Writing Assignment 10

I have come to the conclusion that making a successful attempt to verbalize a visual image that illustrates the essence of Italy is impossible. After spending time pondering and reflecting on the past three months, on what I have seen and learned, I still cannot pinpoint an image that sums up my experiences. However, for the sake of this assignment, I gave it a shot, but I am not completely satisfied with what I came up with.

After a long day of wandering Naples with Alexander Valentino, our last stop on the tour was the Castel dell’Ovo on the water. From the top was a stunning aerial view, allowing one to see the busy port, the strip of fancy hotels, and some of the residential areas of Naples. We had walked through the Spanish Quarter down what seemed like 1,000 steps in order to reach the castle. Only a few steps before we reached the castle, there was a sign that, in Italian, said “no parking or you will suffer death by gun.” We were warned about this area of town, that we should not go there alone, that it was extremely dangerous. Yet it was so close in geographical proximity to the higher end, touristy part of Naples. Seeing from the castle the image of high-density apartments with clothes hanging in all directions framed by the fancy hotels stuck out to me, and was only one of the many illustrations of the contradictions in Italian culture.

This simple image serves as a symbol that sums up (as accurately as I can describe) my experience in Italy, one of absolute contradiction and haziness, indescribable. I never came to a consensus of what makes someone “Italian”, what determines insider and outsider status, etc. But at the same time, after traveling through seven (yes seven – Italy, the Vatican, Austria, Germany, Switzerland, France, and Monaco) countries, Italy had a unique feel. I felt at home there, even with the incredible diversity, there was simply something comfortable about the place. Was it the people? The language? The food? I’m not what it was, but despite the immense diversity of the nation of Italy, there is some common thread, some unidentifiable part of each Italian and each aspect of the culture that builds the Italian identity.

Rione Trevi

The rione Trevi is one of the most diverse areas in city of Rome. Not only is it home to one of the most famous tourist attractions in Europe, but it also contains a plethora of famous art, the political hub of Quirinale hill, and multiple places of worship for the Catholics of the city.

The Trevi Fountain is a majestic sculpture created by the prolific artist, Bernini. It features Oceanus, the Greek river god, as he tames seahorses. The fountain is always surrounded by admiring viewers, regardless of the weather or time of day (or night). Where there are tourists sporting their fanny packs and flashy cameras, there are also vendors. They are selling colorful postcards, buzzing rocks, cheaply made magnets, and whenever there is a chance of rain in the near future, umbrellas. The superstitious toss coins into the fountain, one if they hope for a return trip to Rome, two if they are looking for a new romance, and three if they would like a marriage or divorce. It is said to be good luck to throw the coins from the right hand over the left shoulder. On average, over 3,000 euros worth of coins are thrown into the fountain each day and are used to subsidize a supermarket for people in need of food in Rome.

Directly across from the fountain is a little gem of a church called the Church of Saint Vicenzo and Anastacio that most tourists do not even notice. I found it unimpressive both on the outside and inside compared to many of Rome’s other magnificent churches, until I found out that it houses the hearts (called praecordia) of 40 popes, including Sixtus V and Leo XIII. Like many other places in Rome, I found this fascinatingly contradictory that such a holy place for the Catholics of Rome holding such important relics was located only within a few meters of a busy tourist hub. Many of the people who frequent this piazza are completely oblivious to the importance of the building behind them as they marvel at the beautiful marble fountain in front of them.

Only a few hundred meters away is the busy Via del Tritone, which leads to the Piazza Barberini. Below this piazza is one of the main metro stations in Rome, and it is also home to two fountains created by Bernini. The Triton Fountain is of a muscular merman on a shell with dolphins swimming below, and supposedly, it has the same luck as the Trevi Fountain, meaning that any tourist throwing a coin into the fountain will be granted a return trip to Rome. The Fontana delle Api is much less impressive artistically, but was built by Bernini as a water trough for horses coming through the area. Until the 18^th century, the piazza was where unknown corpses would be displayed for the public to identify. The Palazzo Barberini, which currently hosts the Galeria Nazionale de Arte Antica is a little bit east of the piazza. It is home to the famous Raphael painting of the female baker, and also has beautiful gardens behind. It is a classic example of the competition between Bernini and Borromini, and like usual, Bernini wins out in the end and gets to finish and receive credit for the work.

Down the Via del Quattro Fontane is a very scenic and historic intersection. From this point, you can see 3 Egyptian obelisks, as well as the 4 fountains that overlook the dangerous intersection. They were commissioned by Pope Sixtus V just before 1600, but the artists are unknown. The fountains are of the River Tiber which is the symbol of Rome, the River Arno which is the symbol of Florence, the Goddess Diana which is the symbol of Chastity, and the Goddess Juno, which is the symbol of strength. Next to these fountains are the churches Saint Carlo alla Quattro Fontane which was designed by Borromini, and Saint Andrea al Quririnale which was built by Bernini. The juxtaposition of the styles of these two churches is perfect for comparing the differences between the two artists. Saint Carlo is a fairly simple church using lots of white and undulating walls, where as Saint Andrea is elaborate and colorful, with a very short distance between the entrance and the high altar. It is fascinating to think that these two churches that so skillfully contrast the differences between the two prolific and competitive artists are so close to one another, they are basically right next door.

Quirinale Hill, the tallest of the seven hills in Rome, houses the President of Italy, Giorgio Napolitano, as well as the Italian Constitutional Court. The Quirinale Palace was built in the 14^th century as a summer home for the pope. In 1870, when the papal state was overthrown, the palace became the official royal residence of the kings of Italy, but some including Vittorio Emmanuel chose to live elsewhere. Currently it is the home of the president, and the flags above indicate whether or not the president is currently away. Italy has both a President and a Prime Minister (Berlusconi), but the President plays mainly a ceremonial role in the Italian government to represent national unity. Behind the palace are the lush Quirinale gardens, which are unfortunately not open to the public except for once a year on June 2^nd to celebrate the days that Italians chose a republican form of government.

In the middle of the piazza, there is a massive obelisk and statue of the mythical twins Castor and Pollux. The 18 foot tall sculptures are Roman replicas of Greek originals from the 5^th century B.C., but have been erected in the piazza for the past 450 years. The Palazzo della Consulta is the building that currently holds the Italian Constitutional Court. It consists of 15 judges, 1/3 are appointed by the president, 1/3 are appointed by parliament, and the rest by ordinary and administrative supreme courts. This court only decides the constitutionality of laws, and there is no appeal process. The Palazzo Pallavicini-Rospigliosi was commissioned by the Borghese family and was used as a stable for Quirinale Palace, but unfortunately it destroyed the remains of the Baths of Constantine. Now it is used as a gallery, and it currently holds a large compilation of works by Carvaggio.

