Cultural Understanding?

Hi Everyone,
This is Rebecca. One of the most important outcomes of our project is to show an increase in cultural understanding. How do we show this? By telling what we think we know before and after a program. I asked all of the student participants to write some thoughts down about the differences they percieve between the Italian and US cultures. I'm humbled by many of the responses, and tickled by some of the others! Here are five US students' responses in aggregate to the following questions:

1. Do you bring any prior experience dealing with Italian people or culture to the table? What’s your closest experience with the culture? (100)

The only experience that I have with the Italian people or culture is that I am about a quarter Italian. My mom’s grandparents and other close relatives emigrated from Sicily. Sadly, most of my full Italian relatives passed away before I could get to know them or their unique culture. Hopefully, through this experience, I will be able to learn a lot more about my self and my family’s heritage.

I have no real experience dealing with Italian people or culture besides the fact that many families in Hammond, where I live, are from Italian descent.

I don’t bring much to the table regarding Italian culture or people. My closest experience is listening to stories from friends about their trips to Italy. I do read a lot however, so I’m at least knowledgeable on some level of history (modern, ancient, etc.). Sometimes I read about Italian politics. I have however learned some self-taught Italian from books and from songs that I like to listen to.

I really have had little to no experience with authentic Italian culture. My aunt and uncle go there at least once a year and have taken classes on how to make authentic Italian art. They used what they learned on their house in the way they painted the walls and how they decorated the house. Italian food is my favorite! Unfortunately, I have only had the Americanized version. Italian art is also one of my favorites. If I had to make some sort of completely uneducated conjecture about the people of Italy it would be that they seem to me to be a people who just appreciate a lot of things. They are connoisseurs of life. They seem like they would appreciate fine things.

Up until now, my closest experience with Italian culture has been digging into a pizza margherita at Johnny Carino’s. Staring up at the old pictures that lined the walls and listening to the Italian opera played over the speakers was as close as I ever thought I could get to Italy. It blows my mind to think that I’ll actually be there in just a few months.

2. What do you perceive to be the biggest differences between US and Italian culture? Biggest similarities? (500)

Right now, I find myself trying to believe that the cultures aren’t that far apart. Besides the obvious differences in food, tradition, and similar aspects, I feel that the people involved are actually quite similar. Living in America, where traveling to a different state feels like a totally new country, I find it hard to determine one particular “US culture” and that could be one of the largest differences between the two countries. Our country’s huge diversity even includes part of the Italian culture and lifestyle, my family being an example.

I believe that both teams involved in this project will be pleasantly surprised at how many similarities there are between the two countries. I think that the people on both sides of the Atlantic are quite comparable. Despite the barrier of language, I would like to take my time in Italy and notice the timeless and universal feelings and emotions, the largest similarity between any people in any country.

I perceive that US culture has developed from diversity, each new culture feeding of and learning from another. This finally resulted in a movement towards tolerance of all individuals. Another result of our cultural mix is diversity in foods, languages, and musical styles among other things. Some aspects of these cultural properties are “Americanized”, meaning that they change in a way to meet our desire for economic growth and democracy. However, I perceive Italians to have a more homogenous population, as Italy is an ancient country. I think that this population is mostly Roman Catholic, and as Vatican City is in the heart of the country, religion plays an important role in the life of Italians, which does not necessarily hold true for Americans. Another defining characteristic in Italian culture that I believe makes Italian culture similar to ours is the fact that Italians can easily move throughout western Europe, thus making them more educated in other cultures and tolerant of them. Other similarities between Italian and US cultures probably lie in taste of music and arts (and the lack of a universal taste in art), the desire to become better (this is just human nature), and the belief that people should have, for the most part, equal rights.

Differences: I imagine the pace of life is much different in the US than in Italy. From what I’ve heard, Europe is generally more relaxed, especially when compared to the fast pace of Americans. I’m stressed most of the time because of work regarding school, so I’d be interested to see an Italian student’s workload and how they handle education.
Although America is home to a variety of different types of people, it doesn’t have a very strong culture. We are literally a “melting pot” of cultures, as in we’ve taken and borrowed traditions from almost every group that has come over. I’m excited about Italy because it seems like it has a much stronger culture. I’m very excited to see what Italian teens think of their country.
I think American lifestyle will probably be different from Italy. Whether Italy has more conveniences or less (in terms of stores, transportation, etc.), I’m sure I’ll still miss various aspects of American culture. Similarities? I’m sure Italian teens like to have as much fun as American teens do. I’m very interested to see what common interests I will share with them. As far as culture goes however, I don’t know what similarities America will have with Italy.

