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Culture diversity
Living with Cultural Diversity
Addressing cultural diversity
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In 2009, I went to Italy to become an Au pair for two years. This was a difficult decision for me. I wasn’t able to speak Italian and had never lived abroad, away from my family and friends. I felt I needed this experience to push my boundaries and broaden my horizons. It was incredible to experience another country’s culture. Living in Italy made me realize how grateful, fortunate, and capable I am.
Living in Italy showed me how much I had to be grateful for. I saw firsthand another culture’s day-to-day lifestyle. Italian culture isn’t as fast-paced as American culture. Their slower pace forces you to appreciate a little more of what each day offers. My job was as an Au pair which is a live-in nanny/teacher for the family’s children. Most
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Unless you are a wealthy Italian, you live a much humbler lifestyle. A lot of Italians homes are meager, and the material goods Americans want and vie for, aren’t as important to them. I realized how fortunate I was for all the belongings I took for granted. Some Italians would view the home I grew up in as a mansion compared to their own. They seemed so much happier and it was humbling to see them content by having a lot …show more content…
There was one time in particular I found myself in a situation which in the past, would have rendered me unable to cope. My Au pair family asked me to take the train by myself to travel to their uncle’s home and bring back their child. I had only been there for a little over two weeks. I still didn't have a good understanding of the Italian language. I was worried I wouldn't make myself understood if I needed help on the way. On my way there, I got off at the wrong station and found myself lost in the center of the town’s piazza. I had never experienced anything like this, and though I was afraid, I kept calm. After an hour of backtracking, I found my way back to the train station and boarded again and was able to find the right destination. I retrieved the child and brought him back home. What an adventure! Later that evening I reflected on how unnerving and stressful the event had been. I was pleased that I’d persevered in the midst of such an anxiety-ridden and intimidating situation. This was one example where I proved to myself how capable I
...1990s. It is fundamental to comprehend how Albanians have been treated and viewed by southern Italians in the past, how Albanians have tried to adjust to Italian society, and how present conditions stand. Albanians discovered a rough beginning in southern Italy full of blame and discrimination, though, some positive changes have occurred, mainly due to the fact that Albanians gave up their traditions to become more “Italian.” It is hoped that time will cure all, that stereotypes and negative attitudes will fade, and that Albanians will be completely integrated into southern Italian society one day. Like a famous Albanian proverb says, “Durimi është çelësi për parajsë”, which can be translated to “Patience is the key to paradise.” After all, Italian public opinion is much higher towards historically established minorities than towards newly settled immigrant groups.
It’s five O’clock in the morning and today was the day where my family and I finally got a chance to start over! We’ve been waiting for this day for as long as we can remember. I’m so excited to start a new job and finally be able to put food on the table for my wife and kids here in America!
Most Italians found unskilled work in America's cities. There were large colonies in the areas of Philadelphia, Chicago, New York and Detroit (The Library of Congress, 2004). The Italian people were willing to work long hours on low wages. The first problem that immigrants from Italy faced was the poor working and housing conditions. The majority of these people lived in tenement houses. These houses were crammed, low-rise apartment buildings that were overcrowded to dangerous degrees. Some did not have indoor plumbing and most were overflowing with disease and vermin (Magnussen, L. (1999).
Discrimination in America has mainly publicized certain races, such as African Americans, Native Americans, Hispanics, Middle Eastern, and even Asians. One race that is rarely publicized for its discrimination in America is the Italian Americans.
“Statistics prove that the scum of Southern Europe is dumped at the nation's’ door in rapturous, conscienceless, law-breaking hordes” (Dickie 162). Escaping poverty and overpopulation in Italy, particularly Sicily, Italian immigrants flocked to America in hopes of reaping the benefits of a booming industrial revolution. With emphasis on family bonds and the prevalence of tradition, Italian Americans established communal centers, known as Little Italies, in several of the largest American cities, notably in New York and Chicago. With the initial distrust of Americans, it became customary to avoid integration, thus rendering Italians “repulsive to Americans” (Smith 337), who held individualism and American values highly. The roots of the Sicilian
They stifle me with ridiculous rules and regulations they have brought with them from Europe… There’s always something that shouldn’t be said or done. There are always jobs I have to learn because all good Italian girls know how to do them, and one-day ill need them to look after my chauvinistic husband. There’s always someone I have to respect. (Pg. 38)
My leadership and group problem solving skills have also been strengthened by my trip. When faced with decisions I feel I can look at both perspectives. My ideas seem to reflect a broader dimension by having experienced a different culture. On my next journey to Italy I believe I can promote a better understanding of Americans.