There is no way to pinpoint the character of the neighborhood as a whole. It is so incredibly diverse, filled with historical churches and art, very little graffiti, a political center, an important tourist center, and busy urban streets. Every street corner has a bit of a different aura, most of the people that you come in contact with will have a unique story and personality. Trevi is definitely a neighborhood to visit on a short vacation, or one to frequent during a longer stay. I personally enjoyed becoming familiar with the neighborhood, and I feel that I was able make observations beside the magnificence of the Trevi Fountain by spending time exploring and relaxing in the neighborhood.

Fun Facts About Trevi:

·      Michelangelo lived in Trevi for a while, and was buried in the Santi Apostoli church in this neighborhood before his body was moved to Florence.

·      The rione used to be home to a large pasta factory, but it had to shut down a few years ago.

·      The coat of arms consists of 3 swords, which corresponds to the three roads that meet in the Piazza del Crociferi near the Trevi fountain

·      The police who protect the area are a special branch of the Caribinieri called to Corrazzieri. In order to join this branch, one must be at least 6’3”.

Writing Assignment 9

            Borders. Others. Outsiders. Insiders. Contradictions. Divisions. Ambiguity. Fluidity. These words have become the buzzwords of the trip, the clichés that are said over and over as we discuss Italian identity. I can’t help but smirk when somebody uses one of these words. But in reality, there is no other way to describe many of the aspects of the life and identity of a true Roman without resorting to the use of these words. In a country so dependent on foreigners to support their economy and health care system, why is there such widespread resentment against those who are not originally from Italy? How probable is it that the Italians will begin progress towards an attitude of acceptance in the near future?

            In a sense we are all outsiders of some sort. There is no human that exists that fits the mold of an insider in all respects. We all have our flaws, our rough edges, but that is what makes us unique. Many, including Romans and myself, forget to realize the necessity and appreciate the variety provided by diversity. Before coming to Rome, I had an image in my head of how to easily identify a Roman; the Italian Stallion, a tall, dark, and handsome sweet talker. “You better not come home with a boyfriend,” warned my father. As I scrambled around the airport gathering my bags after I had landed, I observed the people but I did not see any men that I found particularly attractive. Instead, the airport was filled with tourists, families speaking a variety of languages, and older couples. During the first week of the program, I kept my eyes peeled for attractive me, people had made it sound like Italy was just teeming with eligible bachelors. Somewhat disappointed, I realized that, in general, Rome is like many other places, every person does not fit the mold of the Italian Stallion.

            This leads to the question that we began debating at the beginning of the course: what defines a person as “Italian”? Is it their birthplace? Skin color and physical appearance? Location of residence? Language? I wish I had come to a concrete conclusion, but I have not. After doing my independent research on immigrant women, I am still awestruck and confounded by this deep question, and not only as it applies in Italy. It all ties into the overarching theme of insiders and outsiders. I have observed this same phenomenon at home, but I was not expecting to see it here in Italy. I was oblivious to the issues regarding racism and immigration before I came, and I was under the impression that there was a set Italian identity. But obviously this is not the case.

            Depending how one defines the term “Italian”, I could possibly be considered Italian. I have lived here the past three months and have a very limited proficiency in the language, enough to get me by. The Bangledeshi immigrant selling arm fulls of umbrellas could be considered Italian. The Nigerian woman who has lived in Italy for 30 years and works in the embassy could be considered Italian. The University of Roma student who can trace his full-blooded Italian heritage back 10 generations could be considered Italian. The American student who has never been to Italy but is 1/16^th Italian could also be considered Italian. It all depends on perception and individual opinion. Different people perceive and define things in different ways, and this causes problems when people are unable to accept and respect the views of others.

            Visiting Rome as an outsider (I know, cliché, but I couldn’t think of a better word), I noticed the blatant racism of many natives towards immigrants. The government is set up in a way that does not encourage foreign workers to thrive, regardless of the immense contribution that they make to Italian society. Foreign caregivers save the Italian economy over 1 billion euros a year that would be spent funding Skilled Nursing Facilities. Immigrants fill the positions that native Italians are unwilling to fill. But, mainly from fear of being overtaken is my guess, Italians treat their immigrant population poorly in general.

            Being removed from my comfortable environment in the United States, I realized that I am often guilty of the possessing some of the same ideas that I accuse Italians of having. Coming from a very conservative family, I have grown up adopting many conservative ideals as my own. I never had harsh feelings towards immigrants per se, but I never was able to see the benefits of having a diverse society and appreciating immigrants for the assistance that they provide our economy and society as a whole. After studying the predicaments suffered by immigrants in Italy and learning about all that they provide to the Italian economy, I gained a new appreciation for the assistance that immigrants provide my community back at home. After experiencing the challenges of being an outsider in a foreign country (as a student, not even as an immigrant), I have come away with a renewed compassion and welcoming spirit for foreigners who come to my home, whether it be to work, visit, or study. 

Writing Assignment 7 and 8

“For he who returns to thoughts of Naples can never be unhappy.” – Unknown

 

            This quote perfectly sums up my feelings about the city of Naples, a fascinatingly complex city, the definition of an ambiguous place. After we got to Naples and were quickly walking towards our hostel, I was constantly looking over my shoulder and checking my pockets. After hearing a story about a woman being dragged by her hair, being told to leave all valuables back in Rome, and reading news stories about race riots in the south, I was terrified of the Neapolitan culture. I envisioned that the people who I would come in contact with would be racist, cold-hearted, cruel, and selfish.

            Arriving to a labor strike that was causing a traffic nightmare, we were welcomed to the city by thick, stale air and a symphony of car horns. “This is definitely a faster paced city than Rome,” I thought to myself. After making the trek to our hostel, we were greeted by a smiley receptionist. From that point on, I can honestly say that I did not meet one soul the entire rest of the weekend that I spent in southern Italy who did not treat me with kindness that extended above and beyond what I personally would consider normal. After a windy two-hour bus ride to the small community of Maiori, Erika and I were utterly exhausted and couldn’t figure out where our bed and breakfast was located. We asked a middle-aged woman,

“Dov’e il Palazzo Coco B&B?”

