Asst. # 7 Italian Identity Shaped by our Experiences

Who is an Italian? What makes an Italian… a true Italian? How is insider or outsider status determined? At the beginning of the program we were presented with similar questions. A brief summary of my response is that: 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. Nowadays after being in Italy for a couple of weeks; I realize that Italians identity is defined by blood. After reflecting to guest lectures I have come to the conclusion that a “true Italian” - an individuals with family roots embedded in Europe; excluding others from ever reaching such status and security.

I have learned that there is really only one way to be considered Italian – and that is through blood. It doesn’t matter how well you speak the language, how much you know about the culture, customs, foods, traditions. The only thing that matters is family history. However, what I wonder is why is there such a push for immigrants to be integrated into the Italian community? What part/s of their mother identity must they leave behind? What true Italian characteristics must they conform to be considered Italian? Further, if an immigrant does meet such conditions; will he/she ever be treated like an equal? What kind of internal struggles will he/she go through in order to be seen as an equal? We have focused our frames of reference with the question: who is an Italian? After traveling and exploring my surroundings – I believe that identity is shaped by the individual. Through class readings and class discussions we learned about the North and the South divide and the struggles that they face. We learned that the North and the South identify differently and it is the root of the issues being faced nowadays. So for a newcomer into this already struggling culture there are many walls that separate Italians from the others (newcomers).

First, not being an Italian by blood is already a step away from being treated as an equal. There are many other factors that determine how tolerant true Italians can be towards newcomers. The way you dress, mother tongue, male or female, religious views, sexual identity, color of skin are all linked interplaying factors that determine how you will be viewed. What is dangerous about this mentality of identity equals treatment is how humans will be oppressed depending on characteristics. The people that are at danger of being oppressed are those that have more than one visible characteristic. I would argue that such individual experience compound oppression because you become a visible target.

Italian youth are being raised with such ideals. An Italian immigrant will always be an immigrant; even though they are documented law abiding citizens. I keep hearing people’s frustrations when they are asked if they are Italians. Or people placing you in a box based on physical appearances. Youth is part of the past, the present, and the future. Italian youth is shaped with Italian ideals of the past, the present, and their willingness to change in the future.

Graffiti Drawing Reflection

My drawing reflects the instances that have shaped my perspective on life. Being called a “faggot” and hearing that such hatred has driven others to take away their lives, saddens me. As Stephanie drew on her art piece – “color my face like yours.” Color my face like yours; and allow yours to be colored like mine. This way we will both have a better idea of where we are coming from. Words are very powerful – they can brighten your day and bring a smile to your face; but they can also make you feel like wanting to take your life away to not see or feel another day. LOVE/HOPE/ LIVE

IT GETS BETTER – or so I keep telling myself.

Reflections on Readings

 “RETURN”

“I went over to the sugarcane juice seller and immediately ordered a glass of fresh-squeezed. I fervently took a sip, the first in twenty years. Its taste, its fragrance took me back in time, to that distant day when I left Phnom-Penh. …”  This quote is filled with memories – the past, the present, and the future. What is a part of your past, will always be part of your present, and your future. If you don’t deal with your past; it will find a way to sneak into your present and will become your future. This story showed me the importance of remembering the past, preserving the present, and looking forward to the future. Such themes – past, present, and future, have been discussed in class; in terms of the position of Italy. Italy is definitely filled with monuments that help people remember the past and become part of their present. However, Italy is also not looking forward to the future. Instead, Italy shows its back to the future and its face to the past. Current issues of immigration, education, and work are topics that have been discussed in class.

 “Give me Back My Coat”

“A big shot, one of those accustomed to spending money,” you said. But then, before leaving, damn coward that you are, you had taken my coat and from the coat rack and you had gotten into your car. I have never been able to make sense of this act. I had offered you my glass of wine, I had given you my friendship, we had even toasted together to my saddest day. Did you want to see me even more in the dumps? What were you waiting for? Did you want to see me even more in the dumps? What were you waiting for? Did I have to die in order to satisfy you?“  This demonstrates a crucial moment in which the main character went through – causing him to change from being obsessed with committing suicide to being obsessed with obtain his coat back.  He is struggling to continue with life. I cannot connect so much with this character; nor do I understand where he may be coming from to desire to take his life. I can only come to the conclusion that he is at odds with life because of the life he currently lives in now. If I place myself in his shoes, I wouldn’t know what to do if I were to be fired and out of work. Economic distress and no hope for another job is pretty scary. Being jobless with no glimpse of chance in front of the road is like being in a slow and painful death.  The events that this character goes through can reflect the difficulties of current Italian population. As we learned in class, jobs are readily available and there is little to no future with education – so what is left to do? Find an excuse to continue living – even if it is as silly as getting a coat back. The desire to live is very powerful; but the will to not want to live is dangerous.

