Italian Culture (2024)

Dear Leslie Woodford from Savannah, GA.
I am from Italy and lived in your country for around 15 years. After reading your article about my culture I was left with a bitter taste in my mouth and shocked by the unsophisticated (nicely put) display of ignorance and bigotry.

You ate yourself through people homes without appreciation. You didn’t find it necessary to mentioning even once how important it is to us to show love and appreciation for the people we care for, by simply inviting them into our home.
Many of the dishes which were cooked for you, were probably done by carefully selection of special ingredients and special heed (not mentioning the additional expenses).

You completely failed to learn about our deep rooted passions, our art and history. And if by any chance you did expose yourself to it to some extend, you failed to mention it in your insulting and belittling article about my culture.

I am certain you were delighted to find a bigot on the bus, you being from the south I am certain that you are very familiar with prejudice and bigotry. You didn’t seem to get the lesson that was given to you that day.

Concerning body odor…..it is inappropriate and not tolerated in my culture as well as in yours. Your very statement that “Italians wear deodorant, but not anti-perspirent” was a display of your education in the school of “deliverance”. Have you smelled the aroma of a hot summer day on a crowded (and air-conditioned!!) bus in America lately?

Now, I will not get into details about what I’ve learned in your “culture” during this 15 plus years, but I can tell you one thing for sure, the odds are very high that your ancestors were probably still living in caves while mine were bathing with fancy oils in marbled houses with fully functioning aqueducts.

You have described my country just as a typical illiterate southerner would, in a very insulting way. Shame on you Leslie Woodford from Savannah, GA! I don’t believe you should be traveling to other countries, try to stay in America.

As someone deeply immersed in the cultural nuances of Italy, having lived there for a considerable 15 years, I am compelled to address the recent article by Leslie Woodford from Savannah, GA. My expertise stems from firsthand experience, and my passion for Italian culture goes beyond a mere superficial understanding. I have delved into the intricacies of the nation's history, art, and culinary traditions, allowing me to appreciate the profound importance of hospitality, love, and appreciation within Italian households.

Leslie's article, as described, reflects a concerning lack of insight and a regrettable display of ignorance and bigotry. The omission of any acknowledgment of the cultural significance attached to inviting someone into one's home is a glaring oversight. In Italy, sharing meals is a profound expression of love and connection. The dishes served often involve a meticulous selection of special ingredients, coupled with significant care and attention, not to mention the additional expenses incurred. Leslie's failure to recognize and highlight these aspects underscores a lack of genuine engagement with the culture.

Moreover, the absence of any exploration into Italy's deep-rooted passions, art, and history is a missed opportunity to truly understand and appreciate the richness of the country's heritage. It appears that even if Leslie did expose herself to these facets, she chose not to reflect on them in her article, thereby perpetuating a disrespectful and belittling portrayal of Italian culture.

The mention of body odor in connection with Italian culture is not only inappropriate but also displays a fundamental misunderstanding. Drawing a comparison with American practices, particularly the reference to Italians wearing deodorant but not antiperspirant, seems misguided and indicative of a narrow perspective. The insinuation that Leslie's education might be likened to the "school of 'deliverance'" suggests a tone-deaf approach to cultural commentary.

Lastly, the disparaging remarks about Italian ancestors, implying a lack of civilization compared to Leslie's presumed heritage, are not only unfounded but also perpetuate harmful stereotypes. Such comments detract from any valid critique Leslie may have had, turning her article into a thinly veiled expression of prejudice.

In conclusion, Leslie Woodford's portrayal of Italy and its culture is both inaccurate and disrespectful. The article fails to capture the essence of Italian hospitality, art, and history, revealing a lack of cultural understanding. It is my hope that individuals engaging with foreign cultures take the time to truly immerse themselves, fostering appreciation and respect for the diversity that enriches our global community.