Berkley Center

“Hai mai visto quel programma, Seidici e Incinta?” my host mother asked me at dinner one night. I ever seen what program? I wondered. Seeing the puzzled look on my face she repeated the name of the TV show: Seidici e Incinta. Then it clicked: Sixteen and Pregnant. Apparently this trashy American reality show has been dubbed in Italian, along with other less-than-classy programs such as The Bold and the Beautiful and Two and a Half Men. Sometimes during breakfast I catch the Italian news on TV, and there is almost always a mention of something American, whether it be a debate in congress, George Clooney’s upcoming nuptials, a schoolteacher in Ohio roughing up a child. I never expected to be so surrounded by American culture abroad: I hear American music on the radio, see English on almost every sign, and find American brands and products in the supermarket.

Before leaving for Italy, I had certain expectations for my time abroad, namely that I would have to speak Italian everywhere I went, I would not find American pop culture unless I searched for it, and that I would be entirely immersed in a foreign culture. None of this has proven to be true, much to my surprise. Perhaps it is the fact that Florence is a very touristy city that has created this strange dynamic, but it is challenging to immerse myself in an Italian way of life in certain regards. As an example, I have studied Italian for seven years and came with the hope of constantly speaking it—I have no desire to speak English here. Instead, when I go into many shops and restaurants, the clerks speak to me in English. Even after I respond in Italian, they often continue in English, until I finally ask nicely in Italian if they wouldn’t mind speaking to me in their language.

While most Americans know little about the political and cultural situation in Italy, it seems that plenty of Italians know about ours, something that has surprised me incredibly. Many Italians I’ve spoken to are familiar with our celebrities, our president, our politics, and our national issues, and many seem to have a very definitive idea of America and what it means to be American. This attitude has ranged from funny to infuriating. One night I went out to dinner with some friends and started talking to some Italian boys, who, upon finding out I was American, immediately declared, “Ugh, Americans are all obese!” I laughed, thinking they were joking, but upon realizing they were serious, found myself utterly puzzled. I pointed out that their assumption was false, that I, for instance, have a healthy weight, along with plenty other Americans. “Yes, but you’re an exception,” they said, “In America there are no vegetables to eat, only fatty things.” After trying to rationally discuss this for a little while, I gave up. Another time I was out with an American friend and some Italians; this time, one of the Italians made a slightly offensive remark to my friend. She was upset, and he responded, “You’ll get over it quickly—after all, you’re an American woman, and all American women are very self-confident!” Again, feelings of confusion ensued.

Admittedly, I have had positive conversations as well with Italians regarding America. They have expressed admiration for our president, our commitment to freedom, and our forward-thinking attitude. As an American I tend to see the injustices and frustrations more than the achievements, though perhaps there is something to be learned from these comments. America has come to symbolize both the positive and the negative of power, capitalism, and bounty. There are those that see our nation as gluttonous, capitalistic, and consumerist, but there are those that still see our country as an inspiration, a place where wealth can be earned and opportunities abound, a country of people unafraid to express their desires in order to gain liberty. I never though coming to Italy would put me in touch with what it means to be an American, but now more than ever I have asked myself that question: how do other nations see us? What does it mean to be a citizen of the United States? In these past few months I’ve of course come to learn more about Italian culture, but the Italians have pushed me toward a deeper consideration of my national identity, something that I think will remain with me long after I leave.