 “Light Beers and Peanuts”

“One thing which I was never able to get use to was being continuously stare at/. Since I had a very typical Indian appearance, I thought that I could have just melted into the crowd and so I dedicated myself ot an intense introspection in order to understand the reasons why people stared at me with such insistence. Right when I was beginning to have a clearer perception about my identity, it dawned on me: obviously I was a creature who caused stupor and embarrassment, and enigmatic confusion between the Orient and the Occident. I had some Indian characteristics and my behavior was typically foreign; I was Indian but at the same time I wasn’t. I was foreign but not entirely. I had no choice but to learn to live with those curious glances or to mitigate my occidental characteristics: I opted for the first solution because I didn’t want to give up being myself.” This exemplifies the struggles that immigrants go through in attempting to define their identity. Being bi-cultural and being raced with both the occidental and oriental notions make it a bit harder to self-identify. I, myself, can say that I am neither Mexican nor American; but a combination of the two. I cannot fit into one or the other box. I believe that in this quote she is demonstrating her frustration and anger in attempting to “fit” in box that others place her in. Instead she should be molding her own box, formulating, defining and re-defining her identity. I believe that she is attempting to be herself; even though it means being starred at and treated differently. In class, we have that immigrants go through many struggles when they move to another country. How hard it is to find a job. To be treated well.  To get permiso de soggiorno? However, we barely touched upon issues of identity and the internal struggles that many immigrants must go through in order to keep rolling with the punches. It’s like a fist in the face; that knocks one out of place. That is being visible- a target and being treated differently because of it.

“The B-Line”

“Far from the forest, the lion cannot roar like it used to. The words I left behind were long arms with which I could touch the horizon.” I interpret this line to mean that when attempting to immerse oneself in another culture – many words, feelings, actions get lost in translation. With that I mean that even if there is a translation for a word – it will never hold the same weight in meaning. It will always lack that something that your mother culture has provided you with. I believe that when one attempts to immerse oneself in another culture; we end up compromising. Inevitably, whether we want it or not, we will soon begin to leave some of our mother culture behind. We will find a way to preserve it; but it will never be the same. Ones thoughts, person and identity will always be colored differently. I believe that this shows the instances that many immigrants must go through to adapt to another culture, as we have discussed in class.

“THE BEGGAR”

 “Little by little, the box was filled with other gifts: SOUL (very nine-teenth century!) DREAMS (he had had his fill!), RAGE (it was not poetic!), MOON (too explored), MOTHER (what else could you say about her?), HOPE (was eternal?), DEATH (it would end up in the refrigerator!), SPRING (again?).” I feel that these words describe a bit, a piece of a person that has been lost or that he/she is attempting to search for. He begins with the soul and dreams and ends with hope, death, and spring. To me this demonstrates a unique way of capturing the events of life – of a person. And the rebirth that come with it. Or maybe, this exemplifies confusion. The character is in search for a word that he himself does not possess – and neither do others. He is unsatisfied with what people’s offerings. A way one can connect this is with dual or multi-cultural individuals. Confusion in attempting to define their identity is present.

Trastevere Rione

Trastevere is the XIII rione of Rome, located on the west bank of the Tiber, and south of Vatican City. Trastevere translates literally “beyond the Tiber.” Its logo is a golden head of a lion on a red background, the meaning of which is uncertain.  In the Middle Ages Trastevere had narrow, winding, irregular streets; moreover, because of the structures of the front buildings there was no space for carriages to pass. To allow passages the structures of the buildings were modified. However, Trastevere remained a maze of narrow streets. The inhabitants of Trastevere, called Trasteverini, developed a culture of their own. Nowadays, Trastevere maintains its character because of its preservation of its narrow cobbled streets lined by medieval houses. At night, both natives and tourists alike roam through its many pubs and restaurants. Within Trastevere John Cabot University, the American Academy in Rome, and the Rome campus of the Thomas More College of Liberal Arts, the Canadian University of Waterloo School of Architecture, and the American Pratt Institute School of Architecture reside therefore serving as a home to an international student body.  The unique character of this neighborhood has attracted artist, foreign expats, and may famous people.

