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.