“Ah Antonio!” she exclaimed as she whipped out her cell phone to call him. She walked us to the massive church in the middle of the community where Antonio met us, kindly offering to carry both of our bags up the 150 stairs to his place. From our friendly waiter at dinner who offered us free dessert after we had eaten all of our food to the knowledgeable man who showed us around the housing complex in the periphery of Naples, nobody that I came in contact with in southern Italy spoke to me rudely or treated me with any degree of disrespect.

This was exactly opposite of the way that I expected to be treated, I was anticipating someone to get their wallet stole, planning to hear gunshots every so often. I cannot deny the fear that accompanied the unfamiliarity of Naples. I was afraid that I would be in danger, that I would not enjoy the things that we did in class, skeptical of the cleanliness of our hostel, anxious about traveling independently on the weekend. All of these aversions were completely invalid as I can truthfully state that this past weekend was one of the most eye-opening and breathtaking experiences that I have had in a while, both in class and traveling on my own.

I cannot describe my impressions upon seeing the “greatest architectural mistake in all of Italy.” In one building, 1,200 people could live, meaning that if these structures were built in my hometown, it would only take 5 of them to contain the entire population. They looked like a cross between military barracks and dorm rooms, but much dirtier and more unkempt than either of these options. A complex network of staircases and bridges connected the apartments, and it seemed that a family would enjoy very little privacy. If a city was truly pressed for space, this option would be ideal. But how humane is this living situation, especially with plenty of space surrounding this building project? I was utterly amazed by the poor shape that the grounds were in, supposedly it had not been cleaned or kept up in the past 30 years. Looking at the outer part of the building, every few windows were shattered. Stained clothes hung outside the windows. Doors were chained shut with padlocks. I was not surprised to learn that people were not willing to pay the Italian government to live there because of the conditions. I was fascinated to see this different way of living, to see the contrast between this housing structure and others that I had seen in Rome and Naples. It was refreshing to see the opposite of the “bella figura” for once.

Beneath the façade of a middle-aged man who enjoyed talking about the drug trade and used curse words often, Alexander Valentino, our tour guide/ guest speaker was extremely clever and insightful. Speaking about the race riots in the south, he emphasized the involvement of the Comorra and how widespread their influence is on political and social life in Naples. “It is not the common Italian people, and race isn’t necessarily the issue,” he said. “The government chooses to look the other way as homes of foreign workers burn so that they can continue development in this area.” Hearing this and judging from my own experiences in southern Italy, I realized the generalizations that I and others had made about the entire Neapolitan culture were not completely true. Yes, the crime rate is higher. But the majority of people exude a kindness that is unique to the region, one that I had never been the recipient of before. I also realized that I tend to do this in other situations, when someone tells me that they had a bad experience with something or someone (a teacher, place, etc.), I assume that all things associated with this thing are unpleasant, that I will have the exact same experience, and this causes me to miss out on experiences that I would have otherwise. People are unique, complex beings who cannot fit into any single mold. They behave differently in varied environments, possess unique morals, and are defined by their life experiences. People that belong to a certain group cannot all fit inside a certain mold. I personally had my own idea of what a Neapolitan would be like, and I did not meet one person who fit that stereotype.

In short, my expectations of this past weekend did not align with the conditions and events that I actually experienced. In a city with a high crime rate, I met some of the most patient and gentle people that I have encountered in Italy thus far. I preferred walking around the supposedly “sketchy” area of the Spanish quarter and observing the lifestyles of authentic Italians over looking at paintings and statues in the Archaeological museum. I had the opportunity to lay out in the blazing seventy degree sun in February. Rome seems different now, still like home, but not quite as the superior city that I had seen it as before. Naples, a city that effectively handles the issues of the Camorra, the pressures of being in the shadow of Vesuvius, and the expectations of those in the North, has pleasantly surprised me with its genuine spirit, and I hope to soon return.

 

My Interpretation of 2 short stories from Multicultural Literature

"Home..sickness" 

Page 91, by Kossi Komla-Ebri

“Ah Italy! To think that in Italy I wanted so much to go home! Now I feel like a tenant in two countries: sometimes I’m happy for that, sometimes I feel divided, a little unbalanced, as if a part of me remained there, and yet I know that there I would have still suffered from “mal di Africa” (nostalgia for exotic life they had in Africa)”

This story is about Kossi’s stay in Italy and her integration back into the African culture. Her first impressions of Italy was that it was a place where” everyone must think of himself, end of story.” It was cold and unwelcoming. Her efforts at integration were admirable, and she worked hard and learned the trade of sewing. But upon her return to Africa, things had changed. Her experiences had changed her as a person (she could no longer tolerate life without commodities such as heat and running water), and time had changed things back at home in Africa (most of her friends were married and had multiple babies). She moves to the city and has a successful career as a seamstress, but still has nostalgia for Italian life. I imagine that life would be much different for her had she never gotten the opportunity to travel to Europe, even though most of her time there was spent completing domestic chores.

This story is applicable to our experiences as travelers. Though it won’t be to the same extent that Kossi experienced this phenomenon, when we return home, things will be different. Italy has changed us, and time has changed conditions at home. Though I am excited to go home and see people and return to life in Seattle, I am nervous to integrate back into American culture. I know that I will experience that same nostalgia for Italy experienced by Kossi.

"M" 

P 114 by Ron Kubati

“The first thing I see when I wake up is the window. It shows me which room I’m in, and consequently the kind of world waiting for me outside. It tells me where and therefore who I am.”

To be honest, this story confused me quite a bit. Ron begins by discussing how where he is allows him to understand which role he is playing, which Ron he is being. Then he vividly discusses the Metro, how it is a small world beneath the city, how every type of person is present down there. Every stop looks the same underground, but above they vary greatly. He then talks about how children, when fed up with their family, often assume they were adopted and never told of it.  “The claim to another origin is the optimistic rejection of fundamental discomfort.” I don’t really see the parallel between these three ideas, but I’m curious to see if any of my classmates chose this story and what they thought of it.

Italian Immigrant Life Illustrated Through a Visit to the Esquilino Market: Where Are All the Women?

1.     Introduction to Esquilino Market, description, observations, discuss how few women are present in the market

2.     Describe the few women who ARE present in the market (using my own observations from visits to the market)

3.     Discuss why there are so few women in the marketplace/ where they are (use the answers provided by Ms. Dinh when she e-mails back, stuff from Mirela Pribac’s lecture about the Roma people)

4.     Talk about the occupations that female immigrants hold (information from Ms. Dinh, Maria Teresa Natale, various online articles)

a.     Caregiver

b.     Staying at home to care for the children

c.      Others?