Being a ten minute walk away from Trastevere and enjoying the beauty both at sunset and at midnight I can see why its attracts tourists to the area. Walking alongside the Tiber river; or just stopping for a moment to enjoy its beauty a sense of serenity and happiness sets in. Trastevere is known for its unconnected roads and maze like structure; being a victim of its maze I can say that I was overwhelmed and a bit frustrated. Nevertheless, its maze like structure and its architecture is something that I appreciate. I remind myself at times to stop and look around to take in the beauty of my surroundings. Trastevere is a great place to become and explore, get lost and find your way back.

The beauty and the character that Trastevere is known for with was confirmed both by a resident and a non-resident whom my partner Natalie and I had the pleasure of interviewing. We decided to enter Bar de Malva, we interviewed one of the workers in the bar who was a non-resident of Trastevere, Sujoy. What a great name, Sujoy. He shared with us that he was born in Rome, grew up in Conneticut, and moved back to Rome upon graduating college. He stated that the only time he is in Trastevere is for work. He shared with us that he had only been in Rome for the past two weeks and finds the prices in Trastevere to be expensive. We learned from him that Trastevere had not become such a popular and expensive place until about ten years ago. He mentioned that the area of Trastevere had become so popular because of its view to the river and the historic medieval structures of the buildings that fill the streets. After, interviewing Sujoy, we interviews Pierre, a resident of Trastevere for generations.  

Pierre provided much information about Trastevere that I would have not known otherwise. He shared with us his personal view when we asked “What makes Trastevere unique?” he answered “The quiet day and busy night time.” Pierre shared with us that Trastevere becomes alive at night filled with natives and tourists attracted by the pubs and restaurants. We also asked Pierre, “Is Trastevere considered a diverse neighborhood?” Pierre replied that he considered Trastevere to be an extremely diverse neighborhood. A bit bedazzled by his response we asked him what he meant by diverse. He utilized the word diverse to explain that Trastevere is a unique place separated from the rest of the rione. It has been occupied by generations of family members; people have created a culture and take pride in calling themselves trasteverini. When asked if Trastevere was diverse in terms of people; he responded with a simple no. He said, no because it is a very expensive place where not everyone can afford. I appreciated his honesty and for clarifying what he meant by diverse. Pierre also informed us that even though five universities reside within Trastevere, students only stay for a couple of months and don’t have integrated within the community. Hence, change is little if any at all.

Having the opportunity to interview both Sujoy and Pierre was a very enlightening experience. Trastevere is a unique rione inhabited by generations of trasteverini. I look forward to learning more about the area; being curious and exploring it, getting lost, and finding my way back.

1st Reflection on Reading Assignment

“Introduction” (11-27) and “Salvation” (65-75) from Multicultural Literature

“A migrant leaves three mothers: the biological mother, the mother land, and the mother tongue.”

I feel that this quote captures the experience and struggles that an immigrant goes through. My family immigrated to the United States as farm workers, and settled in Wapato, a small town in Washington State. The first couple of months my parents, my three siblings, and I slept on the floor huddled together against the cold of winter. My brother and I, ages fourteen and seven, quickly learned responsibility. We cared for our infant niece, completed the household chores, cooked, and still need to finish our studying before our parents returned from long, tiring days at work. When I was ten, I experienced first-hand how demanding it is to work in the agricultural industry. I can only relate to the struggles and frustrations that immigrants in Italy must feel.  Having to integrate in a new home and surrounding and environment can be frustrating. I agree with the text that the in order to become more knowledgeable about immigration one must become familiar with literature that discuss such topics. What I found surprising is the reaction of the main character in the chapter of “Salvation” where he adapts the same attitude as locals in Italy. That is, he/she shifts the blame of all the current issues that Italy is facing on immigrants. What I find most shocking from this response is that in his desperate need to be integrated with society he has begun to treat immigrants as “others.” He is an immigrant himself, he went/is going through such struggles of being an immigrant. What I am curious is what drove him to such state? What is causing him to think this way? Was it society? Being away from the three mothers?

