The role of an individual, depending on one’s ‘race’ and gender and within one’s cultural and ethnic settings helps to establish ones’ personal and social identity and so one has inherent common characteristics. To capture the definition of identity; one must explore the differences, similarities and links between ethnicity, ‘race’, culture and gender. In Italy, race and ethnicity are factors that influence immigration to other states (Manka’s lecture). To discuss what makes Roman and Italian identity; migration theory and translational theory is one outlook to observe forces that form identity.
To better understand Roman and Italian identity and current issues of ‘others’ vs. ‘real Italians’ it’s beneficial to review the foundation and history of Italy. Race and Nation in Liberal Italy, 1861-1911 Meriodionalism, Empire, and Diaspora by Aliza S. Wong discusses 3 main aspects that have shaped the current divide of the North and South. First, the historical construction of the North vs. South has defined the National identity of Italy. Risogimento – process of unification and the means of how to get there where influenced by Cavour vs. Garibaldi – liberating vs. conquering the South. Such ideologies created residual effect of where Northerners perceived Southerners to be racially inferior. Such feelings of superiority lead to the formation of stereotypes; where biological characteristics such as skin color, height, class parallel criminals. After the unification of the North and South; residual mixed feelings surfaced. The North was perceived to be upper class and superior; whereas, the South were seen as the real Italians, inferior (violent, uneducated, illiterate). Unresolved tensions between the North and South were heightened by emigration and formation of smaller colonies; the colonization of Africa (Libya, Ethiopia, and Eretria) leads to a wave of immigration into Italy. Control of influx and outflow of immigration is influenced by race and ethnicity – ‘ethnic mode.’
Further, Grillo and Pratt discuss the politics of difference (how you handle recognition), politics of recognition (recognition by the state), and politics of identity (how you represent yourself and how one is talked about in society) as crucial factors that influence identity. Hence, not only is an individual’s identity shaped by himself; but by the state and society. This intertwining of terms shape and define an individual’s identity but also leaves room for interpretation and preconceived notions to take part in the equation. How you/state view/identify me; may be similar or different to my view/identity of myself. This leads to changing and fluid definition of identity and Italian identity – what makes a real Italian? From whose perspective? From which lens? are we going to look in order to define Roman and Italian identity. Whom speaks for whom?
The book, Clash of civilization over an elevator in Piazza Vittorio by Amara Lakhous exemplifies preconceived notions of Italian citizens imposed on an immigrant and their confusion as to what makes a ‘real Italian’. This struggle of defining identity is exemplified by Benedetta Eposito version of the truth, “if Signor Amedeo is a foreigner… then who’s a real Italian? (pg 34) As it happens, Amedeo is a name given to this immigrant by Italian citizens; whose Italian skills and knowledge of Rome leads them to believe he is ‘a real Italian.’ Amedeo really Ahmed is confronted with a mix of identity; therefore he is confronted with questions like: “Who am I? Ahmed or Amedeo?” It’s not so simple of a question to answer. Am I this or the other? He captured the complexity of identity stating the “Arab proverb [which says]: You can’t fit two swords in a single sheath” (pg 29) answers such questions. Hence, it’s not so simple to define Roman and Italian identity. Rome is a city where people come from all over. Therefore, identity of Roman’s and Italian’s is vibrantly shaped by ‘others’ individual identity. Hence, to group all Roman’s and Italian’s with an all-encompassing general identity; would only rob and take away from the beauty of Rome. We (people born in Italy w/o Italian parents) are all Italians; we all have our own unique identity that creates current Italy. Through my own personal observation and conversations in class I have been led to believe that the myth of Italian and Roman homogeneity is no more; it is a country of heterogeneity.
The book, Clash of civilization over an elevator in Piazza Vittorio by Amara Lakhous exemplifies preconceived notions of Italian citizens imposed on an immigrant and their confusion as to what makes a ‘real Italian’. This struggle of defining identity is exemplified by Benedetta Eposito version of the truth, “if Signor Amedeo is a foreigner… then who’s a real Italian? (pg 34) As it happens, Amedeo is a name given to this immigrant by Italian citizens; whose Italian skills and knowledge of Rome leads them to believe he is ‘a real Italian.’ Amedeo really Ahmed is confronted with a mix of identity; therefore he is confronted with questions like: “Who am I? Ahmed or Amedeo?” It’s not so simple of a question to answer. Am I this or the other? He captured the complexity of identity stating the “Arab proverb [which says]: You can’t fit two swords in a single sheath” (pg 29) answers such questions. Hence, it’s not so simple to define Roman and Italian identity. Rome is a city where people come from all over. Therefore, identity of Roman’s and Italian’s is vibrantly shaped by ‘others’ individual identity. Hence, to group all Roman’s and Italian’s with an all-encompassing general identity; would only rob and take away from the beauty of Rome. We (people born in Italy w/o Italian parents) are all Italians; we all have our own unique identity that creates current Italy. Through my own personal observation and conversations in class I have been led to believe that the myth of Italian and Roman homogeneity is no more; it is a country of heterogeneity.
…the future is smiling…
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