5.     Discuss where the women come from and why there is a huge difference between countries in the percent of immigrants that are female versus male (information from Ms. Dinh)

a.     How common is it for women to come to Italy alone or do they often come with family? Do they usually come with the intent to stay for long, or just to work and send money back?

b.     How prevalent is human trafficking? Ms. Dinh spoke about how 80% of female immigrants to Italy have been raped, discuss the lasting social and psychological effects of this on women

Writing Assignment 6

            What automatically comes to mind when you think about the rione Trevi? For me, without a doubt, it is the Trevi Fountain. It is an obvious staple of Roman history, the majestic monument that the rione was named after. Although this fountain is the most well known feature of the neighborhood, there are multiple other hidden gems scattered throughout the area. Across from the fountain is the Church of Saint Vicenzo and Anastacio, where the hearts (these muscles that pump blood throughout the body are seen as relics for the Catholic Church) of over 30 popes reside. Close to the magnificent fountain, near the Piazza dei Croceferi, is the Quirinal Hill and Palace, where the president of the nation resides. Across the rione is the intersection of Quattro Fontane, where from the middle one has a view of the Quirinal Palace, the Spanish Steps, and the Church of Santa Maria Maggiore. Lastly, the Palazzo Barberini holds the Galleria Nazionale d’Arte Antica, as well as the renowned Fountain of Trition created by Bernini.

            My first journey through this neighborhood was an accident, the first two weeks that I lived in Rome I was in a constant state of wandering. I was trying to find the Pantheon, but apparently went too far. As I walked through the Piazza dei Croceferi, I heard gushing water and loud chatter. The people were giddy, it is difficult to describe the aura of enchantment that surrounded the area. I had heard the fountain described as “magical” and seen pictures, but I was still not adequately prepared to view this masterpiece. Even on a drizzly Thursday afternoon, as I walked from the right hand corner of the fountain, I saw an enormous crowd of people smiling and pointing.  Most had brightly colored umbrellas and were flashing portraits in front of the fountain with their cameras. I witnessed a few people throwing coins into the fountain, which according to a legend, when done with the right hand over the left shoulder, ensures one’s return visit to Rome. Three thousand Euros worth of coins are thrown into the fountain each day, and this money is used to subsidize a supermarket for the needy.

            As I approached the fountain to see it for myself, I was utterly amazed. I’m not sure what exactly makes the fountain itself so renowned, maybe the sheer size, possibly the detail and mystical nature of the figures. The water appeared unnaturally blue and spotlessly clean. It glimmered with the reflection of thousands of coins. The opaque white marble of the fountain added to the clean appearance overall. The emotion of the figures and the complexity of the composition add to the  magnificence of the piece. In short, before I visited the fountain, I was skeptical that it could be described as “magical” as my friend had put it, I envisioned it to be simply an overrated symbol of the city of Rome. On my first visit, I was taken aback by the splendor and beauty of the piece.

            Upon returning to the rione, this time during the early evening, I was still amazed by the brilliance of the statue. It was different at night, still the center of attention and being adored by hundreds of people, but it had a different sense of mystery. The multiple spotlights enhanced the white marble, the blue water reflected the image of the figures, and the dark night juxtaposed the gleaming light of the fountain. This time, I paid increased attention to the people who were gazing at the monument, and I listened intently. “Oh my god! This is so surreal that we are actually here,” was one of the comments I heard beside me in a deep British accent. Nearly every person was holding a camera. There were families and there were couples, and there were a few people, who like me, were at the monument alone. Even on a chilly evening in late January, the plaza in front of the fountain was on the crowded side. I cannot imagine how packed it is on a hot summer day.

            I have returned to the fountain a few times since then and observed similar situations of awe and admiration. For me, the fountain maintains its majesty every time I return, but from my observations, the people who frequent the monument are not necessarily what I would consider Italian. After living in Seattle my entire life, I’m going to admit that I have never been to the top of the Space Needle. It is magnificent, it attracts tourists, but it does not represent the typical culture of Seattle at all, just as the Trevi Fountain is not a crucial part of every day Roman life. At the first glance, the rione Trevi simply seems like a tourist area, not a region rich in legitimate Italian culture. And to be honest, I have not ventured much within the neighborhood besides the vicinity directly around the fountain. But in the next few weeks I plan to explore the less well-known areas of this rione, to see what those who are in Rome for only a few days do not get the opportunity to observe.

Writing Assignment 5 - Revision of Writing Assignment 4

Although venturing out into the unknown can bring excitement and emotional and intellectual growth, sometimes this growth is accompanied by anguish and frustration. Sometimes in order to learn a lesson, one must experience the unpleasant consequences associated with the corresponding lesson. I did not fully understand the necessity of carrying my keys around until I was caught without them at 1 a.m. with nobody around to let me in. I didn’t realize how much I appreciate the comfort of a routine and the familiarity of lovely Roma until I journeyed to Florence in the scenic but frigid land of Tuscany. And until I left Seattle for Rome, I had a bitter loathing of most of the things that had to do with home.

Being locked out of a place and then allowed access again made me appreciate having a place to sleep and access to a heat and my belongings. With most of the group gone in Venice for the weekend, Carisa and I had the apartment to all to ourselves, a fairly ideal situation in my opinion. After consuming an entire batch of brownies between the two of us, we decided to go out for a while. Returning to our apartment, we realized that neither of us brought keys… Normally this wouldn’t be a huge issue, but since it was a long weekend, EVERYONE was gone. So we spent the rest of the night on our stairs, wishing our my cozy beds, dreaming of a hot shower, trying to decide what to do. Finally at 6 a.m., we worked up the courage and humility to call Julie and ask for help. She was more than generous, allowing us to sleep on her couch and cooking us delicious crepes. Eventually we were able to get ahold of our landlord who graciously unlocked our door for us. Such a simple action had a profound effect on my attitude, my demeanor, and my personal accountability for carrying my own keys. Going without my necessary accommodations for a night made me appreciate them immensely.

Leaving the comfortable routine in Rome while we were in Florence had this same profound affect on me. Rome had begun to feel like home in a sense, and not in the positive way. The bustling city somehow felt mundane and uninteresting. After adjusting to the routine of our schedule and surroundings, I frequented the same grocery stores and gelato shops as I had subconsciously decided that I had adequately explored the city and that I was a veteran of my neighborhood. Seeing Florence for the first time was a flashback to when we first arrived in Rome, experiencing new surroundings brought the accompanying energy to explore, wander, and observe. This abbreviated trip was a reminder that I am here as a traveler, that I have five weeks left to experience the true essence of the city.