Assignment 5: Naples or Rome

For me, our trip to Naples was nothing far from the unknown. As I heard scholars distinguishing Neapolitans, the South, as the “Others” from the better North - the more it reminded me of home. For the first few years I lived both in Mascota, Jalisco Mexico (1988) and in Wapato, Washington (1994) my home was surrounded by trash, violence, drug dealings. Though there is a vital difference between Naples and my homes. As Alex Valentino informed us: “No laws work in Napoli” in contrast with home laws have been enforced to clean up my surroundings. Naples is known as a city of crime and violence; it is no longer a myth. But, if we were to broaden our view we would see that it at boils down to probability. It is more likely, it more probable, it happens more in Naples. However, if we are to momentarily take ourselves back into Seattle, which is where most of us reside. We would say that the U-district is no different from Naples. U-district like Naples is decorated by graffiti – a marker of culture and history and a slight pinch of personality. As students we hear that an armed robbery occurred, sometime in the middles of a day; or that a girl’s purse was taken by force by an approaching black SUV, or a guy was shoved into the bushes in the Burk Gilman trail and was robbed of his possessions. I am fortunate to say that in all of my 4 years living in Seattle this has not happened to me. But, because it hasn’t happened to me I cannot dismiss the fact that it has happened to fellow students. This idea of probability can also be extended and be made applied to North Italy; where it is still likely that you will be robbed of your possessions. So, I ask, is Naples really that different from Rome, U-district?

That is not to dismiss the fact that when I traveled to Rome; I feared to be ripped of my valuable possessions. Having everything in order establishes a routine in my daily tasks which makes it easier to be away from home. My first impressions of Rome were that it was a vibrant and beautiful city – filled with the richness and livelihood of the people which inhabit it. I was amazed by the architecture and the stone figures. The old buildings provided me with a sense of tranquility and amazement. I was excited to get out and get to know the city. I experienced similar emotions in Naples. I was excited to step out of the readings and actually experience Naples and see for myself what all the talk was about. As we began our journey to our hostile, I was amazed by how short of a justice the readings had one on Naples. It had fallen short. My expectations of Napoli were met if not surpassed. I was in a midst of a mix of cultures and people. Walking along the streets you can feel the difference; a sense of unity of pride for their city. I broad day light you can observe how busy and unique the city is. A crowd of people is attempting to cross the street as a bigger jam of cars is attempting to reach their destination. Being on the pedestrian perspective, I found this very amusing. I sense of relaxation came over me. It was suddenly ok to be me – an outsider (an immigrant).

Another distinction that we learned is the importance of the Catholic Church in both environments. Our readings from the past week and our guides made me reflect on this. While in Naples’ Alex Valentino kept mentioning that this church is not as important, nor is that one, but this one (not necessarily the tallest or most beautiful one – from my perspective). However, in Rome we discovered that laws that don’t allow any building to be as tall or visible as the Vatican. This creates the idea that the Catholic Church is in power and oversees all other religions. Every morning Romans are reminded of what and to whom they must turn their heads up to. This is not the case with Napoli. Hence, in my perspective, while Naples is known to have issues of trash on the streets, crime and violence; and Rome somewhat has these issues too but both lack enforcement of law.  Naples law of trash, to prevent violence and crime experienced by outsiders doesn’t work. Where the laws of Rome segregate and separate people in some ways. That is the case with Romas. Rome has acted and enforced laws to make sure that what they (politicians) think Roma community need; they shall have. Creating another set of debacle; giving rise to the current issue of human rights and questions whether current actions are benefiting Roma. However, while our experience in the Roma camp in Napoli was short we observed that the Roma community is left to survive on its own. I don’t necessarily agree with either action or lack of action. But, I do feel that being transferred to the outskirts of town into what resembles an encampment of WWII is not a good direction. As we learned by guest lecturers such acts dehumanize and allow inhabitants of Rome to treat Romans as such. So I ask, if you were an immigrant, where would you prefer to live – in Rome or Naples?

