Divisiveness is a toxic byproduct this week in now crisis-driven Greece, following the institution of capital controls, a week-long bank holiday and a hastily called referendum viewed by many — sans the leftist Greek government — as deciding the nation’s very presence in a united Europe.

One indicative example came on Thursday morning at the foot of the Acropolis in central Athens, with a large group of “no” supporters and members of ruling SYRIZA’s youth group prevented by police from unfurling a banner from atop the hill — a publicity stunt used in the past for political purposes.

While departing, one “upper” middle-aged man called on them to “get a job, there’s work for all!”

A very brief verbal altercation followed, with one young woman responding “we’re now going to work”, and another saying “we work and get paid 400 euros”.

When challenged by one younger man to come work in his place, at a hospital, the older man said: “I’m a pensioner, I worked for 35 years. You’re the younger generation of frappe (the ice cold Greek coffee drink leisurely sipped at cafes).”

Cooler heads quickly ended the exchange, with the political youth members continuing on a protest march through the old quarter district of Plaka, and police discreetly watched from a distance.