Though I would love to stay in Rome forever, eventually I will have to leave behind this fairy-tale quarter of college and integrate back into my life and routine back at home in Seattle. I hate to think about this now, but as we are on the topic of leaving and returning, unfortunately this idea of eventually returning to Seattle is an obvious one to discuss. I am not looking forward to having to walk 25 minutes to get to class in the morning, to taking classes that have 300 students and are curved to an average grade of 2.6, to working 16 hours a week, to driving in Seattle traffic, to dealing with Seattle weather, to living in a house with 100 hormonal females. If I had the choice, I wouldn’t leave this beautiful urban city with historic ruins scattered throughout and a fascinating culture, I wouldn’t leave the intimate and supportive academic environment. But that is not an option.

On that note, how will I make my transition back to Seattle a smooth one? How will I incorporate the lessons and skills that I have learned here in Rome into my lifestyle back in Seattle? How will have this journey changed me as a person? Adjusting to life in Rome was an enormous shift for me personally, I was not healthy fall quarter, I was unhappy in my living situation, and I was struggling in my classes. I was almost under more pressure than I could handle. The transition from a state of poor functioning to a state where I was thriving was a drastic but welcomed. I am literally a different person than I was three months ago. Though many of the issues that caused my distress have been dealt with and I will no longer face some of the stressors, I still fear my return. I fear that I will regress into the person that I was fall quarter, and that terrifies me.

I have learned multiple lessons while in Rome that would have been helpful for me in the previous months. Cohabiting and studying with the same 14 people has provided unique social opportunities, but has also caused predictable social issues. Florence was particularly interesting, people were separated from the familiar and constrained by travel schedules, and seemed rather grouchy. But being with these people in such close quarters has for such a long period of time has allowed me to form a special bond with them. I have become more understanding, gained the ability to see situations from perspectives other than my own. I realize that I am so quick to judge, so quick to assume that my way of dealing with things is the only right one. I have come to the understanding that people behave the way that they do for a specific reason, they too have a story, a background, a reason (not always an excuse) for their behavior and attitude. I have changed, I can see this now, and it make me a more satisfied person because I can see a reason behind the actions of others.

I am apprehensive to see how spring quarter will go and where I will end up next year. This quarter has changed me. It is impossible to predict whether or not I will be satisfied in my living situation in the future, which (if any) nursing programs I will be admitted to, who I will be friends with, what life will be like when I get back. Honestly, I am terrified of the future and I always have been. I have no reason to be, in general life has treated me well. I am excited to see my family and friends, to return to the familiarity of the Pacific Northwest. But having left my known world in Seattle in a state of dissatisfaction, I am rather nervous to return.

Questions for Caritas Visit

How does racism affect the immigrants that you work with? How does language proficiency affect this? 

What is the most common service that you provide? Least common? (housing, food, work, etc.)

Is there any particular immigrant group (not necessarily racially) that is in need of more help than others?

What trends in immigration have happened in the past few years? What trends do you think will continue to progress?

What are the biggest issues health wise with immigration? HIV/AIDS? Immunizations?

Writing Assignment 4

            Our trip to Florence, a city filled with immense history and enough art to prompt Stendahl Syndrome in an art history buff, had a perplexing effect on me. I thoroughly enjoyed my date with David, viewing the sunset from the top of the duomo, and our group dinner at Trattoria Zaza, but this weekend excursion allowed me to see the city of Rome from refreshed eyes. Before we left, I was in some sort of a funk, in a sense Rome had begun to seem like home, the bustling city somehow felt and mundane, standard and increasingly uninteresting. I had adjusted to the routine, frequenting the same grocery stores and gelato shops and subconsciously deciding that I knew the city and had experienced it fully.

            Seeing Florence for the first time was a flashback to when I first arrived in Rome. Experiencing these new surroundings brought out the accompanying energy to explore, to wander alone and observe, to try new food and support the local economy by perusing the repeating market stalls filled with similar leather goods and purchasing intriguing trinkets. Having this abbreviated trip as a reminder that I am here as a traveler inspired a rejuvenated sense of curiosity within me. It made me realize that I have six weeks left to experience the Eternal City and the other parts of Europe that strike my fancy. I reevaluated my goals and my reasons for being here and made a list of what I would still like to, learn, see, and accomplish (aside from what is required in class) while I am here, and this is what I came up with.

1.     Gain an increased tolerance and understanding of those around me and learn to communicate effectively and evaluate how others view my behavior

2.     Learn how to see places and people in a different way, giving things unbiased second chances

3.     Climb the dome of St. Peter’s cathedral on a sunny day

4.     Visit the Capucin Crypt

5.     Go to an AS Roma soccer game

6.     Go to the Porta Portese flea market

7.     Spend an entire weekend day wandering the city alone taking pictures

8.     Gain confidence in my ability to travel by taking one weekend or overnight trip outside of Rome alone (Amalfi coast after Naples? Fly to Cadiz, London, Istanbul, or Amsterdam?)

Six weeks is a long time, plenty of time to accomplish or at least attempt to accomplish these tasks, and I am so grateful for this chance to reevaluate my goals by leaving the place that had become comfortable. I know that the next six weeks will seem like they pass in a blink of an eye and that I simply need to enjoy them and extract as much as possible from this journey of a lifetime.

On another note, this trip to Florence was particularly interesting socially. Personally, I am used to living in a house with 100 girls, so living in an apartment with 9 was a warmly welcomed break. But traveling with 14 different people is a completely different story. Being separated from familiar surroundings and constrained by transportation schedules seems to either bring out the worst characteristics in people or simply cause me to notice them. Maybe it was the increased time spent together or living next door to everyone in the program. Regardless, I felt increased tension amongst the group, and I blamed it on everyone else, THEY were the ones with irritating behaviors, THEY were the ones being irrational, THEY were the ones causing conflict.

Reading the excerpt from The Others got me thinking about my behavior, and I realized that I inherently assume that I am right, that my point of view is the only valid one, and that I make the best decisions. I inherently consider those different from myself as “others”. I realized that I am so quick to judge, so quick to criticize. I forget that people are simply a product of their upbringing and surroundings, that people do the best that they can in regards to what they have to work with, so to speak. Granted, this isn’t an excuse for immoral or unlawful behavior, just an explanation of some sort. I cannot count the number of times that I have judged prematurely, forming my opinions based simply on MY point of view, later to find out that there was a reason for their behavior or words.