Well, America is one of the most overweight nations in the world. We also are a nation obsessed with television, entertainment, and getting what we want. What I am getting at is that America is very much a nation of “splurgeres”. Italy doesn’t seem to be that way so much. I think they would be similar in that the teenagers there are still teenagers. I’m sure they play Xbox live, don’t like homework, and just act like teenagers. I’m not really certain of any huge way that we would be super similar. We are all still humans so I don’t think it will as different as everyone thinks. I’d like to see how they kids react to things like chores around the house, their parents in general, and if they are into any of the things my generation here is into

I’ve always imagined Italian culture to be more refined than that of America. Then again, when I think of American culture, I think of the TV commercials with rowdy kids chowing down on hamburgers, redneck men drinking beer and fishing, and teenagers going mud riding, so I guess that’s not really saying much. When I think of Italy I think of beautiful Italian leather everything- bags, sofas, wallets…-, great homemade food like pastas and pizzas, and authentic cappuccinos. It’s a stark contrast to America’s synthetics, fast food, and Starbuck’s. It’s also most likely a complete over-simplification of their culture, much like the TV stereotype of ours.

3. What is the biggest challenge you think the US is facing as a country? Do you think Italy shares this challenge? (200)

I feel that pride, as a nation, is something that the US has lacked for a while now. After 9-11 almost everyone was ready to work together to defend their beautiful country. Now, we struggle to stay unified with things like budget or political party. I do not know the situation in Italy, but I hope that they have a stronger sense of national pride.

I think that the biggest problem that the US faces as a country is the healthcare reform and the questions that it raises. The fact that we are rethinking a basic system brings back issues that have been long debated, even in the time of the Constitution. What are the rights of citizens? How much responsibility does the government have over the welfare and protection of these citizens? These questions, and others, have many answers, which is causing the problem that we face. I am sure that on some level, Italians are facing a similar issue. Because the economic downturn is world-wide, the Italians may also be rethinking old issues, but I am not sure. (I know little of current events in the US, much less Italian issues!)

The biggest challenge the US is facing as a country is more complex than two paragraphs will allow. Every country faces issues, but with the amount of international power that the US has I think there’s more pressure to find quick solutions to the problems. I imagine that the reputation of the US, in the political scene as well as the cultural scene, is fairly negative in most foreign countries. Although our different perspectives form our own unique opinions on our country’s decisions, the US seems in need of changing negative opinions. I want people to think of the US as an open-minded country that is concerned with affairs beyond our borders. Other challenges: economic standing, international relations, and the nation’s welfare (healthcare, poverty, etc.).
I think Italy shares this challenge to some extent. Every country will have some opposition towards it from some group, but I honestly don’t know enough about international relations to be able to form an opinion on this. Italy shares in our problems with the economy and their welfare as a nation, but I can’t confidently point these out. I’m simply not that well informed.

I think the biggest issue America faces is division. Sure we have the disagreements on healthcare, the war, abortion, gay rights, you name it. But what really is the root of all this? The American population is never totally satisfied. If one person gets their way, the other half of the population doesn’t. Everyone wants whatever it is they want with no compromise. Greed. Arrogance. Pride. Then again, the entire human race is never totally satisfied. In light of this, I think they probably will suffer with much of the same challenges because it is simply the human condition to suffer or make others suffer. Everyone is either prideful or trying not to be because it is our inclination.

The need to reform our economy in several different aspects is probably the biggest challenge facing the U.S. as a nation right now. I know similar economic problems are currently going on elsewhere in the world, but I really have no idea where Italy stands in all that. To be honest, I can’t think of a single piece of information about current Italian issues.

4. What do you perceive to be the biggest challenge facing people in your age group in the US and in Italy? Are the challenges the same or different, and why? (200)

Being 17- not a child and not quite an adult- I feel that people my age struggle with the sense that adults don’t exactly trust you as one in the same but don’t treat you like a child at the same time. I’m absolutely sure that this “young adult” feeling is shared with the team in Italy, if not universal.

I think that the biggest challenge for every generation, no matter the race or time, is how to break off from the previous generation and solve problems that the early generation failed to solve of even caused. This is simply human nature; we all strive to be better, we are curious, and we want to leave our mark in the world. That being said, I think that this generation will continue the last generation's work on uniting all of humankind through education and charity. This very project is an example of this work, and I believe this challenge is shared by the US and by Italy.

I hope our Italian friends won’t assume we’re like the stereotypes they’ve encountered. Other than that, I can’t say we will have any huge challenges other than difference in culture and language. I’m extremely excited to learn about Italy though, and hopefully will have more to add once I have personally gone through this experience.

I think a big problem among kids in my age group in the US is, again, a form of pride. I think kids nowadays think themselves to be very important. They are all “big shots”. I think my generation needs to spend more time humbling themselves and serving each other rather than thinking, “it’s all about number one”. Kids just really don’t realize how incredibly small they are. In light of eternity, we really don’t matter. I’m sure many Italian kids will be the same largely because of the reason previously stated. It is the human condition and teenagers tend to think they are invincible.

The biggest issues facing people my age in this country are STDs, especially here, in Louisiana. Every 9minutes and thirty seconds, another person in the U.S. is infected with HIV. Approaching half of all of those affected by AIDS/ HIV live in the South. New Orleans and Baton Rouge rank among the Metropolitan Areas with the highest rates of AIDS. This is affecting our generation, and yet many young teens continuing to engage in unprotected sexual activity with multiple partners. Raising the awareness of HIV/ AIDS and other STDs as well as helping to provide treatment and support for those who are already infected, especially youth, is a huge challenge for teenagers in America. I don’t know much about social issues in Italy, but disease is universal as is the fact that people have unprotected sex, so I would imagine it poses a major challenge to youth there, as well.