... child no matter what. I feel like this story has helped me to be open-minded to the various situations that people may face and to not make assumptions. I also feel somewhat prepared for the situations that I may face in the field of social work as I continue to unpack my baggage.
The 1920’s were a time where America was becoming a more modernized country. People were becoming more influenced in consumerism, fashion was changing, and new concepts and views were forming. Due to the new mindset that people had it was relatively easy for people to follow trends, especially if everyone else had a similar view. For example, the trial against Nicola Sacco and Bartolomeo Vanzetti, brought many American people to have a strong dislike for Italian immigrants for the reason that Americans believed that Italian immigrants were dangerous people, and that they brought over radical thoughts. The Sacco and Vanzetti trial brought the notion that all Italian immigrants were ruining the prestigious country, and the American people wanted
These events have strengthened me mentally, spiritually, and educationally. Regardless of what occurs in life, at work or in school, I have the ability to overcome the obstacles and the strength of mind, a compassionate heart and the knowledge to succeed in any task I undertake.
Right next to food, family is the most important thing in Italian culture. My mother was born and raised in Naples, Italy and lived with her mother and three siblings after her father passed away when she was only six years old. My mother and my grandmother had a very close bond, the same bond my mother and I share now. My grandmother was a very hands on type of mom my mother tells me. Like most mothers, her children were her pride and joy. My mother’s most vivid memories of her childhood involve my grandmother teaching her how to make tiramisu and lasagna. Practices my mother has now passed onto me. Aside from the cooking lessons, my mother also taught me what it means to be a women. Being independent, never giving up, and working for what
Different cultures, or environments make up how people live their lives and how they may act on a daily basis. These cultures are common all throughout the world, even throughout the different places within the United States. Going on my school trip to New York City made me aware of these cultures changes and when are plane landed back in Minnesota I was so thankful to be back to the places and faces I had always been used to.
In the words of Giuseppe Verdi, “You may have the universe if I may have Italy” (Brainyquote.com). Italy is one of the top hotspots for vacation, and there is a plethora of reasons why. Immediately upon arriving, you can smell the aroma of fresh, home-made foods. The beauty of the architecture in even the average buildings is overwhelming. The culture is unique and fascinating; unlike anything you will ever see anywhere else. There are so many places you could visit in Italy, you could spend a lifetime there, and it would never be enough. Rome, Tuscany, Pompeii, Pisa, Florence, and Venice are must-sees, to name just a handful. (http://www.kids-world-travel-guide.com) Italy is in essence, a paradise unlike any other, that everyone should have the privilege of enjoying. (pathos)
This was the great opportunity for me to continue my education in one of the best countries and also was the great opportunity for me to explore life outside of my hometown, meeting new people, and experience different culture, languages, and lifestyles. After coming to the USA, my family went through various tough times. The condition of our life became so worse that we did not have enough money to buy food, clothes, and to pay rent. Because of the scarce of money, I did not even buy my high school graduation gown and was about to not even attend my high school graduation, until my high school decided to give graduation gown for free. Therefore in order to help my family financially, I started working on part time jobs such as sales associate and tutoring while attending full-time college. Although in the beginning I started working on part time jobs just for the sake of money but as time passed, I was able to appreciate the skills I got from working that is social skills, communication skills, presentation skills, team works skills, leadership skills, and the time management skills. These skills were very important for me as far as my personal development was concerned as I learned how to effectively communicate with people and how to teach students of different ages with different strengths and weaknesses. This experience helped me to grow and mature as a person by facing
My adversity is anxiety, and sometimes it can get overwhelming for me to be in public places. But, in spite of that, I was looking for a job to earn more credits for my high school diploma. I was seeking a small job, organizing products or something similar to that. Something that’s still in the perimeters of my comfort zone. But the only option that was open for me was volunteering at an elementary school. As a person who has difficulties to simply ask a store worker for something, I was very hesitant to agree. But I always believed to try and face my fears. That the only way to overcome them, was to face them. I realized that if I don’t take this step I will always stay where I am. With that in mind, I decided to go, and it turned out to be one of the best decisions I’ve made. Of course there were times I wanted to quit, but I got through them. Now I get along really well with the kids, and the teachers that I work with. Overcoming my adversity made my identity