In the words of Forrest Gump, “Life is like a box of chocolates, you never know what you’re going to get.” Everyone has a story. Some people are blessed with more challenges in life than others. I have come to find that the people who I respect most are not the ones who make the best impressions upfront, whose lives look good on paper. The people that I admire are the ones who are able to make changes in the cycle of their environment, who come from a dysfunctional family but are able to support a healthy home life for their own children, who graduate from high school while having to work to support their families, who stay positive despite their situation. I admire and envy this resiliency. But often these special people go unnoticed or are criticized for their faults. I cannot count the number of times that I have prematurely judged someone, only to later learn their story and gain an enormous amount of respect for them. I have come to understand that the only way to avoid this is one of my most apparent flaws, listening. It is impossible to discover someone’s story without paying attention to their voice, without watching their actions, and inquiring about their origins.

Traveling to Florence provided me with a perfect experience of the possible benefits reaped from leaving somewhere and coming back. Geographically, we left Rome for Florence, and when we returned I brought with me a new sense of curiosity and adventure. But more importantly, I realized that in many situations where I deal with people different from myself, it is necessary for me to emotionally leave the situation for some time and then come back. By taking time alone, evaluating the position that I am in as well as those around me, I am able to see the situation in an environment where I am not being directly affected by the events, to make decisions not based on emotion but sound reasoning. Though this can be difficult to do, it helped me thrive in the stressful environment in Florence, and I plan to practice this coping tactic in the future.

The Catacombs: A Peek Into the Early History of Christianity

Since the beginning of time, humans have been fascinated by higher powers, by the unknown, the unseen. Many religions have developed from this fascination, some flourish while others fizzle. What aspects of a certain religion give it more legitimacy than others? What was it about Christianity that eventually allowed it to gain popularity and respect in a previously pagan society? Sadly, very little literature (except for what is written in the New Testament) exists about the early history of the religion. But fortunately, buried deep below the outskirts of the city of Rome are the final resting places of early Christians, decorated with symbols and inscriptions that allow us to study the early evolution of this growing religion. These well preserved paintings and dedications allow us to study the early traditions and the beliefs of the budding Christian church, as well as track the fascinating evolution of customs and beliefs during the first 400 years after the birth of this powerful religion.

Early Christianity

During the first century AD, numerous religions were forming, but Christianity edged its way to the forefront and eventually became a hugely popular and respected religion throughout Rome and the rest of the western world. But times of pain and desperation were common for these dedicated early Christians. This monotheistic religion required its followers to worship only one God, and this was a problem in the Roman Empire. Christians refused to worship and sacrifice to the emperor due to their unique belief in only one God, which separated them from other existing and assembling religions. Christians were often blamed for flooding or poor crops because of their failure to provide the proper sacrifice to the corresponding god. Two of the cruelest emperors, Nero and Diocletian, subjected Christians to death by flame, stones, animals, as well as countless other painful and inhumane executions. Those who died gruesome deaths in the name of Christ were called martyrs.

Why would early Christians subject themselves to this torture? There are multiple aspects of Christianity that made it appealing to the masses, appealing enough to justify losing one’s life. The adoption of Jewish history and traditions gave the religion legitimacy in non-Christian circles, and the promise of eternal life after death drew many individuals to accept Christ as their personal savior. This promise made it worthwhile to suffer in the name of Christ, and martyrs were admired for being killed for professing their faith. Additionally, the sense of love and focus on community support as opposed to self-sufficiency was attractive to many. The hope of a future gave those who were struggling and in pain a purpose to continue pressing forward in the name of Christ. They suffered through uncertainty and a life of worrying about imminent torture in the hope of eventually being in a better place for eternity.

The Catacombs

Deep below the outer limits of the city of Rome are the burial places of over six million Romans. Because they were used for burial uninterruptedly from the early second to late fifth century, the catacombs hold the majority of early Christian art and written history. Despite the myths, the catacombs were not used for hiding for the early Christians. This myth came from a story about the Christians “hiding in the graveyards”. In reality, this probably meant above ground burial places or simply outside the city. The 60+ catacombs are all located outside the city limits of Rome due to a Roman law that forbid the burial of the deceased inside the city. Not only used for burial, the catacombs allowed the early Christians a place to worship, fellowship, and carry out their rituals such as the Eucharist, which was the breaking of bread to represent Christ’s body and the drinking of wine to represent Christ’s blood. 

One of the many hallways that lead through the catacombs

Despite popular belief, the catacombs were not exclusively Christian, and before the practice of burying the deceased in the catacombs, the Christians practiced other burial techniques. In fact, the absolute earliest date found for any of these below ground burial places is the early second century AD, at least 100 years after Christianity began to develop. Though the current pagan practice was to be cremated, Christians preferred to be buried whole in the way that Christ was laid to rest. Studies show that before the catacombs were used to house the dead, Christians would bury the dead amongst non-Christians in pagan necropoleis. As these grounds got crowded, the only logical place to move was deep down below the ground. Early pagan underground graves called hypogeum were unorganized and mainly housed family graves, and they could only be accessed from the burial grounds above.

By the third century, the effort to build below the ground became more coordinated. The below ground graves called catacombs, meaning “from the hollows” in Greek, began to house entire communities, not just families. These graves were built anywhere from twenty to one hundred feet under the earth, and were often built from the remnants of old quarries. The entire city of Rome is built on top of a layer of tuffa, a volcanic rock with a sandy texture that is perfect for the construction of these burial grounds. Before it is exposed to air, it is soft and easily quarried, but after it hits oxygen, it hardens and is strong enough to adequately support resting bodies.  When the catacombs were first gaining popularity, it was the families of the deceased who would perform burial rituals and actually lay the body to rest. But soon, there were people called fossores who would dig the graves, bury the deceased, and work day after day in these undesirable conditions below the surface.

Individual bodies were buried in loculi, which were the slits in the wall where the bodies were laid. They varied in size, supporting one or two bodies of different statures. The loculi were stacked 5 or 6 high on each wall, and there was no visible hierarchy in which people were buried. The wealthy were buried right next to the poor, showing the community focus of the early Christians. The bodies were prepared and wrapped in sheets the way that Christ was put to rest, and then sealed off with a sarcophagus. Sarcophagi, literally meaning flesh eaters, were like modern day gravestones. They commemorated the dead lying behind them with inscriptions including the name, date of death, and a short dedication, and were often decorated with symbols and small trinkets pressed into the stone. Wealthier families often constructed an acrosolium, which is an arched tomb that was larger and usually painted and ornately decorated. 