Further, it is important to consider the similarities and differences between Seattle, Mexico, Rome and Naples. It is vital to consider the global, natural, and local policies/institutions that have shaped the current conditions of each place. It is important to understand the links or lack thereof to shape our understanding of each place. For example, I’ve constantly hear that the political government in Naples and in Rome is somewhat corrupt institutions. When comparing Mexico to Naples and Rome; through conversations and observations I know that the institutions in Mexico are just as corrupt. So, what can one as an individual do to institute change in places like Mexico, Naples, and Rome? Why is this change really necessary? Who is reluctant to change and why? And what implications can change cause? What future struggles or unintended consequences can change result in? One must keep in mind that even though I am comparing the similarities and differences of these places; it is important to also consider the contradictions. For example, we need to pay close attention to each places past, present and where each country sees itself in the future. What does each country consider important in the 21^st century? More importantly, what actions is each place undertaking to ensure that they arrive to their intended goals of the future? Another question to consider is: How accepting is each place of change and outside influence? All of these questions and more need to be considered when making comparisons of these places.

Italy and the United States - Are they really that different?

The United States does not have an official national language policy defining specific language policies and practices for schools. Many states have passed language policy legislation that mandates the use of English over other languages.  Language policy in here is explicit government language planning. The definition of language planning offered by Ricento captures this state of affairs well: “deliberate efforts to influence the behaviour of others with respect to the acquisition, structure, and functional allocations of their language codes” (2007:292). This raises the question: who plans what for whom and why? One can argue that not having an official language policy can be detrimental and harmful especially when taking into consideration immigrant youth whose mother tongue is that other than English. As we discussed in lecture, many states have passed only-English speaking laws.  So the question: who plans what for whom and why?  becomes of crucial when studying social justice rights for all.  Unlike the United States, Italy has recently - about 20 years ago, made Italian the official national language. So I ask again: who plans what for whom and why? Who benefits and who doesn’t? How does this affect citizens and immigrant youth? What other policies have taken into effect that question/target the education of both citizens of Italy and immigrant youth.

My family immigrated to the United States as farm workers, and settled in Wapato, a small town in Washington State. The first couple of months my parents, my three siblings, and I slept on the floor huddled together against the cold of winter. My brother and I, ages fourteen and seven, quickly learned responsibility.  We cared for our infant niece, completed the household chores, cooked, and still need to finish our studying before our parents returned from long, tiring days at work. When I was ten, I experienced first-hand how demanding it is to work in the agricultural industry. I was lucky to go to attend college, my siblings on the other hand weren’t so lucky. My parents didn’t have any form of education because they were required to help out around the home. I was fortunate to have stumbled across people in high school that spoke to me about college and helped me apply. Therefore, I can relate to the struggles that Italian immigrants are going through.

As I look back at my experiences and compare them to struggles of immigrant youth in Italy; I believe that we are facing the same problem manifested in a different form and influenced by different factors. In terms of education, the doors that are open for immigrant youth are hidden if not blocked by current laws that are taking into effect. From guest lectures, I learned that pursuing education for Italian citizens is a hard and obtaining/securing a job is next to impossible. And, if that is the case for Italian citizens, then I can only wonder how much harder it is for immigrants to have equal rights of attending a public school? College? A job? Benefits?

That is not say, that all schools back home and in Italy face the same struggles – in terms of funding, qualified teachers, resources etc. When we visited schools – I was really surprised to hear that the community, teachers and parents are volunteering their time to create a sense of home within the school. People of various cultures, backgrounds, languages are coming together and are lending a helping hand to one another. This strong sense of community keeps their children in school and out of trouble; making this environment one to admire, look up to and serves as a role model for other schools. However, I ask myself: how many schools are like this one? Will Italy pass laws that will force this community to disintegrate?  

Doors that are closed are imposed by others that fear that they will lose their power. Hence, when considering citizens and immigrants of any country; which of the two groups are at risk to not obtain an education?  Equal rights? A job? Benefits? To answer these questions it is important to also consider the question: who plans what for whom and why? I believe that the United States facing similar struggles as Italy. So I ask: what makes the struggles of immigrants back in the United States not as visible as what Italian immigrants are facing?