What is interesting about hanging out with Italians in Italy is seeing, first handedly, their general feelings and attitudes towardes le turiste, the tourists. During the day it is quite obvious -- American tourists walking around in their college sweatshirts, acting loud and certainly not fitting in. Despite doing all I can do to not look like this, of course people assume I am American. They are quite happy to find out, however, that I am Canadian, which is typically proceeded by nods and thumbs up. It also helps to try to speak the language and at the very least, io capisco molto bene, as I can understand what they are saying, even if my responses back are broken. I had one shop owner tell me that I understood perfectly and if given 2 months, I would be speaking fluently (well, that made my day -- I have bragged about this story a few times since).
Last night we went out to a night club. This is where the tourists and local co-mingle. Actually, I wouldn't go as far as to say co-mingle. The Italians, in their tight pants and dark, brooding attitudes and the tourists (read: Americans) in their vacay-wear and drunk, spectacle-making ways. They don't realize that the Italians are making fun of them. While the locals love the American music and know all the words to the songs (even if they don't know what they mean), they actually do not like the culture and the people. It was interesting to observe the North American culture (which I wholeheartedly admit to have taken part in on many occasion), but through the eyes of an Italian. It is actually a little embarassing for me. There is so much ignorance and so much lack of realization that they are not presenting themselves in a good light.
As I walked through the market today and merchants called out to me in English, I realized that despite my best efforts, I am seen one of the mocked North Americans in which I speak. More specifically, I am seen as one of the Americans who are the butt of many a joke. As I was once the Canadian in the Deep South U-S-A, I am now the North American in the I-T-A. Not sure how I feel about this overall. Still figuring this out. Stay tuned!
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
2 comments:
How interesting..... most especially because of your year in the Deep South.
I do understand what you mean Kris however you are meeting the Italians on their own terms, by trying to communicate to them in their own tongue. In doing so you are showing respect to them as a people and a culture. You may initially be a 'turiste americano' to them, due to your complexion, but once they come to know you ~ no. Do not, therefore, spend another thought on this because ultimately, you will be judged on who you are, and that is all good, Kristie dear. xo Mom
Kristie,
It is the next morning and I have once again read your message. You make me immensely proud. I just had to say that.
ILY, Mom xo
Post a Comment