Thursday, January 22, 2009

The i-talian

Buongiorno!
Yes, I'm starting out my first blog with an Italian word. Why? Because I'm Italian and proud of it. Oh, yes, of course, you're thinking "here's another PROUD Italian ranting and bragging about how wonderful being Italian is". Well, actually, that's not what the purpose for this blog is. My goal is to "expose" all the misunderstandings, stereotypes, misnomers, mispronunciations, and all the completely false preconceptions that are out there about Italy. No, I'm not talking only to those who don't have the slightest trace of Italian DNA in their family, but to everyone, including YOU, the "All-American Italian-American".

Why am I doing this? Because Italy truly is one of the most beloved countries in the world, not just because of its historic sites, but for every aspect of its brightly colorful multi-layered culture. Many may love Italian wines, food, some may enjoy learning the musical language, some others are art-addicts and passionate for history, fascinated by modern sleek design, formula 1 cars, world-class fashion brands, and so on and so on.
So, my purpose is to reveal the authenticity of this unbelievably diverse culture, why Italians are the way they are, why Italian food is so popular, what does it really mean to "be Italian"?

Since I moved to the States in 2001, I've heard more people tell me they must have been Italian in a past life, I feel as I accidently just walked through a crowd exiting a "John Edward's psychic convention".
What is it about Italy that makes so many want to change their passport and "turn Italian"? I cannot count how many times I've heard someone say to me "Oh my gosh, MY DREAM is to move to Italy someday." To that I usually respond "Oh yeah, to which town?" and the typical answer is "I have no idea, I've never been, I just want to move there right now!".
Are people on some sort of "invisible Italian crack" that's secretly mixed in the wine before it's exported?
Well, I hope you stay posted as we discover the true nature of this "Italian craze" through uncovering myths about "all things Italian" and discovering what makes this an incredibly unique and attractive culture.
Ciao for now! - Nada