Ostracism
A procedure in which any citizen could be expelled from the Athens for ten years
Real World Example
In Ancient Greece, specifically in Athens, ostracism was a political process used to protect the city from potential tyrants or overly powerful individuals. Citizens would vote to exile someone for ten years, ensuring no single person could dominate or threaten democracy. This practice responded to the fear of tyranny and the desire to maintain equality and balance in political power. Today, the idea of ostracism connects to social exclusion, where individuals or groups might be left out or shunned in schools or workplaces, affecting their well-being and mental health. For instance, when a student is consistently left out of group activities or conversations, it can lead to feelings of isolation, much like how an ostracized Athenian might have felt being removed from their community.
