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 21st 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.
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 21st 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.
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