite]

I dont want to sound like an ass Basile but i didnt like the part where u criticize greek music its like disrespecting it.I am from Ipeirus and our laments and music are very important to us.Or maybe i didnt get the joke:)Liked all your other videos:)take care

[Cristinamk]

@GrindMasterElite I don't think it was meant to be insulting.... I personally thought it was hilarious. The music is beautiful, definitely, but you have to admit, it really DOES all start out like that! I don't think it was a crack at the quality of the music... just an observation.

Every time I'm in the car on a family outing, my dad ALWAYS plays old Greek music... and it's great to listen to, but it's amusing that someone else noticed how it always starts off!

[GrindMasterElite]

@Cristinamk The music starts like that only because old traditional greek music explains the suffering of our people.What would you expect a happy vocal melody dear cristinamk?I dont think so:)Overall i dont dislike Basile at all his other vids were funny:)You are greek living abroad?

[79ichwill]

@GrindMasterElite come on it's satira re file...

[thecommenter18]

my mom actually thinks old greek music sounds nice

"Oh hell no, take me"

hahaha

[rufus740]

are there any skinny Greek people?

why are they all disgusting looking?

[SirGeorge8600]

@rufus740 I'm Greek and I'm skinny, so why would all of them be disgustingly fat? What's your ethnicity rufus, I bet there's fat people in it too.

[billrapt]

take the dog by the balls, and pull hard ....... same lyrics!!!!!!!

Hope to see y in Leeds,UK one day!!!

Thak y, Bill!!!!

[dasudosomia]

then they named me basile..

[Phorial]

God, you seriously need to come to Greece xD

[kiato14]

i like...

[onejuantorres]

that voice he does soounds like hes crying is the worst

[stavrique]

Eisai megalos!!!! oxi sta kila.....sto xumor kai sto pneuma :)))))))))

[djboz]

Basile you are awesome!! I'm Serbian my wife is Greek and the things you talk about totally applies to Serbs too!! Sending love from Detroit!!!

[tissetatten]

nice singing :)

[Omonoia777]

re exis poli xazi!

areskoun mou ta video sou

[sos65386538]

eisai apextos fille mprabo spiros apo ellada

[MsMrbigs]

hot ?????? you 've never see the TRUE BEAUTY !! oh that is normal you is greek....lol

[yannis5001]

wow 1:20 that woman is hot.

[tp0817]

@yannis5001 Shes Greek of course shes hot.

[Ihnalina]

wraios! respect! :D

[CypreSSkiLL21]

ωραίος ρε Βilly!

[TheSometimesWhy]

Yasoo, Basile! Very well done. Per chance, did your mother name your sisters Parsley, Sage, Rose Mary and Thyme?

Just curious.

Harika Poly,

Michael

[Papaflessa]

You kick ass man saw you in melbourne a while back totaly kicked it.

[geoms13]

oreos o vasilis ..ta spaei!!

[LefosTheOwner]

Basile man, Ya are really awesome,ise telios aderfe,

[qwincy12]

The guy is amazing we need to see you in london

[BasileTheComedian]

We are planning a couple of Concerts in London as we speak!

Yiasou!

Basile

[CloneYourLover]

add some AMAN AMAN to the old Greek music

[MolossianZagori]

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!

[ellinida12]

Yasou Basile! Ti kanis?!

You know, every story is almost the same, our parents, grandparents came to canada, usa with 12$ in their pocket, and were having crappy jobs... but they worked to be better peoplpe and making their kids have a better futur...and they always do have amasing humor!

Yasou!

[EffLabels]

Bravo Basile!..Keep it up!

You are spreading the glory and beauty that is Greece through your comedic gift.

Hope to see you on Conan O'Brien one of these days.

Giasou! xox

[BasileTheComedian]

I hope so too!!!

Basile

[BasileTheComedian]

I love Greeks and Greece! I have 2 wonderful homes in Greece and spend most of my summers there with my family! It's GREAT to be GREEK!

Yasou my Brother!

Basile

[SilenceCallsTheMovie]

I actualy live in Sweden!!:P...But I am greek.And I spend all my summers there too. And I have a home in greece too. :D.Yasou file!!

[toutagxamon]

xaxaxaxaxa very funny!!xaxaxa

[BasileTheComedian]

Thanks so much! 

Yasou!

Basile

[EffLabels]

This is guy is GREAT! I wonder if the non-Greeks would find him just as funny?

[xxSpartanx]

Na they dont, preety sad thoe, if only the whole world was greek lol

[BasileTheComedian]

If the whole world were to be Greek... The world would be a better place to live!

Yasou!

Basile

[xxSpartanx]

yeh dont we all wish the world was greek, i subscribed 2 ur channel, keep sending thoese video's, my yaya loves them

Yasou

Kosta

[BasileTheComedian]

Thanks for the GREAT Compliment! I have done a TON of American/English Comedy segments on TV... It works out great!

Yasou!

Basile

[E8NOS]

wraios !! loooool

[BasileTheComedian]

Thanks so much!

Yasou!

Basile

[DemmiV]

This guy is...AMAING! :D

[Madbull1507]

I agree, he is... FANASTIC!

[BasileTheComedian]

No... You're FANtastic!

Yasou!

Basile

[BasileTheComedian]

All you you are AMAZING!!