My Italian Identity
Growing up as a child of the 1950’s and 1960’s and a second generation Italian-American from both parents I had very strong ties back to Italy. If you are of my generation you were asked; “What are you?”
“Italian”
Later we would say “Italian-American.” Now most of us would say American.
We grew up with the smell of an Italian kitchen, bakery or pork store. The sound of the language being spoken and as Mary Ann Vitale pointed out to me in a comment, the love of Italian music. The feast of the patron saint a block or two away. Yes, some of this exists, but not to the same extent. Even the San Gennaro feast in Little Italy in NYC is commercialized with very few “Italians”
Our 4th, 5th and 6th generations are losing out on our identity. I would even guess that some don’t even know where their great-great grandparents came from, maybe never saw a photo, or heard a story
Being in Italy recently, it was very clear that we are American. Exact quote; “You American’s make your sauce with ketchup.” Well we don’t but you get the picture.
After a few days in Italy I never felt more American. After two weeks I never felt more Italian, and have a desire to get back as soon as possible.
What I found in Italy
First and most important I found some of my dad’s first cousins that I never knew existed! It was like going back in time and this more than anything helped me to restore my Italian identity. The connection was immediate and they were so very happy to see us, welcome us into their home and of course feed us.
I also found a deep respect for tradition, culture and the older generation. They are very proud of their heritage and take great care to preserve and protect their ruins and cultural buildings, while still moving into the modern age. Fast trains speeding by ancient ruins.
Even in Naples, you can still find the small shops. One thing that really struck me were the fruit stores ( remember them )? Fresh fruit. When I asked about them… “they have no refrigeration, they don’t need it, they sell out everyday and get fresh produce from the farm the next morning.”
Not that I’m a big church goer, but even in the smallest towns, they we immaculate, with fresh cut flowers everywhere.
Preserving Our Identity
So the big question is, “What do we do?”
Some of us old-timers are hoping to start a program to identify youth ages 18-26 and send them on their first trip to Italy. My children are in that range and they came back with an entire new perspective on their identity as Italian-Americans. And they can’t wait to go back either.
You might ask, aren’t their programs that do this already. The answer is sort of, in that some of the larger organizations do send a select few to Italy, but not on the scale of Birthright Israel.
If you are interested in learning more you can comment here with your email or send us an email at ompinof51@gmail.com
The Journey Home — Day 9 — Montebello/Fossato Calabria
Click here to join out Facebook group The drive from Scilla to Montebello is about an hour and on the way we stopped to view the mountain “ghost town” Pentedattilo, which is derived from the Greek language and means five fingers. You can read the interesting story of two barons here. Our day in Montebello and Fossato turned out to be one of the more special days. Mostly due to my cousin Cinzia Piromallo (
The Journey Home — Day 5 — Avellino
Palazzo Caracciolo Click here to join out Facebook group Day five had us going to Avellino the seat of the Princes of Avellino. I honestly had no idea what to expect. When we arrived in the square of the palazzo ( now used for government offices ) it was breathtaking to see an Italian flag in every window. As we entered through the massive arch, we were greeted by a trumpeter and people dressed in
The Journey Home — Day 4 — Capracotta
Click here to join out Facebook group Capracotta is a small but beautiful town in the mountains of Molise and was the ancestral home of my third great grandmother Duchess Capece Piscicelli. The town is about two hours from Naples, and one has to wonder on how long the trip took in a carriage from Naples in the 1800’s. On the way to Capracotta we had an interesting stop where Gianfranco showed us where Garibaldi
The Journey Home – Day 3 – Naples
Click here to join out Facebook group Our first full day in Naples began with a walking tour of the streets of Naples where my Sorrentino, Princi, Piromallo and Caracciolo lived. Our guide Vincenzo D’Onofrio, was great and explained various landmarks along the way. The current Hotel Caracciolo, on via Carbonara was the home of my Caracciolo ancestors and quite an impressive building inside and out. I could just imagine the parties held there over
Bob, great piece of yours here and a noble undertaking. Glad to hear of efforts to engage our younger generation with the shared history, culture, and heritage of the (or their) Italian American experience.
On Facebook: “Philly Rich”