No way would I have punched back -- drunk or not. In fact, I probably wouldn't have been drinking (at least not to any point that it impairs my faculties) in a bar in a foreign land. (Probably wouldn't have been in the bar in the first place -- but that's just me... I don't travel to go to bars. Plenty of that right here at home, and they're pretty much all the same...)
If the guy had been furiously pummeling me, I would've defended myself to the point were I could retreat or rally others to stop the assault. But punch for punch? Nope. ...Because I'd be aware that I'm not at home... and would want to get back there in one piece without having to deal with some foreign legal system.
If you're going to be a traveler, you gotta know how you're gonna handle shit beforehand. Without "instinct"... without emotion.
Again, in theory you are absolutely spot on, in a perfect world, indeed, your advice is wise as ever.
I feel in this situation however,. this young man felt emboldened by alcohol and felt safe enough to fight back. Likely because it's a PARTY Island where tourist are everywhere and Greeks are few and far in between. Only a few locals remain and its to work there for the influx of tourists.
Additionally, as you say, bar fights happen all the time. And they're removed from the joint. This should have been no different and l'm sure he thought it wouldn't result in a pack of animals stomping him.. This shit - slapping him, chasing him, ganging up on him and repeatedly kicking him, was
personal. I believe because he was good looking, American and Black.
Medu, l have been in these situations he was in. I cant explain it to you, it's there if you're in-tune to it, but he likely didn't pick up on it., I personally encountered racist crap either BEHIND THE BACK of the Black men l was in company with, or by people who didn't know l understood the language, or said rude comments straight to my face.
(Greece was about a decade behind in IR when l was there last which was twenty years ago and Serbia probably two decades, l'm guessing.)
I doubt this young man knew how quickly the tide could turn. Recently, when a Serbian was warned of NYC's danger if he visited, he scoffed, "In Serbia, all we know is violence". So this no empathy, dirty brass knuckle fighting does not surprise me.
In fairness, most people don't care about IR couples in Greece, but the minority that do, make it horrible for everyone else. This stain affects me deeply - I'm so ashamed my Country men did not protect this young man..To me, it's unforgivable.