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Posted by: joe a (joegreen@italian-american.com) on 4/06/1998@20:14hrs:
In Reply to: Re: Italian-Americans posted by: Gina on 4/06/1998@03:44hrs:
All of life began in the region which is now Italy <lol> - Just kidding but I do understand your point.
I will try to respond: MY family is from southern Italy, Rome/ Calabria/Sicily. Yes the Greeks invaded, so did the Germans etc. but before that the Romans invaded Greece, Germany and Europe. Its a never ending cycle.
It is strange being american because 80% of the population came from somewhere else within four or five generations (some of your heritage as well I am sure). When the time comes when Americans have to emigrate to a better place such as country A (lets say) then for several generations we might say we are Americans from country A.
My wife is Colombian. She does not understand the concept of nationality as it relates to ethnic groups. Like you, She does not understand why I say I am Italian if I am AMerican. But her reason is due to the fact that 95% of the population immigrated there 500 years ago (spaniard mixed with indians during Columbus times). I agree with her. It is due to the lack of variety of cultures, there is no china town nor is there a little Italy, nor a little Havanna. Everything is Colombian there. Her family is shocked when they visit here only to find a little Colombia in Jackson Heights Queens.
You want to give too much up to say you're American and only American.
PS you're lucky to have all those cultural mixtures in you. that is
rare and you should feel free to boast them all. thanks for your
reply - Joe