AMERICAN GROWN WITH ITALIAN ROOTS

Lorenzo (my husband) and I had a conversation in the park by our house today...not the first, second or even third time he’s had this same conversation, but this time I have a whole new perspective about it particularly because I am ethnically mixed and we are living here. This is a conversation about identity and culture. These two things are important and I dare say are the key to our survival as a species on this planet. (Remember, this is my opinion so you don’t have to agree with me obviously, but I ask you to at least consider my perspective).

So let’s jump right in!

For simplicity’s sake I will just call the other person who is Italian, by ethnicity and nationality: “the local”.

Here is how the conversation went (BTW, this is translated from Italian):

“But you are American!”, the local. “Yeah, I am American, but my parents were both born and raised in Italy and then they immigrated to America. So I am Italian-American” replied Lorenzo.

For a moment there was a pause, the local seemed to be puzzled at the thought. Lorenzo offered an example, “So if your parents are both Chinese and you are born in Switzerland, are you Swiss or Chinese?”.

And the local said, “Chinese!” as if this was the obvious answer.

In an attempt to explore the mentality of the local, Lorenzo came back and said, “And what about Balotelli?” The local's reply, “He’s African.”

At this point the conversation, died out and the subject changed.

When I was younger, I remember always feeling really perturbed by forms that required you to fill in one circle for your ethnic makeup. It was these forms that got me thinking about which ethnic group I belonged to. I never really thought in terms of my ethnicity until this point. It felt normal to have my German grandmother fill our shoes (I know that sounds gross, but it has roots in German tradition) with oranges, nuts and chocolate treats for St. Nick’s day, going to my grandpa’s house to eat lumpia and pancit, or having my other grandma (who was Mexican) prepare a San Franciscan Italian American traditional cioppino...these varied and cross cultural traditions were always just normal. I never thought in terms of which ethnic group I belonged to. I realize now that California is a very special place in the world. We are truly a melting pot of different ethnic groups with a culture of our own. I imagine New York is similar to our culture. It is like the whole world is at your footsteps….all different kinds of food, too many different languages and festivals and celebrations to list.

I digress so back to my point, why is identity and culture key to our survival as a species on this planet...because when we identify with a culture we preserve the culture and it’s traditions. And through preserving culture we support diversity. And through diversity we become strong as a species and a society.

Like in a garden, the health and vitality depends upon a variety of plants and creatures to support its functioning. Diversity builds strength and stability and leads to productivity, creativity, resiliency, and so so many positive attributes. Diversity can enrich our lives. I’m pretty sure that most of you are to some degree aware of the incredible amount of adverse effects of mono-culture...if not, Google it. So the alternative, bio diversity is the remedy.

After a contemplative conversation with Lorenzo, we unanimously agree that he is more appropriately labeled as a culturally
Californian Italian-American soon to be a culturally Californian-Italian American-slash-Italian.

In conclusion, preserve your culture or cultures and embrace diversity. Peace.