5. What American stereotypes do you think you will have to overcome in your Italian peers? How will you accomplish this? (500)

Hopefully I won’t have to overcome any! I hope they have an open mind and don’t expect anything in particular. I suppose if there are any American stereotype is just a really work oriented blue-collar type of person that doesn’t truly appreciate culture or art etc. I suppose that is the best way to describe it. I think that just acting myself and letting my true person show, will overcome their ideas of Americans. Most stereotypes can be overcome by acting as your own unique self.

I think that some stereotypes that I will have to overcome as an American is that I am lazy, that I love American football, that I think the world revolves around the United States, and perhaps that I place financial success high on my list of priorities. I think that I will accomplish this through the short biography and through communication with the Italian team. I don't think I need to explicitly rebut the stereotypes; I believe that the Italian team will get to know who I am instead of who I am not.

I think a general list of adjectives that come to mind when one hears ‘American’ is: loud, obnoxious, rude, arrogant, uneducated, and immature. I certainly hope our Italian friends don’t think this! Every nation has a stereotype. I will try and overcome this by being myself in Italy. I’m excited to learn about a different culture and I respect Italy very much.

They might think, that since we’re from the south, we where overalls and don’t have any education or something. I’m not really sure. They might think that we eat hotdogs a lot too. It’s funny that, like I said, my favorite food is Italian. Basically, I think it will fairly obvious that we don’t fit many of the stereotypes that they think apply because I know I will be so excited, overjoyed, and into what they do in their culture that I either won’t be doing any “American” things at all, or, if I do, it probably wouldn’t be what they expected.

I think the redneck, conceited, ignorant American stereotype is one that we’ll have to prove wrong. I don’t think it will be too difficult, though, to show who we really are as people. I think the creativity, open-mindedness, and intelligence of our personalities will shine through in the end. It may be a surprise to them to see that we’re not all obese belligerent truck drivers, but the shock will eventually be replaced in an interest in what young Americans are actually all about. I know what I’m most interested in is what Italian teens do and care about. I think the interchange of our daily lives will definitely break through any stereotypes on either side.

6. What are your own stereotypes of Italians? Don’t be afraid to write whatever comes to mind. (300)

I suppose Italians, for me, fall in to the typical European stereotype, of extremely cultured and almost stuck up. Of course, I will go into this project with an open mind and realizing that everyone is different and can’t fall into a stereotype.

My own stereotype of an Italian, though I know that it is probably only true for a small fraction of Italian citizens, is that they have large families living in a tight region and that these families come together often for a home-cooked meal of pasta. They are all excellent soccer players as well. These families live in brick traditional homes on the countryside with vineyards. There may be a small television set, only used to watch soccer games, but otherwise, there may be little technology used in the home.

I can’t think of any stereotypes of Italians that are prominent in American culture. I suppose one might mention the mafia or the typical Italian chef, but other than that I can’t think of any. I don’t think Italians have a very negative stereotype in America or at least none that I’ve come across.

I suppose I think of Italians as very cultured and sophisticated. They seem to be educated, renaissance people who look down on others who are not. I imagine they look at almost everything as an art.

The stereotypical Italian to me is a sweet-talking teen-age boy with slicked back hair who cruises around Rome on his moped picking up chicks with his mesmerizing accent. Oh, and the Italian leather bag. That’s a must have for the ladies’ man. So is the endless supply of pizza, lasagna, fettuccine and lattés.

7. What do you think daily life is like for a teen in northern Italy? (300)

I believe, that I will find out that much of their daily life resembles my own. Their daily life could be different in scheduling or transportation. I know that in Europe public transportation is really good, and I’m sure that the teens take advantage of that. I hope that what I observe on my trip surprises me, and will show me a different approach to the teenage life that I could possibly apply to my own.

Honestly, I am not sure that there is any one daily routine for a teenager in northern Italy. Even coming up with a daily routine for an average American teenager in Louisiana is difficult. My best guess is that they would wake up, shower, get dressed, go to school (using efficient public transportation, of course), walk with their friends to a park or local cafe, go home, play soccer, eat, play soccer, then go to sleep.

I’m sure Italian teens do the same thing we do: go to school, hang out with friends, do their work, have hobbies, etc. I really don’t have any idea what the life of a teen in northern Italy is like.

The teens there are probably a lot like us – only, with more winter clothing and a few more soccer balls. They wake up early, are tired, go to school, do homework, chill with their friends, go to movies, get aggravated by their parents, the usual. I don’t imagine, besides the food, language, and perhaps a few customs that internally, and largely externally, the teenagers in north Italy are much different than us.

I really have no idea. They probably wake up, drink some delicious coffee and eat a cannoli, go to school, have amazing Italian food for lunch, come home, ride around the city on their mopeds, eat some incredible Italian food for dinner, shower (or maybe they don’t shower), and then go to sleep on an Italian leather sofa. Maybe the moped and sofa parts are a little off, but they probably do basically the same things we do except they happen to be in Italy.