Loculi of varying sizes to accomodate adults and children and babies

By the fifth century, burial in the catacombs had lost much of its appeal. The Edict of Milan was in effect by 313 AD which made Christianity legal, and by 391, Christianity was the official state religion. Churches were built inside the city, so it was no longer necessary for Christians to go below the ground to perform the Eucharist. Plus, less space was needed for burial due to the declining Roman population, and the Germanic invaders who would raid the tombs and remove valuables that were buried with the bodies made burying the dead within the city near churches much safer and more desirable. However, the catacombs were not forgotten; from the fifth to the eighth century, pilgrims from all over the world would come to visit the martyrs. It was believed that touching and paying respect to the martyrs would increase one’s chances of ascent into heaven. This same concept explains why it was so popular to be buried in close proximity to the martyrs and the popes.

During the ninth century, church leaders sealed the entries to the catacombs and moved the bones of the martyrs to rest near the churches for ease of access and to protect these precious remains from grave robbers. Gradually, because they were no longer in use, Christians forgot about the catacombs, and they would not be rediscovered again until the sixteenth century.

Early Christian Art in the Catacombs

Since it was illegal to build churches in Rome and Christianity was not to be openly practiced, the catacombs served as a place for early Christians to express their faith in action as well as art. These expressions are still important today, and much of the iconography used back then still exists. We still view Christ similarly to how he was first depicted by artists in the catacombs. By studying the evolution of this art, we are able to trace the lengthy early history of this religion. Much of the art is well preserved due to its protection from the wind and rain, and unlike many other early monuments, the pigment still exists on the majority of the paintings.

Early Christian art stressed the humanity and approachability of Christ, depicting him as a young man and humble figure. It relied heavily on symbolism, and was used to arouse emotion and reflect the beauty of the God the creator. Art was extremely important due to the fact that many people were illiterate during this time, so Christian iconography was also used to tell the stories of the Bible in order to attract converts. 

An example of an early depiction of the Good Shepherd

Some of the art in the catacombs is clearly pagan, showing that the catacombs were not strictly Christian burial places. Christian and pagan art differed little with regards to style and technicalities, but as time went on, the Christian iconography developed uniquely. Early Christian art consisted of pagan symbols transformed to symbolize Christian ideals and beliefs. The shepherd was interpreted to represent the Good Shepherd, as Christ who would watch out for every single sheep and rejoice when it was found. This symbol is repeated over and over in the catacombs, and is often accompanied by other rustic motifs such as birds, flowers, and peacocks. Other pagan symbols such as the fish, dove, olive branch, anchor, and ship were adopted by the Christians and interpreted in order to represent their ideals. Because these symbols are neutral, it is rather difficult to determine whether they are Christian or pagan.  

A depiction of the ambiguous symbols of the fish and the anchor

By the 3^rd century, Christians began to develop a more distinct set of symbols and icons. During this period of catacomb art, Old Testament themes were over three times more popular than New Testament stories. The story of Jonah, the sacrifice of Isaac by Abraham, Daniel in the lion’s den, and the three youths in the furnace all repeat over and over in the catacombs dated to this time. While these specific stories are frequently repeated, others do not appear at all. It seems that the stories that illustrate God’s faithfulness and allude to rebirth and resurrection are all highly popular. These themes are appropriate, being that the catacombs were burial places for the bodies of common people who believed that they would rise from the dead and ascend into heaven like Jesus, as well as those who placed their faith in God and suffered because of this. Though the essence of Christianity is spelled out in the New Testament, the focus of this early Christian art was Old Testament scenes, giving Christianity needed legitimacy in non-Christian circles. Most of the successful religions were based on a rich history, and so Christianity succeeded partially by emphasizing their roots in Old Testament (Jewish) history and interpreting those stories to predict ones that occur in the New Testament.  

A depiction of Jonah being thrown to a sea monster

By the fourth century, New Testament stories were gaining popularity. During this time, Christianity had the same rights as other religions; therefore, the art became less neutral and more specifically Christian. The shepherd motif began to disappear, and Jesus became the centrally important figure. Old Testament scenes do not disappear, but because Christians are not forced to conceal their beliefs, they use this freedom to overtly express the essence of the Christian religion.

Priscilla Catacombs 

Deep below the surface on the northeast border of the city is where 40,000 early Christian graves are located. Common citizens are buried among seven popes and over 360 respected martyrs in a 3 floor network of burial halls in both an old quarry and network of water channels (as evidenced by sloping floors to allow the water to flow). Priscilla was a member of the Acili Glabriones family, a wealthy and aristocratic group that converted to Christianity and donated their land to the community.

There are three specific points in the Priscilla catacombs that are vital in our research and understanding of early Christian art and traditions. The Capella Greca, or Greek Chapel, forms part of the hidden portico, which was a large room where the Eucharist was performed. There is a large fresco in the center of seven people breaking bread, which is an allusion to the New Testament story of feeding the 5,000 people. Around this image are images of other stories, including Moses drawing water from the rock, Susanna and the elders, three youths in the furnace, Jonah and the whale, and the raising of Lazarus from the dead. All of these stories are examples of God’s faithfulness when his commandments are followed, or allusions to Christ’s ascent into heaven, two concepts very important to early Christians. The Velatio is the other important point in the Priscilla catacombs. This famous fresco depicts a woman in 3 stages of life: marriage, childbirth, and the ascent of her soul into heaven. Surrounding her are images of Abraham’s sacrifice of Isaac, the good shepherd, and other rustic symbols. Located elsewhere in the catacombs is the first documented depiction of the Madonna and child. This vital icon is still used today, and the study of the transformation of this symbol can give us information on the evolution of Christian ideology through artistic style.  

The ceiling of the Capella Greca or Greek Chapel which formed part of the hidden portico, an area used to perform the Eucharist.

Archaeology of the Catacombs 

                  The catacombs remained sealed and forgotten about until the discovery of the Vigna Sanchez catacomb outside the city on the southwest side of Rome. Because of the religious consequences of the research at this time of the counterreformation, archaeology of the catacombs lagged behind other projects. Two men are responsible for much of the knowledge that we have today on the catacombs. During the sixteenth century, Antonio Boscio used a systematic approach to discovering new catacombs. He divided the outskirts of Rome into highway zones and studied the itineraries of the pilgrims who visited the martyrs in order to discover new burial places. Giovanni Batista de Rossi picked up where Boscio stopped, but he placed more of an emphasis on discovering evidence and uncovering the chronology than on discovering the link between the church of the past and the one of today.

