The Extent to which Italian Americans have Maintained a Distinctive Cultural Identity
Spotting an Italian in America is not difficult because there are certain cultural traits that distinguish them from other people. They are fun-loving people who always light up a gloomy environment. What makes these people special and interesting is the fact that they have not completely abandoned their culture. Culture is simply the characteristics that identify a certain group of people. Without it people would be lost. Here are some cultural traits that one cannot miss in an Italian American.
Italians love their food. Proof of this is the hundreds of Italian restaurants located in different cities in America. Italian American cuisine is widely loved by even non Italians because it is simply delicious. Pepperoni Pizza and pasta can never be missed on any Italian’s dining table. They also love red sauce, spaghetti with meatballs, and drinks include cappuccino and espresso.
Italians love their music. This is thanks to icons like Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin known for the swing and jazz www.squidoo.com/italianamerican. Opera theaters have the highest percent of audience being Italian American. They have made big contributions by investing in music companies and foundations such as the Italian American Opera Foundation in California which assist young, talented, Italian Opera singers to achieve their musical dreams.
Italians love sports. Car racing, soccer, baseball and boxing are some of the sporty events that an Italian cannot miss participating in or simply being a fan. Race car drivers include the Andretti family; namely Marco Andretti, Mario Andretti, Michael Andretti and John Andretti. Italian Americans are devoted, loyal and passionate when it comes to supporting their home soccer clubs. They include AC Milan, Juventus, Inter Milan and Barcelona.
Catholicism is the known religion followed by many Italian Americans. There are many Catholic churches in the U.S that have a large Italian following. It is through these churches that communities come together for many developmental projects such as the building of schools and helping out new Italian immigrants settle in the country.
Italians are known and appreciated for their renaissance artists whose work continues to be valued up to date. There is Leonardo DA Vinci and his controversial paintings and sculptures, Michelangelo, and Botticelli. They brought art to a whole new level and their work continues to be the most valued world treasures. It would therefore be no surprise to learn than many Italian Americans are also talented artists like Ivo David www.ivodavidfineart.com. Their architectural house designs are not so different from the ones in Italy. Paintings cannot be missed in an Italian home.
In conclusion, there is more to Italian Americans than just mafia and organized crime. They have excellent hospitality and always have a cheerful look. Their cultures have been incorporated and adopted by other people of non Italian descent.
