Culture Clash

Italian culture has a rich history that includes art, classic architecture, music, popular traditions and customs. Many people who visit Italy are somewhat surprised by the diversity of the dialects, cuisines, architecture, and craftsmanship.

My father, Giuseppe, now deceased, was born in Sannicandro, province of Bari, Italy (Region: Puglia, - southern agricultural area near the Adriatic coast). My mother is of Italian descent and both her parents were born in Italy. I have always been proud that I am the son of an Italian immigrant and feel that my Italian heritage has helped me to develop my character and my work ethic.

I was named after my grandfather, Alessandro. There is an older custom in Italy that determines how children are named. The first male is named after the paternal grandfather and the second male is named after his maternal grandfather. This custom is quite different when compared to our American tradition. Parents today select a name for their newborn based on choice, preference and popularity. All children are pampered in Italy, but males are treated like royalty.

Italians are generally friendly, warm, hospitable people who are fun loving and enjoy sharing the pleasures of life with family, friends and neighbors. They laugh, argue, shout and use hand gestures to emphasize a point. They enjoy strong family ties, and family pride and solid family values are paramount. There is a common Italian proverb "una giornata senza riso e una giornata sprecata." which means, "A day without laughter is a wasted day." Throughout the various towns, people seem to spend a lot of their time greeting and talking with friends and having coffee at a sidewalk café. Strangers are met with a handshake, but ...

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...ed with being called a "Guinea" and "Wop." Fortunately, nowadays people are more tolerant of other customs and more politically correct. Therefore they are not as likely to call people by these derogatory names.

The media frequently portrays Italian Americans unfavorably and stereotypes them as criminals and connected to the "Mafia." Shows like the "Sopranos" and Godfather series are vulgar, violent and degrading. These shows suggest that the characteristic of "gangster" represents the majority of Italian Americans. No one benefits from an exaggerated exposure to negative Italian-American stereotypes. Most Americans of Italian descent are hard working, honest and law abiding citizens.

My father left me a unique heritage that I will always cherish. I only hope that some day I will be able to share these rich customs and traditions with my own children.