Both of these men devoted their lives to research in the catacombs, and can take credit for much of the knowledge that we possess about them today. Studying the history that they have uncovered allows us to understand the early evolution of this religion that took the western world by storm, and gives us a basis for understanding later changes in the ideology and traditions of the Christian church.

Works Cited

Benko, Stephen, and John J. O'Rourke . "The Catacombs and the Colosseum; the Roman Empire as the Setting of Primitive Christianity". 

 

Falacy, Callie. “Enter Into the Underground”.  http://honorsaharchive.blogspot.com/2004/09/enter-into-underground.html. 2004.

 

Fiocchi Nicolai, Vincenzo, Fabrizio Bisconti, and Danilo Mazzoleni. The Christian Catacombs of Rome : History, Decoration, Inscriptions. Regensburg: Schnell & Steiner, 1999. 

 

Pergola, Philippe, Francesca Severini, and Palmira Maria Barbini. Christian Rome : Early Christian Rome : Catacombs and Basilicas. Roma: Vision, 2000. 

 

Rutgers, Leonard Victor. Subterranean Rome : In Search of the Roots of Christianity in the Catacombs of the Eternal City. Leuven: Peeters, 2000. 

 

Shubin, Andrew. “Early Christian Imagery in the Catacombs of Priscilla.” http://honorsaharchive.blogspot.com/2008/07/early-christian-imagery-in-catacombs-of.html. 2007.

 

Stevenson, James,. The Catacombs : Rediscovered Monuments of Early Christianity. London: Thames and Hudson, 1978. 

 

Writing Assignment 3

Italy for Italians. This phrase serves as the platform of Berlusconi’s campaign and his period of rule as Prime Minister. It is a phrase parallel to the opinion of many, but not all Italians. The message is felt by an immigrant searching for work, a traveler exploring outside the geographical locations dominated by the tourist industry, and by a student trying to communicate what they are searching for in a store by way of hand gestures and broken Italian. We have yet to find the answer to the question of what makes a person an authentic Italian, but we have already discussed the top ways to spot a tourist or a foreigner. Ordering coffee to go, wearing sweatshirts and North Face jackets in public, speaking loudly in English, carrying a backpack and camera, and walking in large groups all seem to disqualify a foreigner from being mistaken as a true Italian. But in a country so dependent on foreigners to support its economy and identity, why are there such strong feelings of dislike towards foreigners? Immigrants fill jobs that many Italians refuse to accept, tourists bring vital revenue to the city. This question is not easy to answer because there are likely many answers, possibly an isolated criminal incident that involved a foreigner, maybe because they are an easy scapegoat on which to blame problems, or even that the animosity has been passed down from previous generations.

Regardless of Italian opinion, immigrants and foreigners are an integral part of the country’s identity and economy, and this is evident in the marketplace. Our excursion to the Esquilino marketplace was eye opening, juxtaposing the touristy environment of our current home of the Campo de’ Fiori. Exploring the Esquilino market alone for a while, I first noticed the absence of the stalls filled with I Love Roma sweatshirts and magnets, the absence of those shiny, puffy navy blue jackets that every Italian seems to own. I heard very little English, besides the frequent accented “Hello!” as I passed through the rows of stalls. All the staples of a market were present, mounds of produce, large pig faces that stared blankly forward, a variety of fish displayed on beds of ice, bags of grain and spices, and even stalls with shoes, bags, and dresses. I saw very few stalls selling pasta or traditional olive oil, indicating to me that expressing a stereotypically Italian identity was not a priority to many of the shopkeepers.

But what differentiated this market from others that I have visited is the variety of people, food, and products available. It is ethnically diverse, filled with immigrants and foreigners selling products from their homeland, shopping for foods and spices that allow them to cook their favorite dish from their country of origin. Seeing this market as a community center brings two distinct ideas to mind. First, the Esquilino market serves as a place where immigrants are able to come together as one, asserting their identity as a single community, immigrants. To me, being in the market again raised the question of what exactly it means to be Italian. Does a person have to be born in Italy, do they have to be full-blooded Italian, do they have to live in the country? Why do these people who live and work in the country, speak Italian, and assimilate into Italian culture have less of a right to be here than a full-blooded Italian?

At the same time, this market can be seen as a place of division instead of unity, a place where individuals display and express their unique national identity, setting themselves apart amongst a sea of immigrants from all around the world. Both ways of expressing one’s identity can be positive for those who inhabit Italy as a second home. Both allow them a way to express their identity and practice their culture aside from their assimilation into traditional Italian life. This marketplace expresses Italian identity in a unique way, showing that being Italian is not all about pasta and Bolognese sauce, olive oil and pizza. It shows that at heart, though native Italians may deny it, Italy is truly a nation of immigrants. With immigrants making up seven percent of its population, the overwhelmingly xenophobic attitude seems a bit contradictory. In a nation that relies so heavily on laborers to support their economy, why would the people oppose outside laborers filling positions that native Italians will not?

We suffer from the same syndrome in the US, subdued (or maybe not so subdued) biases that have either been learned from isolated experiences or passed down from previous generations affect our opinions on both the social and political consequences of immigration. We see the borderland of the marketplace expressed there too. Walk through the food court at a local shopping mall. In my experience, jobs at McDonald’s used to be reserved for the high school student wanting a part time job, now it is not uncommon for a recent immigrant with a heavy accent and broken English to take your order. People have their opinions of immigrants, illegal or not, but it cannot be denied that they are an integral part of our economy in the US. Recent immigrants searching for a better life in America are more than likely to take a low paying job working fast food, cleaning houses, or working in agriculture because it is an opportunity to earn money. Very few high school students of today are willing to fill these positions unless they have no other option. I do not mean to generalize, for every person who opposes the immigrant voice there is another who supports it, and these are simply my observations.

As I have discovered this past week, the marketplace is a perfect location to observe borders and the consequences of them. Different nationalities can be explicitly observed by the seeing the different products that selling. A border may manifest itself through a language barrier between the customer and entrepreneur. And as always, the mold of the past can influence the position that a person is able to fill today. Sometimes it is more comfortable to simply do what is expected, to follow the career path of those like you who came before instead of initiating change.