Loyola University Chicago

Shattered Italian Stereotypes?

Three months ago Rome Center students arrived in Italy with many stereotypes about Italians. Some of these stereotypes have proved true, while others have been proved false. Students were equally awed by other aspects of Italian culture that they did not expect, topics ranging from family values to the Italian work ethic.

Many Rome Center students were surprised by the relaxed work ethic many Italians display. "Italians work to live, while Americans live to work," said Jennifer Shmikler, a Loyola Chicago University student from Chicago, Ill.. "Italians are not as capitalistic as Americans," said Laura Youngberg from Dallas, Texas and a student at Sarah Lawrence College. Youngberg also added that the accepted Italian standard of life is lower than the American standard.

For Rome Center women students the stereotype about Italian men being forward and aggressive was confirmed for some women and disproved for others. "Instead of all the men being obnoxious, only some are, and some are even nice," said Jennifer Morrison from Chicago, Ill., a student at Loyola of New Orleans. On the other hand, Jenny Neilson a student at Loyola Chicago University said, "I thought they were going to pinch my butt, but the way they look at you is worse than touching."

Italian men were not alone in being stereotyped by students. One male Rome Center student came to Rome with a stereotype of Italian women as being ugly. "I think they're quite opposite -- gorgeous," said John Cox from River Forest, Ill., and a student at John Carroll University.

Mike Maroney a Marquette University student from Oakpark, Ill. has been surprised by the friendliness of the Italian people, "They're more than happy to help when I ask questions," said Maroney. The sense of family between the Italian people may account for their willingness to help others. "The Italian people in general are good people." said Jacqueline Rodriguez from Chicago, Ill., a graduate of Triton College.

The impact that the broken or unbroken stereotypes of Italians will ultimately have upon Rome Center students remains to be discovered. Students have reflected upon potential adjustments to American life upon their return home. "I think I will be more aware of the reserved nature of Americans," said Morrison. Megan Marek from Corvallis, Ore. and a student at Santa Clara University said, "It will be nice to let down my guard around American men."

Rodriguez said that she would seriously consider living in Italy because of the close-knit families. "Americans are losing site of the importance of family," said Rodriguez. While living permanently in Italy has not seriously crossed many Rome Center students minds, aspects of Italian culture will undoubtedly follow them back to the States.